When a student’s abilities don’t line up with established norms, conventional wisdom says to focus on remediating those skills. But this deficit-focused approach can quickly dampen self-confidence, enthusiasm—even willingness to try.

For a 2e student to feel valued and connected enough to be open to learning, it’s essential to first identify and focus on their strengths and interests. When this approach is combined with executive functioning support and social-emotional learning, and delivered in a supportive learning environment among intellectual peers, 2e students can thrive at school