Argumentative Essay On Grit In School

Yes, grit can be taught, but ultimately, the real question to be answered is should it be taught? Critics assume that the effect of this instruction, if successfully taught, will have a negative outcome. Their first complaint is that grading children on their character traits can be inhumane and disturbing. This report card was founded by the revolutionary movement, KIPP. It is based on seven “strengths” which are graded just like a common core subject. Larry Ferlazzo, an author and high school teacher, comments that grading character traits this way would be, “corrupt [because of the] assigning [of] numerical values to elements of character.” Here Ferlazzo conveys his belief that this new form of grading would not have psychological benefits, but would instead end up limiting creativity

It is their opinion that students would not be taught principles like caring for the greater good and having compassion towards others. As a direct result, they would be devoid of crucial moral characteristics that help define us and our society. Another problem with this movement, in their opinion, is that, as Snyder states, “Character is treated as a kind of fuel that will help propel students through school and up the career ladder.” Here, the journalist brings up a decent point. Those who support the teaching of grit in school can often sell the characteristic as if it were just a tool to survive their education, rather than a quality that would define us. In any case, the skeptic’s main concern with the development and teaching of grit is that it can destroy or replace crucial moral values that define us as