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Keynote June 11, 2015 jgrant@sde.com

What Every Educator

Should Know About Mindset and Grit

Jim GrantJim Grant

Keynote Hum

Q. Why is there so much interest in the concept of mindset and grit today?

1.1.

21st Century Mindset* And Grit

*aka a growth mindset

A. The evolving nature of today’s society, generational differences, major changes in parenting styles, and The Post Grit Era are the driving forces behind the recent interest in mindset and grit. The demands and challenges facing today’s children prove stressful for those who have not yet developed a 21st century mindset* and acquired grit traits. They may need to strengthen their resiliency, perseverance, and resolve necessary to overcome obstacles, disappointments, setbacks and “good failures.”

1A.

What Is an Entitlement Mindset?Many people who have been overnurtured and

overindulged tend to have an entitlement mindset and may have the impression they are somehow

special. They tend to believe they are owed things, have the feeling or belief they are entitled to

certain unearned rights, and believe they should have access to people and places for special

consideration. This attitude of being self-absorbed tends to foster expectations of somehow being

different and therefore should be afforded privileges, and preferential treatment.

The unintended consequences associated with overindulgence and entitlement is of great

concern to both teachers and parents.

Societal Tipping Point We are at a tipping point with the issue of entitlement and the younger generation. The changing nature of today’s society, major changes in parenting styles, and generational differences are the driving forces behind the recent interest and concerns about overindulging young people and the resulting entitlement mindset.

New Norm “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.”

John Wesley, Theologian

Overlays support slides 1 & 1A.

__ find it easier to say yes, than NO!

Exploring How We Got to This PointMany well-intentioned parents…

__ haven’t set clear boundaries, limits, and family rules.

__ want to be “friends” their kids.

__ don’t want their kids to cry.__ don’t want their kids to “suffer.”

__ want their children to have material things PLUS opportunities they didn’t have.

__ haven’t defined and/or articulated their family values.

An Assumption of Entitlement:

1B.

#1

__ overnurture their children which in turn can lead to overindulgence. These actions tend to foster an assumption of entitlement mindset.

Over-Programmed Kids: A National Epidemic

__ have no downtime/reflection time. __ have little free playtime. __ be deprived of figuring out things for themselves. __ be overtired from being out late on school nights. __ have little if any time for family chores. __ consume too much fast food on the fly! __ have reduced face-to-face family time.

Children who are over-programmed may…

9F.

“Simmer” time is key to processing and critical thinking.

1C supports slide 1B talking point #2.

Parents Under Peer Pressure: Setting Boundaries & Limits

1D supports slide 1B talking point #6.

__ 7. have name-brand clothes, sneakers, jeans sports equipment, backpack, bags, toys, jewelry, accessories, etc.”

__ 1. have a cell phone.” __ 2. have their own iPad and/or iPhone.”

__ 8. are enrolled in XYZ programs and activities.”

__ 4. have a TV in their bedroom.” __ 5. are allowed to charge their cell phone in

their bedroom.”

“All the other kids…

__ 3. have a computer with an internet connection in their bedroom.”

__ 6. can stay up late and play video games.”

“Helicopter” Parents

1E.

Parents engaged in excessive parenting may __ do their child’s homework. __ take their child’s word against the teacher. __ demand the teacher give their child better grades. __ constantly “rescue” their child. __ fight their child’s “battles.” __ protect their children from a “dangerous world.’’ __ direct and orchestrate their child’s games. __ arrange the “rules of the games” their children play. __ spare their children from having to do chores.

“Snowplow” Parenting

1F.

Well-intentioned overnurturing parents may

__ remove any hurdles in the path of their children. __ protect their children from setbacks. __ shield their children from disappointments. __ protect their children from making mistakes. __ weaken their children’s perseverance. __ undermine their children’s resilience. __ inadvertently foster an entitlement mindset in their children

“Snowplow parenting” Well-intentioned overnurturing

parents tend to push every challenge and obstacle out of the way of their

kids!

Grit will help kids counter being overnurtured!

To Their Detriment Too many members of the younger

generation have been “spared” from having to deal with setbacks, obstacles, adversity, and

failures.Overlays support slides 1 & 1F.

Understanding The Unintended Consequences of “Overparenting”

Children who have been exposed to “overparenting” may:

__ feel entitled. __ lack courage. __ fail to learn to be independent. __ lack the skills necessary to bounce back after a defeat/setback/disappointment. __ NOT take personal responsibility for their actions. __ NOT demonstrate a sense of

self-discipline. __ show signs of anxiety. __ lack perseverance. 1G.

Understanding Mindset*

Their basic beliefs, values, and reference frames are used to organize their world.

A 21st century mindset* is based on the notion one is always growing and learning, and

the view one adopts for themselves profoundly affects the way they lead their life.

2.2.

People with a 21st century mindset* believe they create their own future.

People with a fixed-mindset may believe heredity, luck, and destiny has more to do with creating their future than effort.

They may have an entitlement mindset.They tend to believe the future is

something that happens to them. *aka a growth mindset

What is a Mindset? One’s general attitude or

predisposition about the way they think about things. A person’s mindset is

malleable and will grow and change.

Overlay supports slide 2.

I Am The Problem “In most situations I am the problem. My mentalities, my pictures, my experiences, form the

biggest obstacles to my success.”

~ Flight of The Buffalo

Attitude Matters!

Overlay supports slide 2.

21st Century Mindset*

3.3.

People who have a 21st century mindset* __ have an optimistic perspective. __ are always up to a challenge. __ are able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. __ believe they are evolving and always have something to learn (lifelong learner). __ stretch themselves when learning new things. __ have the persistence and the effort to learn something over a longer time period. __ try doing things they couldn’t do before. __ view “good failures” as learning opportunities. __ are known for their reliability and commitment.

*aka a growth mindset

They have a

Seabee attitude!

Understanding “Good Failures”

1. Failure is a normal part of everyday life. Everyone experiences a variety of “good failures” throughout their lifetime. 2. “Good failures” provide opportunities to get things right. 3. Mistakes indicate there are still things to be learned (Chinese saying). 4. Failure is preparation for life and serves to make one stronger.

3A supports slide 3 - eighth tenet.

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.”

~Dr. Robert Schuller

Fact of Life Everyone experiences setbacks, adverse

circumstances, obstacles, mistakes, disappointments, and tough times.

It’s how you handle it that matters. Your mindset and level of

“grittiness” will determine how resilient you are and how well you bounce

back.

Got Grit?

3B supports slides 3 - eighth tenet & 3A.

A 21st century mindset* benefits people by

Benefits of a 21st Century Mindset*

4.4.

BENEFITS __ reinforcing their optimism.

__ strengthening their perseverance and effort. __ helping them thrive during challenging times. __ reinforcing their belief that they can change and grow. __ boosting their tenacity and effort. __ fostering the acquisition of grit traits. __ stiffening their resolve when they face setbacks, challenges, disappointments, and “good failures.” __ strengthening their resilience. __ solidifying their determination and effort to be reliable and fully committed.

*aka a growth mindset

__ made me more optimistic. __ increased my perseverance. __ made me more self-reliant. __ allowed me to thrive during

challenging times. __ instilled in me the belief that I can change and grow. __ boosted my tenacity and effort. __ helped me set learning as a priority. __ stiffened my resolve when I am faced with difficult situations. __ increased my resilience.

My 21st century mindset has

Assign a letter (T, S, or N) to indicates if the mindset statement is True, Somewhat true or Not true about you.

4A.

Auditing Your Mindset: A Self-Assessment

Mindset statements assigned an

S or N indicate areas that need

developing and/ or strengthening.

Firmness of mind or spirit… unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.

~ Merriam-Webster

5.

What Is Grit?

Grit could be defined as perseverance and passion for a long-term goal.

Angela Lee Duckworth

Grit could be defined as a collection of hardy, timeless character traits that emanate from a 21st century mindset.* These universal traits are internal resources that enable one to

persevere in the face of setbacks, adversity, disappointments and “good failures” in the pursuit of both short- and long-term goals.

*aka a growth mindset

Adapted from: Dr. Thomas Lickona Character Education Adapted from: Dr. Thomas Lickona Character Education Network and the Character Education Partnership Network and the Character Education Partnership

__ honesty. __ integrity. __ citizenship. __ responsibility. __ perseverance. __ caring/kindness.

__ courage. __ fairness. __ respect. __ patriotism. __ empathy. __ self-discipline.

charactered.net/main/traits.asp

These traits transcend ALL people and ages!

Traditional Character TraitsTraditional character traits usually center around moral and community values. These traits include, but are not limited to

6.

Gratitude

Courage

Resilience

Work ethic

Tenacity

Optimism

Self-controlPersistence

Work ethic

Conscientiousness

Openmindedness

Social Intelligence

Delayed-gratification

7.7.

___ self-control (willpower). ___ persistence. ___ tenacity. ___ resilience. ___ work ethic. ___ delayed gratification. ___ perseverance. ___ open-mindedness. ___ optimism. ___ conscientiousness. ___ social intelligence. ___ gratitude. ___ courage.

Grit qualities may include, but are not limited to

8.8.

Grit Traits

Self-Control: What We Need to Know

___ are sick less often. ___ earn more money. ___ have better quality relationships. ___ get more schooling. ___ earn higher degrees. ___ donate more money. ___ are happier.

Persons who are higher in self-control

Eric Jensen Self-

Control Made Easy February 1, 2012

8A supports slide 8 - first trait.

Resiliency… the ability to overcome setbacks, adverse circumstances, and disappointments.

Resiliency help students “hold it together!

Resiliency is about how well you handle setbacks or disappointing circumstances.

Overlays support slide 8 - fourth trait.

• being willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

• NOT wasting other people’s time.

• being willing to work extra hours.

Strong Work Ethic

• being punctual and seldom missing work.

Hallmarks of a strong work ethic include, but are not limited to • valuing the virtue of hard work and

diligence.*

* work ethic is a mindset or attitude toward work.

8B supports slide 8 - fifth trait.

Overlays support slide 8 - seventh trait.

What often separates successful students from less successful ones is perseverance.

Perseverance is a force multiplier!

People who cannot control impulsivity and delay self-gratification tend to experience a series of

“failed ordeals.”

Common Core State Standards Mathematical Practice #1

Make sense of problems and persevere solving them.

Perseverance keeps us from quitting!

Overlay supports slide 8 sixth trait.

Overlay supports slide 8 – thirteenth trait.

Giving full attention to doing our work .

Working hard in a careful and thorough way.

“Courage is the most important of all virtues because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”

Maya Angelou — poet laureate

Overlays support slide 8 - tenth trait.

Q. Is grit defined by an established

set of traits?

A. No. Various groups and

individuals select specific traits that reflect their beliefs.

9.9.

__ 1. grit __ 2. zest __ 3. self-control __ 4. optimism __ 5. gratitude. __ 6. social intelligence __ 7. curiosity

KIPP Character Education Character-based education at KIPP schools focuses on seven character strengths.

9A.

The Five Tenets of Taekwondo*

__ 2. Integrity

These are the beliefs, rules, principles, dogmas, or doctrines of Taekwondo.

__ 1. Courtesy

**Korean martial artsKorean martial arts

__ 3. Perseverance

__ 4. Self-control

__ 5. Indomitable Spirit

9B.

Leading With GRIT® Inspiring Action and Accountability with

Generosity, Respect, Integrity, and Truth by Laurie Sudbrink

G – Generosity R – Respect I – Integrity T – Truth

9C.

___ be inclined to give up quickly. ___ have feelings of entitlement. ___ look for the easy way out. ___ NOT be resilient. ___ NOT be able to delay gratification. ___ NOT have perseverance. ___ have a poor work ethic. ___ NOT persist when a task becomes difficult. ___ NOT have yet developed the quality trait of self-regulation. ___ NOT be reliable nor make commitments.

___ be less optimistic. ___ have a fixed mindset. ___ NOT be putting in enough effort.

10.10.

Not Yet “Gritty”People who have not yet acquired grit may

Indicate with a checkmark any/all grit traits that you believe help define you.

11.11.

___ self-control Additional traits ___ persistence ______________ ___ tenacity ______________ ___ resilience ______________ ___ hard work ___ delayed gratification ___ perseverance ___ open-mindedness ___ optimism ___ conscientiousness ___ social intelligence ___ gratitude ___ courage

Auditing Your Grit — A Self-Assessment Date:_____Date:___________________ Name:___________________Name:___________________

Grit Factoids __ 1. Grit is NOT tied to intelligence.

__ 3. Grit, when combined with a 21st century mindset will equip a person with the resolve necessary to stay-the-course during

challenging times.

12.12.

__ 2. One of the strongest determinants of having grit is being born to “gritty” parents.

__ 4. Perseverance (effort over time) tends to be an indicator of long-term success.

Grit Transcends IQ

Laura Pappano “Grit” and The New Character Education Harvard Education Newsletter

Vol. 29, Number 1—January/February 2013

Character traits like resilience, self-control, and persistence — traits that research

shows may matter more to academic performance than native intelligence.

Performance Character Traits

12A supports slide 12 #1.

“There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.”

~John AdamTo educate a person in mind and not in

morals is to educate a menace to society.

~Theodore Roosevelt12B supports slide 12A.

“When educators actively seek out and implement the classroom supports that strengthen their

students’ ability to persevere on academic tasks,” better achievement is the result.

The Role of Moral and Performance Character Strengths in Predicting Achievement and Conduct Among Urban Middle-School Students Scott Seider, Sarah Novick, Jessica Gomez, and Jennifer

Gilbert.

Overlay supports slide 12A.

EQ Builds Social Capital Social capital is the collective and

economic benefits derived from preferential treatment and cooperation between and among individuals and

groups.Overlay supports slide 12C.

Leading From The Middle

Principals lead from the middle!

Central Office/School Board (The Source of Commands)

Teachers12C supports slides 12 #1 & 12A-B.

Grit Factoids

__ 5. The ability to stick with and pursue a goal over a long period is an important aspect of grit.

__ 6. Grit is associated with longer term and multi-year goals.

13.13.

Grit and Teacher Retention “Researchers found that for novice

teachers in high-poverty school districts, higher levels of ‘perseverance and passion for long-term goals’ (aka “grit”) were associated with higher rates of effectiveness and retention.” Teachers College Record Claire Robertson-Kraft and Angela Duckworth University of Pennsylvania

A Sad State of Affairs 50% of ALL new teachers

will leave the profession

within the first 60 months!Overlays support slide 13.

Grit Factoids __ 7. Grit is thought to be a personality trait that is

malleable.

__ 8. The dimensions of grit transcends all ages and grade levels.

__ 9. The passion associated with grit traits provide the stamina and effort required to “stay-the-course” amid setbacks and challenges.

__ 10. The performance character traits of grit are academically oriented compared to traditional character traits.

14.

…capable of being altered by outside forces.

“We cannot always build the future for our

youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”Franklin D. Roosevelt,

32nd US President

Grit can help build our

youth for the future!

We don’t

know what the future will look like in 2027 for our 2014-15

crop of kindergarteners!

This slide supports slides 12-14.

1. will depend on the student’s emotional readiness.

2. will depend on the student’s chronological age and grade level.

15.

3. must take into consideration the student’s developmental level.

Strategies selected to help develop and/or strengthen a student’s grit

Developing “Gritty” Students: Conditions to Consider

4. must start with the student’s capacity to handle setbacks, disappointments, and obstacles.

Caution: It is important to monitor the student’s reaction to struggles, disappointments, and good failures.

Overlay supports slide 15.

Big Grit Factoid People are NOT “gritty” all the time and in every area. It often depends on their interest

in the task or activity.

Where Did You Get Your Grit?Parents Home environment Church community Generational Teachers!!! Culture Friends Neighborhood /Neighbors Mentors Sports Scouts Jobs “Good failures”

#1

16.16.

SISU Besa

Philotimo

SO

UR

CES

By the time students graduate from high school, they have been with us 11% of their lives.

They have been with other people 89% of the time.

11%

89%

11%11%

89%89%

Miracle WorkersTeachers exert a great deal of

influence in a short period of time.

16A supports slide 16 - source five.

Jim Grant will be presenting workshops on grit, mindset and entitlement at the

following state and national conferences: • National Association of Elementary School Principals Long Beach, CA … June 29 - July 2, 2015 • Staff Development for Educators

Las Vegas, NV… July 6-10, 2015

SAVE THE DATE!

• SDE one-day Grit Seminar Courtyard by Marriott… Columbus, OH January 14, 2016

• SDE Two-day PreK-3 Conference Doubletree Hotel… Columbus, OH December 14-15, 2015