What is 2e and the DEAR REEL Model

Do you have a bright learner who struggles to show what they know? Or a child who can discuss complex ideas but struggles with simple tasks? These students are most likely twice-exceptional or 2e. The DEAR REEL Model equips educators with powerful strategies to transform the classroom experience, not just for 2e students, but for every learner. By focusing on strengths and addressing challenges with empathy and flexibility, we create a space where all students can fulfill their potential and thrive.

Read more about the DEAR REEL model at this link

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Do you have a bright learner who struggles, who struggles to show what they know? Or a child who can discuss complex ideas but struggles with simple tasks? These students are most likely twice-exceptional or 2e. These unique learners are an example of neurodivergence. Neurodiversity is the concept that all of us have unique brains. The natural differences in how brains are wired result in some people having neurotypical brains and others having neurodivergent ones. 2e students have distinguishing strengths and complex challenges simultaneously. This asynchronous development means they require supports that differ from those for students with only one of these exceptionality. For example, students might have extraordinary creative abilities but struggle with reading, organization or emotional regulation. This duality often leaves teachers, family, and friends puzzled by the student's mixed performance and behavior. Strengths of 2e students can include high ability in one or more academic areas, strong memory and cognitive skill, intense focus on areas of interest and high level of creativity. Complex challenges often coupled with these strengths are specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and autism. This combined profile can complicate academic and social environments for 2e students. Sometimes their strengths can mask their struggles making it hard to see what support they need. Other times, their challenges can overshadow their talents, leaving their gifts unrecognized. These mismatches can often cause unexpected behavior, withdrawal and underperformance.

This is where the DEAR REEL model comes in. It offers a comprehensive approach to better understanding and supporting 2e learners by focusing on developing connection, embracing flexibility, attending to strengths, reframing behaviors. Developing connection emphasizes building, trusting relationships with students to create a supportive environment. Deeper connections make learning more joyful for both students and teachers and build everyone sense of belonging. Embracing flexibility helps us recognize each student's unique learning preferences and needs. This allows more students to access the content so that all students can experience engagement, learning, and success. Attending to strengths and interests enables more students to experience self-confidence, joy of learning, and a greater acceptance of self and others. Research indicates that strength-based approaches improve academic performance and engagement and lower incidences of challenging behaviors, absenteeism, and tardiness. Reframing behaviors acknowledges that children's behaviors and responses are clues to how they are experiencing and responding to the world around them. When we reframe behaviors, more students will be able to access the curriculum. The focus within the classroom will center on learning and the root of students struggles can be uncovered and addressed rather than just managing surface level.

The DEAR REEL Model equips educators with powerful strategies to transform the classroom experience, not just for 2e students, but for every learner. By focusing on strengths and addressing challenges with empathy and flexibility, we create a space where all students can fulfill their potential and thrive.