Cultivating Grit in Underserved Math Students
India White • December 19, 2023
8 Tips for Cultivating Grit in Underserved Math Students
8 Tips for Cultivating Grit in Underserved Students in the Math Classroom!
Cultivating grit in underserved students in the math classroom is crucial for their long-term success. Grit, defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, can help students overcome challenges and setbacks, leading to improved academic outcomes. Through my acronym of G.R.I.T., Great Resilience in Time, students can be reminded that there are goals worth striving for as they learn in the math classroom. Teachers have the power to help cultivate grit in students who battle various challenges including math anxiety, fear of failure, learning gaps and more.
Here are 8 tips to cultivate grit in underserved students in the math classroom:
1. Set high expectations:
Teachers must be intentional in communicating high expectations for all students, regardless of their background or previous academic performance. Let them know that you believe in their ability to succeed in math and that hard work and effort are essential. Further, when establishing high expectations, teachers must make sure that all students are clear on the desired expectations and that each expectation established is reasonable and fair for all learners. Dr. John Hattie talks about providing Teacher Clarity as a tool teachers can use
to help learners succeed in the classroom. In addition, NCTM elaborates on setting high expectations in their position paper titled “High Expectations in the Mathematics Classroom”, mentioning that when teachers set high expectations, “Thoughtful and purposeful planning is key (e.g., anticipating misconceptions, considering different strategies, generating questions that students might ask) in supporting student perseverance….” Hence, teachers must be mindful of how they communicate their expectations for behavior and learning in the classroom with all students.
2.Teaching a Growth Mindset: Teachers can help their students develop a growth mindset by emphasizing that intelligence and math skills can be developed through effort and practice. When students are facing productive struggle during instructional delivery, they might feel like giving up as they grapple for the answers. Teachers must be on the prowl to see who they can scaffold during these tough mental moments for their students and reassure their students that they are there to support them as they are thinking about their thinking while striving towards proficiency. Researchers talk about how Growth Mindset should be viewed as an Academic Mindset, mentioning that of 4 parts of their academic mindset, one key mindset for students to embrace is that “ My ability and my competency grow with my effort”, helping students to conclude that growth is always a part of their learning experience. Teachers are advocates for learners and help build confidence of their students in crucial moments of productive struggle. Teachers have the power to build the confidence of their students as they encourage them to view mistakes and challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
3. Provide a supportive classroom environment:
Create a safe and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. Encourage collaboration and peer support, as this can help students develop resilience and perseverance. Sometimes, the best thing teachers can do for students is provide moments for collaboration, whether that’s through establishing cooperative learning opportunities, i.e. Kagan, Marzano structures, digital learning moments via Kahoot, Blicket, or through Project Based Learning Opportunities.
4. Break down complex problems: Math can be intimidating for many students, especially those from underserved backgrounds. Hence, it’s not enough for teachers to ask, “Any questions?” and move on in the lesson after a 5 second moment of silence. Teachers must be intentional on breaking down complex math problems into smaller, manageable steps for students. Further, they must use various equitable practices, and be consider of English Language students who might need more visuals, thesaurus, and chances to collaborate with peers for clarity on the topic. Further, teachers must be aware of the fact that they might have to explain various tasks and questions that might not be culturally relevant for diverse learners. Sometimes, a lack of relevance can impact how a student interprets math, causing gaps in comprehension.
As teachers choose to use equitable math practice to ensure that all students understand the concepts being taught AND they have the tools they need to grow in proficiency and excel academically, this will help students build confidence in their math identity and develop problem-solving skills gradually.
5. Celebrate effort and progress: Recognize and celebrate students' efforts and progress, rather than solely focusing on the final outcome. It’s imperative that students be scaffolded through productive struggle with positive feedback and specific praise, i.e. “I like how you factored on problem #4” or “I liked how you elaborated on how you understood the problem in your short answer on problem # 6”. When teachers are intentional in providing specific praise and feedback to students, this encourages them to reflect on their growth and highlight the progress they have made, even if they haven't yet reached their desired goals. Sometimes, the only praise students are receiving is when they are on campus, in their teacher’s classroom. Teachers can even invite other educators and administrators along to celebrate progress of all students throughout the year via principal visits, learning walks in the hallway and more.
6. Provide targeted support during productive struggle: Teachers should take the opportunity during instructional delivery and reflection to identify specific areas where students may be struggling and provide targeted support. In addition, they should be proactive in offering additional resources for practice, and more access to the math outside of the classroom including extra tutoring, practice materials, and math nights in the community and other resources that assist in helping all students build their math skills and confidence. Teachers should communicate frequently with parents and guardians notifying them of updates and opportunities for students to have access to more practice, i.e. math boot camps, after school tutoring programs, and more.
7. Foster a sense of purpose: Teachers can help foster a sense of purpose in the math classroom as they help students connect their math learning to real-world applications and their personal goals. Teachers can show relevance of math by helping to connect it to tangible passions of their students. When students ask, “When am I ever going to use this?” teachers should be able to explain various concepts and convince students on how they are connected to the real world, (i.e., quadratic functions can be used in engineering, and etc.)
Show them how math skills can be valuable in various careers and everyday life, and reassure them that the possess the skills needed to be successful in particular real world STEM careers. This sense of purpose can motivate students to persist through challenges.
8. Build healthy relationships with each student:
Teachers must choose to build relationships with all learners in efforts to break down walls of mistrust, uncertainty, and anxiety that students cling to in a math classroom. As teachers build relationships by getting to know their students
and honoring various cultural differences, it will establish a sense of belonging and a desire to please their teacher from every student. When educators develop positive relationships with their students, showing genuine care and interest in their success. Hence, building trust and rapport can motivate students to persevere through challenges and seek support when needed in the math classroom as they cultivate the grit of every learner.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, educators can help cultivate grit in underserved students in the math classroom, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success in their math education and beyond Teachers hold the power as a change agent to motivate students out of the rut of apathy by cultivating their grit during instruction. By choosing to implement these tips, teachers are being intentional about effectively shaping the trajectory of success for their students every day.
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G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs: Strengthening Faith and Endurance in the Marketplace Faith and entrepreneurship are not separate journeys—they are deeply intertwined. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs is a faith-driven guide designed to help believers walk boldly in their calling as business leaders, visionaries, and kingdom builders. Authored by Dr. India White, this workbook combines biblical principles with her signature G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to empower Apostolic entrepreneurs to endure, overcome, and finish strong. Rooted in the Word of God, this workbook reminds readers that entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about purpose. Through prayer, perseverance, and discipline, Apostolic entrepreneurs can honor God with their work while transforming communities and demonstrating Christlike leadership. Each page of this workbook points believers back to Jesus—the ultimate example of endurance and grace under pressure. In this workbook, entrepreneurs will explore how faith fuels vision, how adversity refines purpose, and how resilience develops through trials. It teaches how to balance ministry and business, stay grounded in prayer, and maintain spiritual integrity while navigating competitive markets. The workbook’s exercises encourage readers to apply Scripture to real-world challenges—aligning business decisions with godly wisdom and spiritual discernment. Each section integrates powerful themes: • Growth Mindset – Renewing the mind daily through the Word and trusting God’s process • Resilience – Overcoming trials by remembering God’s promises and grace • Self-Efficacy – Believing you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you • Time Management – Stewarding time as a divine resource for kingdom impact The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs serves as a devotional and strategic planner in one. It helps readers reflect, plan, and act with spiritual confidence, knowing that God has called them to be lights in the marketplace. It emphasizes that entrepreneurship, when aligned with the Apostolic faith, becomes an act of worship—a testimony of God’s power to prosper His people and sustain them through adversity. This workbook also includes journaling prompts, faith declarations, and vision-building activities that help believers overcome doubt and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith. It encourages readers to endure to the end, to remain steadfast, and to let perseverance finish its work, just as Scripture commands. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs will soon be available on Amazon. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, ministry resources, and information on G.R.I.T. Academy’s faith-based leadership programs. With Jesus as the foundation, grit becomes more than endurance—it becomes divine strength in action. Let this workbook guide you in building a business that glorifies God, uplifts others, and equips you to endure until the end.
G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs: Building Resilience and Vision in Business The journey of entrepreneurship is full of challenges, uncertainty, and opportunity. To succeed, entrepreneurs need more than talent or strategy—they need grit. That’s why the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs was created. Designed by Dr. India White, this new resource equips business leaders, innovators, and founders with practical tools to build perseverance, mental toughness, and long-term success. Available on Amazon , this workbook helps entrepreneurs develop the habits and mindset necessary to thrive in today’s demanding business landscape. It is based on Dr. White’s powerful G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—which has transformed lives in classrooms, boardrooms, and leadership settings across the nation. The workbook walks readers through self-assessments, reflection exercises, and guided strategies that strengthen mental stamina and leadership capacity. Each chapter encourages deep introspection and action, helping entrepreneurs embrace growth through challenges. From managing time effectively to cultivating resilience during setbacks, this workbook provides an organized, faith-centered approach to success that aligns values with vision. Inside the workbook, entrepreneurs will find tools such as personal grit trackers, resilience maps, goal-setting templates, and strategic planning pages that link passion to performance. Dr. White’s coaching prompts guide readers to develop self-efficacy—believing in their ability to make things happen—while maintaining balance and emotional clarity in leadership. For those building startups or managing established businesses, this workbook helps refine focus, strengthen leadership habits, and increase motivation. It reminds every entrepreneur that sustainable success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s forged through perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Soon available on Amazon, the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs is more than a guide; it’s a companion for your business journey. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, training opportunities, and resources from G.R.I.T. Academy that will help you elevate your leadership, strengthen your mindset, and achieve lasting results. Great Resilience in Time—that’s the foundation of every successful entrepreneur. Prepare to build your legacy with grit, purpose, and perseverance.
Introducing the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees — Cultivating Resilience, One Page at a Time I’m thrilled to share news of a powerful new resource that’s about to hit the shelves — the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees, designed around Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework. This workbook is specifically created for students working with mentors, helping them develop grit and resilience through reflection, accountability, and growth. While the workbook will soon be available on Amazon, here’s an inside look at what makes it special, why it matters, and how mentors and mentees can use it together. Why a Workbook for Mentees? Mentorship changes lives, but it works best when mentees are equipped to take ownership of their personal growth. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees bridges that gap by providing structured tools to build resilience and self-efficacy throughout the mentorship journey. It offers: * A clear roadmap for personal growth and reflection * Practical exercises for goal-setting and perseverance * Tools to track progress and measure growth over time * Prompts for deeper mentor–mentee discussions This workbook helps mentees turn challenges into opportunities and equips mentors with strategies to nurture lasting confidence and determination. Understanding Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework At the heart of this workbook lies Dr. India White’s signature G.R.I.T. framework — Great Resilience in Time. The framework teaches students how to thrive through four key pillars: Growth Mindset– Believing abilities can improve through effort and learning Resilience – Bouncing back from adversity stronger than before Self-Efficacy– Believing in one’s ability to accomplish tasks and goals Time Management– Using time wisely to achieve success Dr. White’s framework has been implemented in schools, leadership trainings, and G.R.I.T. Academy programs nationwide. The mentee workbook adapts these proven strategies into personalized activities designed to strengthen the mentor–mentee connection and support personal transformation. What’s Inside the Workbook Each section of the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees is interactive and designed to make learning active and reflective. | Section | Purpose | How to Use It | |Self-Assessment | Identifies mentee’s current strengths and areas for growth | Use during first sessions to set a baseline | |Goal Setting & Reflection| Helps mentees develop SMART goals and revisit progress | Reflect weekly and discuss during check-ins | |G.R.I.T. Modules | Deep dives into Growth, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management | Complete together or independently between sessions | |Challenges & Activities | Hands-on projects to practice perseverance | Mentors assign or co-design activities | Progress Tracking | Allows mentees to visualize their growth over time | Review regularly to celebrate milestones | The workbook ensures that each mentoring session becomes meaningful, measurable, and motivating. Benefits for Mentees and Mentors Mentees will: * Strengthen their confidence and self-discipline * Learn how to turn setbacks into comebacks * Set clear, attainable goals for personal and academic growth * Develop stronger reflection and problem-solving habits Mentors will: * Gain structured tools for meaningful sessions * Foster deeper conversations that go beyond surface-level topics * See measurable growth in their mentees over time * Cultivate a shared language around perseverance and purpose Coming Soon to Amazon The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees will soon be available on Amazon for mentors, coaches, and educators nationwide. This workbook serves as a companion to Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentors and aligns with her ongoing mission to build grit and resilience in every student. To get ready for launch: 1. Watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit. 2. Visit www.india-white.com for updates on release dates and resources. 3. Connect with Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Academy for mentoring tools, training, and online courses. Final Thoughts The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees isn’t just a book—it’s a movement toward empowerment, growth, and lasting change. It gives mentees a voice, a plan, and the courage to persevere through life’s challenges. Stay tuned for the Amazon launch announcement, and prepare to empower the next generation of students to rise with Great Resilience in Time.
1 am excited to share that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the amazing John SanGiovanni. Together, we’ll explore the power of grit and productive struggle in the mathematics classroom—two essential ingredients for deep and lasting learning. John SanGiovanni will share his expertise on productive struggle, focusing on how teachers can design meaningful math experiences that challenge students to think critically, reason deeply, and persevere through complex problems. His work emphasizes that learning happens not when math is easy, but when students engage in struggle that leads to understanding and growth. In my portion of the session, I’ll discuss building grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework; Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Drawing from my G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators, I’ll share practical tools and strategies educators can use to help students embrace challenges with confidence and persistence. By connecting grit to productive struggle, we can empower students to develop both the mindset and skills they need to overcome obstacles and achieve success in mathematics and beyond. I look forward to connecting with fellow educators at NCTM 2025 as we explore how to inspire perseverance, confidence, and a love for learning through grit and productive struggle.
I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the incredible Dr. Shelly Jones, Room 406. As TEDx speakers, Dr. Jones and I are uniting our passions for mathematics, equity, and purpose-driven teaching in our session titled Building Grit Through Culturally Relevant Math Tasks. Dr. Shelly Jones will share powerful insights from her book Culturally Relevant Math Tasks to Engage All Learners, which emphasizes how educators can connect mathematical concepts to students’ cultural experiences and lived realities. Her work highlights the importance of inclusion, representation, and authentic learning experiences that empower every student to see themselves as capable mathematicians. In my portion of the session, I will focus on Building Grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework—which stands for Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Through this framework, I will share strategies from my *G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators* to help teachers cultivate perseverance and confidence in students as they navigate challenging math tasks. The goal is to help students not only solve problems but also believe they can thrive through productive struggle and perseverance. Together, Dr. Jones and I aim to inspire educators to blend cultural reasoning with resilience-building practices—creating classrooms where students’ identities and determination are celebrated equally. I’m excited to connect with passionate educators at NCTM 2025 and share how we can all build grit, equity, and excellence in math education.
🌟 Exciting news! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at NCSM! 🎉 Join me for two informative sessions: 📚 402 How to Build a Gritty Thinking Classroom through Equity and Collaboration 🗓️ Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ⏰ 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 📖 403 Equity Counts: Implementing Equitable Practices Across All Leadership Levels 🗓️ Monday, October 13, 2025 ⏰ 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. I’m ready to bridge the gap and give away door prizes, including my new book: Effective Teaching Practices Every Teacher Must Know! Don’t miss out! #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #equity #parity NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationNCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsShelly M. JonesYolande Beckles
✨ Exciting October Update! ✨ I’m thrilled to share that my October Newsletter is live! This month, I’m honored to be speaking at both NCTM and NCSM—two powerful opportunities to connect with educators nationwide about building G.R.I.T. (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management) and closing the achievement gap. 💡 I’m so grateful for the incredible teachers and leaders who continue to inspire and partner with me. Thank you for the work you do every day to make an impact in the lives of students! Check out the newsletter and explore resources here: 👉 www.india-white.com Let’s keep building grit and creating equity in education—together. 💪📚✏️
Building Grit in Our Elementary Math Communities This week I had the privilege of hosting an **Elementary Math Chat on BlueSky**, where educators from across the nation gathered to talk about one of my favorite topics: the **power of grit** in our classrooms and communities. The energy, collaboration, and passion from teachers, leaders, and math coaches reminded me once again of why this work matters. Why Grit in Math? We started by examining the latest NAEP data, which paints a sobering picture of how our students are performing in mathematics. While test scores often highlight areas of struggle, they also invite us as educators to ask a deeper question: How can we better equip our students to persist through challenges? This is where the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—becomes a game-changer. Exploring the G.R.I.T. Framework During the chat, educators reflected on how grit shows up in their classrooms: Growth Mindset helps students believe they can learn math, even when it feels difficult. Resilience gives students the courage to keep trying when a solution isn’t clear right away. Self-Efficacy instills confidence that “I can solve problems if I keep working at them.” Time Management reminds students that persistence requires discipline and prioritization. Together, these pillars equip students to face not only academic challenges but also life’s challenges with courage and determination. G.R.I.T. Games and Assessments We also discussed two practical tools for teachers to bring grit alive in the math classroom: G.R.I.T. Games : Engaging activities that give students the chance to practice perseverance in fun, low-stakes ways while still reviewing math concepts. G.R.I.T. Assessment: A reflective tool for students to evaluate their own growth in grit—identifying where they are strong and where they can build more perseverance. These resources empower both teachers and students to see grit not as an abstract concept, but as something real, measurable, and impactful. Grit Beyond the Classroom One of my favorite takeaways from the chat was hearing educators share how grit impacts not just math performance but also the wider school community. When students develop grit, they become more confident problem-solvers, more engaged learners, and more supportive peers. This mindset spreads beyond the classroom walls, creating resilient communities that thrive together. Moving Forward The Elementary Math Chat reminded us that teaching math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nurturing resilient thinkers who can face challenges with determination. As we continue to share strategies, reflect on data, and support one another, I’m excited to see how grit will transform classrooms across the nation. Let’s keep the conversation going: together, we can ensure every student has the tools to persist, grow, and succeed. Dr. India White is a national speaker, math consultant, and author of the G.R.I.T. framework. For professional development, G.R.I.T. trainings, or speaking engagements, connect at www.india-white.com
Building Grit in Students through Reflection Activities During a recent training session, I guided students through a structured activity designed to help them reflect on grit and personal accountability. This exercise encouraged them to explore how the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—applies to their learning and development.^1 Students first participated in guided discussions on grit, focusing on strategies to remain committed, build resilience, and complete assignments on time.^2 Each student then journaled about their personal grit levels, identifying areas of strength and growth. This journaling provided a safe space for honest self-assessment and highlighted the importance of intentional focus.^3 The activity also included collaborative reflection where students discussed their “grit weeks,” emphasizing how to manage distractions, stay accountable, and complete tasks with perseverance.^4 By engaging in both personal reflection and peer discussion, students were able to see grit not as an abstract idea but as a practical tool to help them reach goals.^5 Through journaling and reflection, students deepened their understanding of the four pillars of the G.R.I.T. framework. Many expressed excitement for what lies ahead in their academic journey, recognizing that perseverance and accountability are vital to their long-term success.^6 The activity reinforced the importance of grit in education by providing students with practical tools for self-awareness and improvement. As Angela Duckworth emphasizes, grit involves sustained passion and perseverance over the long term.^7 Likewise, the Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook stresses that equipping students with reflective practices helps foster resilience and determination as they grow academically and personally.^8 Footnotes 1. Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (New York: Scribner, 2016), 8–9. 2. India White, The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook (Tampa, FL: White Education Consulting, 2023), 12. 3. Duckworth, Grit, 44. 4. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 28. 5. Duckworth, Grit, 92. 6. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 46. 7. Duckworth, Grit, 275. 8. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 59. Bibliography Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. New York: Scribner, 2016. White, India. The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook. Tampa, FL: Rising Glory Productions LLC, 2023.