African-American Male and Acdemic Success - A Strength Based Approach

(video)

Scholar's Chair Interview: Dr. Ivory Toldson and Mr. Charles Gibbs.

Topic: African-American Male and Acdemic Success
Host Khalil Shadeed
Produced by Read 1 Communications

“If we ask people to look for deficits, they will usually find them, and their view of the situation will be colored by this. If we ask people to look for successes, they will usually find them, and their view of the situation will be colored by this.”  (Kral, 1989, p. 32)

An individualized, strengths-based approach refers to policies, practice methods, and strategies that identify and draw upon the strengths of children, families, and communities. Strengths-based practice involves a shift from a deficit approach, which emphasizes problems  and pathology, to a positive partnership with the family.  The approach acknowledges each child and family’s unique set of strengths and challenges, and engages the family as a partner in developing and implementing the service plan. Formal and informal services and supports are used to create service plans based on specific needs and strengths, rather than fitting families into pre-existing service plans.