1. GRIT & PERSERVERANCE Promoting Non-Cognitive Skills to Help Your Child Succeed in School and Life
May 13, 2015
PS 452 Parent Engagement Evening
Laurence Debucquoy & Sharon Lustig

2. Agenda What are Non Cognitive vs. Cognitive Skills
What is Grit & Perseverance
Theories & History
How do you instill Grit in children?
Recommended Reading List

3. “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” -Aristotle

4. Non Cognitive vs. Cognitive Skills
Self Perception
Motivation
Perseverance
Self Control
Meta Cognitive Strategies
“Thinking about Thinking”
Social Competencies
Resilience & Coping
Creativity
1976
Bowles & Gintis

5. Non Cognitive Skills The Big 5 (Personality Traits)
O - Openness to Experiences
C - Conscientiousness
E - Extraversion
A - Agreeableness
N - Neuroticism (vs. Emotional Stability)

6. What is Grit?
Maintain determination and motivation, passion and commitment over long periods, despite experiences of failure or adversity.
“stay the course”
Synonyms: courage, bravery, mettle, backbone, spirit, strength of character, strength of will, moral fiber, steel, nerve, fortitude, toughness, hardiness, resolve, resolution, determination

7. What is Perseverance?
Steadfastness in doing something, despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
synonyms: persistence, tenacity, determination, staying power, indefatigability, steadfastness, purposefulness

8. Theories & History
1926 Catherine Morris Cox (& Lewis Terman, Stanford Binet IQ Test)
1960’s Walter Mischel, Stanford University: Marshmallow Test
1962 Albert Ellis: ABC Model
2001 No Child Left Behind Act
2007 Angela Lee Duckworth, UPENN: Predicators of Greatness
Tendency not to abandon tasks from mere changeability
Tendency not to abandon tasks in face of obstacles
2008 Carol Dweck, Stanford University:
Fixed Intelligence vs. Growth Mind Set
2013 Bipartisan Legislation:
The Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning Act of 2013
2013 U.S. Department Education Report: Promoting Grit, Tenacity, Perseverance and Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century

9. How do you instill GRIT in children?
Optimistic Mindset
“I think I can”
Develop a Growth Mindset
Fixed Intelligence vs. Growth Mindset (Using the Mind as a Launching Pad and not as Destiny)
Coping with Set Backs/Disappointments
ABC Model:
Adversity
Belief
Consequence
Elements of Effective Praise
Foster Safe Circumstances that Encourage Grit
Learn to Concentrate
Myth of Multi-tasking
Teach to Delay Gratification and Self Control
Connections
Empathy, Support Network

10. How do you instill GRIT in children?
Competence
Moving Toward Goals
Meta Cognitive Strategies
Think Aloud
Checklists, Rubrics, Organizers
Explicit Modeling
Contributions
Acknowledge that Grit Requires Sacrifice
Teach Self Care
Nurture Positive Self View
Accept Change as Part of Living
Read Books about Grit
Live “Grittily”

11. Recommended Reading List
Focus : the Hidden Driver of Excellence  by Daniel Goleman
 David and Goliath: Underdogs, misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind Paperback  by Daniel Siegel & Tina Bryson

12. Recommended Reading List
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck 
Down the Rabbit Hole: An Exploration of Student Grit, Motivation and Scientific Inquiry by Daisy Sharrock
Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings Paperback by M.D. Kenneth R. Ginsburg
The Grit Project by Gerry Stoltzfoos

13. Recommended Reading List
Damon, W. (2008). The path to purpose: How young people find their calling in life
Emmons, R. A. (2007). Thanks!: How the new science of gratitude can make you happier
Oettingen, G. (2014). Rethinking positive thinking: Inside the new science of motivation
Seligman, M. E. (1990). Learned optimism: How to change your mind and your life
2013 U.S. Department of Education report, Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century

14. Recommended Websites www.edutopia.org www.eriaonline.com

15. Recommended Websites http://character.org/