They don't have weaknesses anymore ...

So, the inservice was in full swing. Educational buzzwords are flying hither and yon. Curriculum mapping is being discussed. The trainer is screeching about techniques for writing the "Essential Questions" and someone includes the wrong word in a sentence ...

"The kids in my class have certain strengths and weaknesses ..."

"No!" she is interrupted by the trainer. "Students don't have weaknesses. They have needs."

I had forgotten the prime directive of teaching. Changing a buzzword makes all the difference. It really IS JUST THAT EASY. Just look at all the success we've had now that we call them English Language Learners Students (ELL Students) instead of English as a Second Language Students (ESL Students).

Don't I feel dumb?