Students who are 3e have lots of strengths. Let these students know about and give them opportunities to develop their areas of strength. Common strengths among students who are 3e:

• able to code switch (changing one's language, dialect, or speaking style to better 'fit in' at school)

• quick to pick up on grammar and language mechanics

• have unique funds of knowledge

• curious

• eager to learn

• willing to take risks

• divergent thinkers

To support students who are 3e, do the following:

• help these students feel a sense of belonging (avoid treating them as outsiders)

  • make it clear that students' languages and cultures are an asset and a strength

• set high expectations and believe in their potential and strengths

• receive training in culturally-responsive teaching

• teach students to validate one another

• use students' cultures as a framework for designing and delivering instruction that aligns with student interests as well as academic/curriculum goals

• teach self-regulation strategies to empower students to take ownership of their learning and achievement

• utilize their innate potential for critical thinking, creativity, and challenge

• create strong relationships with and work with families of these students to strengthen their advocacy skills

• ask families to serve as "cultural agents" and provide information about family and community norms and traditions that impact student achievement and the way that families engage with students in other environments outside of school

• invite community leaders to serve as mentors, role models, and providers of other supports needed by these students

• develop a network of family leaders who can be trained and train others in the specific language and strategies of special education and gifted education

• invite culturally-diverse guest speakers who can talk about their own experiences and successes