The Problem w/ Teaching Grit

What is the character trait 'grit' defined as?

• Perseverance and passion for long-term goals

• The ability to overcome poverty

• The ease and comfort of wealth

• The ability to deal with hardship

According to the article, who was the concept of grit originally focused on?

• Low-income students

• Middle and upper-class children

• Children living in poverty

• Elite boarding school students

What historical events contributed to the development of grit?

• The economic boom after World War Two

• The popularity of Horatio Alger books

• The emergence of institutions like Boy and Girl Scouts

• All of the above

Who conducted the foundational research on grit?

• Low-income students

• Ivy League undergraduates

• West Point cadets

• High-achieving contestants in the National Spelling Bee

What is the potential harm of romanticizing poverty as a character-building experience?

• It can lead to a dangerous character

• It can distract from more pressing issues

• It can perpetuate the American caste system

• All of the above

What does the article suggest is the biggest problem faced by poor children?

• Their inability to deal with the ravages of poverty

• Lack of access to high-quality housing, healthcare, nutrition, and education

• Their lack of grit

• Their inability to succeed academically and professionally

What is the danger of overemphasizing character education?

• Less resources will be spent on teaching disadvantaged students

• It can lead to a potential backlash

• It can perpetuate racism and eugenics

• All of the above

What does the article suggest is the purpose of the grit discourse for middle and upper-class adults?

• To help disadvantaged students

• To explain and counteract the shortcomings of their own children

• To promote social and emotional learning programs

• To address the toxic effects of poverty

What does the article suggest is the best way to help poor people?

• Teaching them grit

• Ensuring their lives remain difficult

• Providing them with high-quality education

• Breaking down the American caste system

What is the potential danger of describing social and emotional learning programs as a solution?

• They can distract from more pressing issues

• They can perpetuate the American caste system

• They can lead to a potential backlash

• All of the above