1. Teachers As Talent Scouts Introduction to TOPS: Teachers’ Observation of Potential in Students Finding and Developing Students’ Talents October 28, 2015

2. Plan for Today 1:45-2:30Dr. Gutshall on Academic Persistence 2:30 – 2:45 Using the Teacher Observation of Potential in Students: Marie Sanders and selected teachers from Angel Oak 2:45- 3:30 Practice with TOPS

3. GRIT and Talent Development C. Anne Gutshall October 28, 2015

4. Recall………….Carol Dweck- Stanford University What we believe about our abilities influences our motivation We all have implicit beliefs about our ability (growth, fixed). Commonly referred to mindset.

7. It turns out that Academic Mindset… Is part of a larger framework called the Non-Cognitive Factors or “behaviors, skills, attitudes, and strategies that are crucial to academic performance in their classes” (Farrington et. al, 2012)

8. Taken from USDE: Promoting Grit, Tenacity and Perseverance (2013)

9. According to the US Department of Education 2013 draft report… “The test score accountability movement has pushed aside many of these so-called “non-cognitive” or “soft” skills, and they belong back on the front burner. – John Easton, Director of the Department of Education Institute of Educational Sciences (Easton, April 14, 2012, p. 19)

10. Today we will focus on ACADEMIC PESEVERANCE or GRIT Short Grit Scale

11. GRIT Angela Duckworth and Martin Seligman The degree to which students stay focused on long term goals despite obstacles duckworth

12. In broader terms, researchers imagine GRIT to be…. “Perseverance to accomplish long-term or higher-order goals in the face of challenges and setbacks, engaging the student’s psychological resources, such as their academic mindsets, effortful control, and strategies and tactics.”

13. 3 ways to grow GRIT in schools 1. Academic Mindsets- Compelling evidence suggests that mindsets can have a powerful impact on academic performance in general, and in particular on how students behave and perform in the face of challenge. A core mindset that supports perseverance is called the “growth mindset”—knowing “My ability and competence grow with my effort.”

14. 2. Effortful Control Successful students marshal willpower and regulate their attention during less than fascinating tasks and in the face of distractions. While this can seem austere or “no fun,” research shows that students stronger in these skills are happier and better able to handle stress

15. What does a Marshmallow have to do with Effortful Control? The marshmallow experiment and delay of gratification marshmallow experiment

16. 3. Help Learners Develop Strategies and Tactics GRIT is grown in learners that have actionable skills for taking responsibility and initiative and for being productive under conditions of uncertainty— for example, defining tasks, planning, monitoring, changing course of action, and dealing with specific obstacles.

17. Other Ideas to Grow GRIT -Teach students about GRIT...read stories, show videos of kids and people who have persisted in the face of obstacles. - Model and explicitly teach that mistakes are part of learning. Make sure your classroom is a safe zone for making mistakes -Encourage and celebrate persistence in the face of challenges 6. In order to persist and learn from mistakes, students need time to delve into learning…..give ample time and sufficiently challenging tasks

18. Grow GRIT (continued) -In order to persist and learn from mistakes, students need time to delve into learning…..give ample time and sufficiently challenging tasks -Help students to plan for obstacles and articulate strategies. -When learners present a project, or interview a speaker, have a “What was the biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it question” or “What did you do when you wanted to quit?”

19. Want to Read More?  How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character  Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century (PDF) by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century  The Marshmallow Test: Why Self-Control is the Engine of Success by Walter Mischel

20. Stop and Consider? Is your classroom setting a sprint or a marathon? What might an optimal learning setting for growing GRIT look like?

21. So what does a GRITTY kid look like???? Was Cain a kid with GRIT?

22. U-STARS ~ PLUS “The Big Star” Teacher’s Systematic Observations

23. To recognize potential in students… Know what to look for. Respond in ways that support high- end learning. Recognize that children are at their best in an emotionally supportive classroom.