Students at Daniel Boone Elementary are learning to bridge the gap between where they are now and the goals they want to achieve. Both teachers and children in the building are adopting a “Growth Mindset,” as they discover what it takes to reach their full potential.

An idea sprung from a teaching staff book study called “The Growth Mindset,” by Carol Wick. It challenged educators to think outside the box, continually expanding on their knowledge and skill set. 

There was such a positive response that it was decided the students should be privileged to the same information and process. That’s where the Growth Mindset began.

What does the initiative look like? 

“It’s teachers giving specific feedback,” said Principal Dr. Stacie Goldsmith. “Knowing that if I want to be at a certain level, what do I have to accomplish to get there. Teachers giving feedback helps and then having the leadership binder gives them that visual.”

It consists of both concrete and abstract elements. Students come up with goals for themselves in all areas of life. For many, the process would stop there. But at Daniel Boone students are developing a plan of action to achieve those goals by establishing smart goals that are measurable and attainable.

They are learning about their capacity to expand and improve.

“We talked about our brains growing and that it’s a muscle,” said Goldsmith. “I don’t think kids realize that.”

Students are also being held accountable by their teachers and peers. Students remind each other to maintain a positive attitude by saying phrases like “chop that “T” off can’t.

They have taken their Growth Mindset into hard format by constructing binders that include all of their plans and progress. Several students presented their binders to school board members and administrators at the November monthly meeting. They proudly told of goals they have achieved and new ones they are eagerly pursuing.

“I think school is more complicated than it used to be,” said second-grade teacher Cara O’Neal. “They’re learning new things all the time, and some kids come in with the mindset ‘I can’t do this.’”

And for achievements that are still evading them, applying the word “yet” to phrases has helped give them confidence to know that even if they aren’t there “yet,” the goal is still attainable.

“I can’t do it right now, but I’m going to learn how to do it,” said O’Neal, of the students new thought process. “It empowers them.”

For some, the goal is simply better grades. For others it is getting to school on time by setting an alarm clock to wake up earlier. For every student, it’s about becoming the best possible version of themselves.

“This gives them hope when presented with a task that’s hard,” said Goldsmith.

Nolan Swanson, left, and Hunter Joens, both in the 3rd grade, stand in front of the growth mindset board at Daniel Boone Elementary. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe.