Evaluation of successful practices that lead to resiliency, grit, and growth mindsets among at-risk students

• Main Author: Hansen, Trenton
• Language: EN
• Published: Northwest Nazarene University 2016
• Subjects: Educational leadership|Education|Educational philosophy
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10124330

<p> The United States is losing millions of students from its educational systems each year, leading researchers to exclaim that reducing the dropout rate is the top priority for educators throughout the country. As educators wrestle with the charge to educate and prepare every child to be successful in a global society, they seek answers about those students who are faced with serious adverse conditions leaving them statistically at risk of failure. While the national statistics for high school dropouts are high and deserve much concern, there are many students who are conquering the challenges that have caused many to drop out, and instead, are succeeding in their educational endeavors. The intent of this study is to share with professionals in the educational community effective strategies that will foster resiliency, grit, and growth mindsets in at-risk students. This study uses research and real life experiences of at-risk students succeeding in school to provide effective strategies for fostering resilience with students in danger of failing school. </p><p> This mixed-methods study identified effective strategies and programs that fostered resiliency in at-risk students who were academically successful in high school. The qualitative and quantitative data indicated that schools can become havens for implementing strategies and programs that will support at-risk students to overcome the adverse conditions that they experience. The study identified protective factors that are both external and internal to the individual at-risk student, and when fostered, lead to academic success. The four major themes that emerged as critical to the development of resilience, grit, and growth mindsets in at-risk students are involvement, high expectations, positive reinforcement, and fortitude. When these critical components are effectively nurtured, at-risk students have shown to overcome the challenges they face, and attain academic achievement.</p>