Positive education is intended to be proactive in nature. It is not about fixing problems with people. It is not about focussing only on those students who are falling behind the rest or performing below the expected level. It is about helping each student reach their full potential. Helping every student become their best. It is called positive because it comes from positive psychology, and is the alternative to the "deficit" model- trying to fix things and people that are broken.

Dear Teachers,

Your students do have natural talent, abilities and intelligence in some areas- but that’s not the end of the story. These things are not fixed traits. Whatever the case for each student in your class- the reality is that natural talent, abilities and intelligence are developed over time. Through effort, persistence, practice and focussed attention.

One phrase which resulted in a 40 percent boost in student rework among white students and a 320 percent boost among black students. Furthermore it improved the quality of final drafts and also increased trust between students and their teachers.

What's the magic phrase? Before offering critical feedback to students, try starting with this phrase...