Strengths Before Struggles

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In this episode of Let’s Talk Teacher to Teacher, Dr. Gina Pepin invites you to rethink how we approach data-driven intervention. Too often, data becomes a spotlight on what students can’t do—overshadowing the many things they can do.

Join Dr. Gina as she explores how shifting to a strengths-first mindset can transform your intervention practices. You’ll hear how to use student strengths as powerful entry points for growth, create a more balanced view of assessment data, and build confidence while building skills.

If you’re ready to see your students through a brighter lens—and spark more meaningful growth—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen in and start turning data into a tool for building, not just fixing.

Check out more at www.ginapepin.com

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Episode Transcript

UNKNOWN (00:00):
you

SPEAKER_00 (00:08):
Welcome back to Let's Talk Teacher to Teacher.
I'm Dr.
Gina Pepin, and today I want todive into something that's both
a challenge and an opportunityin our classrooms, how we use
data for intervention whilekeeping a true strengths-first
mindset.
Now, here's the tricky part.

(00:29):
Data is powerful.
It helps us to see wherestudents struggle.
It helps us to pinpoint thosepatterns and guide
interventions.
But what if we're not careful?
The numbers can start to feellike a spotlight on deficits.
And of course, we end upspending most of our time
talking about what a studentcan't do.

(00:51):
The shift I want us to thinkabout is this.
What if we use the same data tolook proportionately at what
students can actually do?
For example, maybe a studentscores low in decoding, but
shows strong comprehension whenlistening.
Or maybe their phonemicawareness is inconsistent, but

(01:14):
their vocabulary knowledgeshines.
That's not just a side note.
That's actually like an entrypoint.
When we start with strengths,students feel seen for what they
bring to the table, not just forthe gaps that we're trying to
fill.
It's kind of like being a coach.
If you only tell your team wherethey have missed those shots,

(01:36):
you'll never win a game.
But if If you notice who's greatat defense, who can set up
plays, who motivates teammates,you're not just fixing
weaknesses, you're actuallybuilding a team that plays to
its strengths.
So here's a little challenge forthis week.
The next time you're in a datameeting or you're looking at
assessment results, try makingtwo lists.

(02:01):
One that outlines the students'challenges and one that
highlights their strengths.
And then ask, how can I use whatthey're good at to support what
they're working on?
Because when we look at studentsthrough a strengths-first lens,
interventions don't just becomeabout fixing They actually

(02:21):
become about building.
And that's where growth really,really takes off.
Thanks for joining me today onLet's Talk Teacher to Teacher.
Remember, data is a tool, buthow we use it really matters.
Let's choose to see the wholechild starting with their
strengths.
Until next time, keep noticing,keep lifting up, and keep

(02:44):
connecting teacher to teacher.