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Empowering Words

Using Asset-Based Language to Transform Literacy and Inclusion

The words you choose matter. They help shape individual student experiences, your classroom environment, and how students view themselves and one another.

As schools continue to welcome an increasingly diverse student body, we must recognize and value all students for who they are and the unique experiences they bring.

Inclusive Language

A reflection of our growing diversity

8.4%

33%

53%

93%

of public school students are Emergent Bilingual students.1

of all public school students attend schools where students of color make up 3/4 of the school population.2

of public school students are eligible for free- or reduced-price lunch.3

of Emergent Bilingual students in public schools received services in English language instruction educational programs.4

What Is Asset-Based Language?

Asset-based language helps students build a growth mindset, encourages resilience, and promotes classroom inclusivity. It is:

Strength-Based

Focuses on the potential of people and situations

People-First

Puts the person ahead of their characteristics

Specific

Descriptors clearly convey what we mean, rather than relying on code words

Positive

Envisions what a student, school, or district will look like after goal-oriented change is implemented

Turn Common Deficit Language Into Preferred Asset Language

By using “person-first” language and more clearly communicating your intention, you can easily transform deficit language into asset-based language.

Instead of . . .	Consider . . .
Non-native speaker	Multilingual student
English Language Learner	Emergent Bilingual
Dyslexic student	Student with Dyslexia
At-risk student	Student in need of additional support
Struggling reader	Developing reader
SPED / special needs student	Student receiving special education services
Disabled student	Student with a disability
Poor / low-income student	Student from an underserved community
Disruptive student / troublemaker	Student learning self-regulation strategies
Inner-city / urban student	Student who lives in an urban community
Rural student	Student who lives in a small community
Minority student	BIPOC student, or name the race the student or student group identifies with
Marginalized community	Historically underserved community

Why is Asset-Based Language So Important?

Our words form our beliefs and inform our conversations with other teachers and students. An asset-based language approach helps you reframe your perceptions as a teacher, especially if you've previously encountered deficit language used to describe students' abilities. Best of all, by communicating appreciation for your students' capabilities, you can inspire them to become successful learners—no matter where they are in their English language acquisition journey.

Asset-based language:

Celebrates student individuality
Focuses on student capability and potential
Supports the whole child

Lexia Takes an Asset-Based Language Approach

We value students and teachers for who they are and what they bring to the classroom. We designed Lexia® English Language Development™ using an asset-based approach to help Emergent Bilinguals reach their academic potential. Lexia English and our other Lexia products include and value all students by incorporating culturally responsive pedagogies and supporting individualized learning paths.

Provide your Emergent Bilingual students with an asset-based speaking and listening program that fosters an inclusive classroom.

Explore How Lexia Supports Emergent Bilingual Students

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