At a recent monthly staff meeting, our school’s Special Education Team facilitated a powerful presentation on complex learning profiles and how to support students in ways that preserve their dignity, foster belonging, and promote true inclusion.
One of the messages that resonated with me
Don’t Assume
This message was shared in connection with a compelling video of a woman with Down syndrome, confidently speaking about her own abilities and advocating for herself. Her words were a reminder that assumptions—especially when unexamined—can create invisible barriers for students.
High Expectations for All
To not assume is to hold high expectations for all students, regardless of their lived experiences, identities, or social locations. Every learner comes with unique strengths, challenges, perspectives, and potential. When we assume what a student can or cannot do, we risk limiting them before they’ve even had the chance to show us who they are.
Assumptions, even when well-intended, can reinforce systemic inequities. They can maintain certain dominant narratives. These narratives can influence the level of support students receive, the expectations we set, and ultimately, the level of success they’re able to achieve.
So how do we shift this? We get curious.
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Don’t assume… Ask – Seek to understand a student’s perspective. Ask them about their interests, needs, and goals.
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Don’t assume… Observe – Watch how they interact, what excites them, and how they respond to different strategies.
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Don’t assume… Listen – Take in their words, their actions, and their silences with openness.
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Don’t assume… Try – Experiment with new approaches, tools, and scaffolds to support their learning.
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Don’t assume… Try again – If something doesn’t work, don’t give up. Try something else. Flexibility is key.
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Don’t assume… Research – Learn about their specific needs, whether that’s a diagnosis, cultural background, or learning style.
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Don’t assume… Look at the data – Let evidence guide our next steps instead of assumptions.
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Don’t assume… Be curious – Remain open-minded and committed to learning alongside our students.
A Call to Action
“Don’t assume” isn’t just a gentle suggestion—it’s a call to action. A challenge to all of us in education to do better by our students. When we let go of assumptions, we create room for students to show us who they really are—and the results might just surprise us.
Let’s choose to believe in every child’s potential. Let’s stay curious, stay humble, and stay committed to creating classrooms where every learner feels seen, valued, and supported.
Because when we don’t assume, we create space for possibility.
