Captain
America: Civil War opened
at movie theaters this weekend. He has
GRIT. It’s Mother’s Day; mothers have
GRIT. Angela Duckworth does, too. She is
a Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and a 2013
MacArthur Fellow who will be speaking at New Trier this week about her new book, Grit: The Power of Passion
and Perseverance. Duckworth will speak on Wednesday, May 11 beginning
at 7pm in the Gaffney Auditorium (385 Winnetka Avenue). This will follow sessions held that day at
noon (Loyola University) and 3:30 (Northside College Prep); all are sponsored
by Family Action Network
and a number of local initiatives.
Grit tells about Duckworth’s research and her
development of the Grit Scale, a better predictor of who would leave and who
would stay during West Point’s Beast Barracks than the admissions measure
involving grades, physical ability and leadership potential. Her book has three
sections; first she explains “what Grit is and why it matters” with other real
world examples like turnover and rejection experienced by sales staff or
predicting graduation for Chicago Public Schools’ students. Then, she discusses “growing Grit from the
inside out” and finally “growing Grit from the outside in,” including a profile
of NFL quarterback Steve Young and his parents’ “tough love.” Duckworth shares interviews
with other high achievers and provides a list of recommended reading and
extensive research notes. Throughout, she explains that if adults set high expectations
and provide support, kids up their game.
Think about the examples in your own teaching or family that you have
seen.
A very few quotes and
insights from Grit:
“Our potential is one
thing. What we do with it is quite
another.”
“Any effort you make ultimately counts twice toward your goal.”
“Grit can be learned,
regardless of I.Q. or circumstances.”
To hear more, follow though by attending one of Duckworth’s presentations this week.
Added May 11: David Brooks (New York Times) on "Putting Grit in its Place"
To hear more, follow though by attending one of Duckworth’s presentations this week.
Added May 11: David Brooks (New York Times) on "Putting Grit in its Place"
