How G.R.I.T. Framework Aligns to Florida Mental Health Standards
India White • October 5, 2024
How Grit Framework Aligns to Florida's Mental Health Standards
How Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework is aligned with Fl. Mental Health Standards
Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework, which emphasizes building Great Resilience in Time, aligns closely with supporting students’ mental health, particularly within the context of health education standards that focus on mental and emotional well-being. The four pillars of the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—are essential tools that equip students with the skills to handle life's challenges and foster mental and emotional wellness, as outlined in the Florida Administrative Code and Statutes.
Growth Mindset
A growth mindset helps students embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and view mistakes as opportunities for learning. This mindset is crucial for developing healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, or depression. By encouraging students to focus on their capacity for improvement, this pillar directly supports skill-building in recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and developing positive strategies to manage stress, as required in the health curriculum.
Resilience
Resilience, the ability to recover from setbacks, is a fundamental aspect of mental health care. In alignment with mental health standards like suicide prevention and substance abuse education, building resilience helps students bounce back from emotional distress, fostering emotional regulation and reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. The emphasis on resilience also helps students develop healthy coping techniques and encourages peer support, as students can learn to assist friends and family members experiencing mental health challenges.
Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to succeed, plays a critical role in mental health. It fosters a sense of control over one’s life, reducing feelings of helplessness that often accompany mental health disorders. In terms of the health education curriculum, building self-efficacy empowers students to access mental health resources, recognize when they need help, and feel confident in seeking support. This aligns with the curriculum’s focus on mental health awareness, treatment access, and the prevention of mental health disorders.
Time Management
Effective time management can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better mental health. By teaching students how to manage their time well, this pillar helps students handle academic pressures more effectively, preventing the buildup of overwhelming stress. This aligns with the curriculum's goals of helping students develop strategies for healthy coping and balancing their mental and emotional well-being in relation to schoolwork and personal life. Time management also directly supports substance abuse prevention by reducing triggers like stress, which often contribute to unhealthy coping behaviors.
Conclusion
Dr. India White's G.R.I.T. framework provides a holistic approach that fosters mental and emotional well-being through skill-building in areas such as coping strategies, resilience, and self-management. By integrating growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management into classroom instruction, the framework aligns with Florida’s health education standards. It not only supports academic success but also directly contributes to the development of healthy mental health habits, including reducing stigma, recognizing early signs of distress, and promoting overall well-being.
Dr. India White's G.R.I.T. framework, which focuses on building Great Resilience in Time, directly aligns with Florida's Health Education K-12 Curriculum standards for mental and emotional health. By integrating the four pillars—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—the G.R.I.T. framework provides students with tangible mental health care strategies while addressing the state-mandated instructional topics for grades 6-12.
II. Florida Administrative Code 6A-1.094121: Annual Mental Health Instruction
(a) Recognition of signs and symptoms of mental health disorders:
The growth mindset pillar of the G.R.I.T. framework encourages students to become aware of their emotional and mental states, cultivating self-awareness and self-reflection. Students learn to identify and acknowledge when they are facing challenges, fostering the ability to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in themselves and others.
(b) Prevention of mental health disorders:
The resilience aspect of the framework is vital in building emotional endurance. By focusing on resilience, students learn to cope with setbacks and stress in a healthy manner, which is essential for the prevention of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. This aligns with the state standards, which emphasize proactive measures for mental well-being.
(c) Mental health awareness and assistance:
The self-efficacy pillar helps students develop confidence in their ability to seek help when needed, promoting mental health awareness and ensuring they know how to access assistance. This aligns with the state requirement to educate students on the availability of resources and support systems, both within their school and community.
(d) How to reduce the stigma around mental health disorders:
Through the G.R.I.T. framework’s focus on a growth mindset and self-efficacy, students are taught that mental health challenges are a normal part of life and should be approached without judgment. This perspective helps reduce stigma, making students more likely to discuss mental health openly and seek help, aligning with the standard's goal of reducing stigma.
(e) Awareness of resources, including local school and community resources:
The self-efficacy pillar specifically empowers students to navigate available resources confidently. This element of the G.R.I.T. framework ensures that students are not only aware of mental health resources but also feel capable of using them, aligning directly with the requirement to promote awareness of both school and community mental health resources.
(f) The process for accessing treatment:
By fostering resilience and self-efficacy, the G.R.I.T. framework equips students with the determination to seek appropriate mental health care when needed. Students are taught to approach obstacles systematically, which supports their understanding of how to navigate the process of seeking professional help, as outlined in the state standards.
(g) Strategies to develop healthy coping techniques:
The time management pillar encourages students to manage stress by organizing tasks and balancing their schedules effectively, reducing overwhelming feelings. This skill, combined with the resilience and growth mindset pillars, equips students with essential healthy coping mechanisms, aligning with the curriculum's requirement to teach these strategies.
(h) Strategies to support a peer, friend, or family member with a mental health disorder:
The G.R.I.T. framework’s emphasis on a growth mindset and self-efficacy empowers students to not only help themselves but also support others. By encouraging a non-judgmental approach to mental health, students learn strategies to help their peers and loved ones manage mental health challenges, aligning with the state's requirement to teach peer support strategies.
(i) Prevention of suicide:
Building resilience through the G.R.I.T. framework directly addresses the emotional struggles that can lead to suicidal thoughts. By fostering strong coping strategies and self-efficacy, students develop the tools to manage emotional crises and seek help before resorting to drastic measures, supporting the curriculum’s focus on suicide prevention.
(j) Prevention of the abuse of and addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and drugs:
The G.R.I.T. framework’s pillars, particularly resilience and self-efficacy, help students resist turning to substances as a means of coping with stress. By promoting healthy ways to manage time and emotions, the framework aligns with the state’s goals of preventing substance abuse and addiction.
Florida Statutes 1003.42: Required Instruction on Mental and Emotional Health
Comprehensive health education, including mental and emotional health, injury prevention, and substance use:
The G.R.I.T. framework’s holistic approach to building resilience in the face of challenges ensures that students are better equipped to handle issues related to emotional and mental health. The framework’s focus on growth mindset aligns with the required instruction to teach concepts related to personal health and well-being. By incorporating these pillars into classroom activities and discussions, students receive consistent reinforcement of positive mental health practices as part of their overall health education.
Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework is deeply aligned with Florida’s mental and emotional health standards, providing students with practical tools to foster mental health care through the four pillars of growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management. By addressing critical mental health topics such as suicide prevention, substance abuse, coping strategies, and reducing stigma, the framework ensures students receive comprehensive support to enhance both their academic performance and mental well-being.
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Hello CAMT Family, A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the session Peter and I presented on "From Productive Struggle to Perseverance." We are so grateful for your energy, your insights, and your deep commitment to growing gritty learners in the math classroom. As you return to your schools and teams, I encourage you to keep in mind the difference between state and traits . Struggle is often a state—temporary and situational—but perseverance is a trait—something we can build and nurture over time. Let’s continue to help our students shift from temporary struggle to lifelong perseverance by developing resilience, self-efficacy, and a growth mindset and time management in our schools . As a special thank you for attending, I’m offering my G.R.I.T. Workbook at a conference-exclusive price of only $15! This resource is filled with practical strategies and reflections to help students and educators build Great Resilience in Time. Grab your copy and order for your school here ! 👉 To grab your discounted workbook or to schedule a workshop, G.R.I.T. training, or educational consultation, click the link below and book your appointment today: 1) Free Consultation Appointment : 2) Book Dr. India White here : Finally, I want to take a moment to say that my thoughts and prayers are with all of Texas as you navigate the aftermath of the recent floods. We see you. We stand with you. And we are lifting you up. Let’s stay connected, keep building G.R.I.T., and continue turning moments of struggle into stepping stones for success. With gratitude and perseverance, Dr. India White Let's Stay Connected! Email: indiawhiteconsulting@gmail.com X: Indispeaknteach Blusheky: drindiagrit IG: Indi238 FB: Msindiawhite YT: Theindiawhite Tiktok: drindiawhite
From Rotten Moments to Sweet Blessings: What Banana Bread and Fermented Foods Teach Us About Life Sometimes life hands us what feels like rotten bananas; situations that seem spoiled, broken, or beyond hope. Maybe it’s a tough season of loss, failure, disappointment, or uncertainty. Yet, just like those overripe bananas transform into delicious banana bread, or milk ferments into nourishing cheese and yogurt, our "rotten" moments have the power to turn into something sweet and life-giving. Why Rottenness Can Be Good In the culinary world, fermentation, a process that uses “rottenness” to transform foods , creates some of the healthiest, most flavorful staples we enjoy: yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, and more. This “rottenness” isn’t waste; it’s a powerful agent of change that unlocks nutrients, improves digestion, and promotes health. Similarly, life’s difficult seasons are not the end. They are part of a process— a fermentation of our character, faith, and grit When we lean into these moments with grit—great resilience in time—we develop strength, wisdom, and sweetness in our souls that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. 7 Ways to Overcome a Negative Mindset and Embrace Grit in Rotten Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Defeat It’s okay to feel hurt, frustrated, or discouraged. But remember, these feelings don’t define you. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” 2. Shift Your Perspective to Growth View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Just like looking at a bunch of rotten bananas can seem discouraging until you shift your thinking and see them as a perfect ingredient for banana bread, choose to see your moments of rottenness as a game changer for your destiny! 3. Practice Patience Through the Process Good things take time— like fermentation and baking . Wait on God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything.” Think of how spoiled milk seems disgusting and gut wrenching, until you learn of how wonderful of an ingredient it becomes for homemade cheese! Trust the process, and know that it will all work out in your favor! 4. Cultivate Resilience by Staying Connected Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going. Galatians 6:2 teaches, “Carry each other’s burdens.” Sometimes, that person might be the catalyst for a new direction, new energy and exponential success. 5. Focus on Small, Consistent Steps Break down overwhelming problems into manageable pieces. Z echariah 4:10 encourages, “Do not despise these small beginnings. ” Don't lose sight on your progress, your identity or your purpose. 6. Renew Your Mind Daily Replace negative thoughts with truth and hope from Scripture. Philippians 4:8 advises, “Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure.” Remember that God is not dead, and he sees exactly how his plan in your life will manifest. Leave your worries on the throne and know he will justfiy you. 7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection Every small victory is a sign of growth and sweet fruit to come. J ames 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” Just as you are making banana bread, cheese, yogurt and other wonderful foods, you know that there might be bumps along the way, but keep pressing on! The final product is worth the moments of struggle disappointment and rottenness. You will smile in the end. Conclusion Remember, just as rotten bananas, milk, and vegetables become nourishing foods through a process of transformation, your tough seasons are preparing you for a sweeter, stronger tomorrow . Stay gritty, endure the process, and trust that God is turning your struggles into something beautiful. For more encouragement and practical ways to build grit in your life, visit my website at www.india-white.com . You can also watch my TEDx Talk, The Power of G.R.I.T., for a motivating boost to help you keep pushing through life’s challenges. Keep rising. Keep growing. Your sweetness is coming.
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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be co-presenting at CAMT with the amazing Peter Liljedahl from Building Thinking Classrooms! Join us for our session where we’ll dive into empowering students to transition from perseverance to productive struggle. Let’s transform challenges into growth opportunities together! 🚀💡 #CAMT2025 #BuildingThinkingClassrooms #Education #StudentSuccess #drindiawhite #btc #grit #tedx NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education #camt25 (I don’t own music copyright)
Dear Educators, Principals, and School Leaders, I’m excited to share that my latest newsletter has just arrived, filled with inspiring updates, resources, and tools to support your teams and students in building a culture of G.R.I.T.—Growth, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. As you plan your professional development sessions, conferences, or school events for the upcoming year, I’d love to partner with you. Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, or interactive training, I specialize in helping educators and school communities cultivate grit, equity, and empowerment in ways that are practical, engaging, and transformational. If you’re interested in having me speak at your school, district, or conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to serve your team. You can also explore my speaking topics and G.R.I.T. resources at: www.india-white.com Let’s connect, collaborate, and inspire greatness—together! Here's the link to my newsletter to share: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_21LSLwQ/sEqABtI7pY0-Gh5vSzQnLg/edit?utm_content=DAF_21LSLwQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Warmly,
Thank You, Nevada Association of School Administrators: Building a Culture of G.R.I.T. Together I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Adam Lane and the Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA) for the incredible opportunity to speak at your recent conference. It was truly an honor to engage with such passionate, forward-thinking educational leaders who are committed to transforming schools and communities. During our time together, we explored a theme close to my heart: creating a culture of G.R.I.T.—not just in the classroom, but throughout our communities. We unpacked the G.R.I.T. Framework, which focuses on cultivating Growth Mindset, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management in both educators and students. These four pillars are foundational for student success, especially in today’s challenging and ever-evolving educational landscape. We also discussed the critical role educators and school leaders play in modeling and reinforcing these values. From building trusting relationships to ensuring equity and access, educators are the heartbeat of our communities. When we lead with empathy, authenticity, and grit, we empower students to do the same—and we create schools where every learner feels seen, supported, and capable of greatness. To the school leaders, superintendents, and administrators who attended: thank you for your engagement, your insights, and your commitment to building a legacy of perseverance and purpose. I walked away inspired by your stories, your questions, and your unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for all students across Nevada. If you're interested in learning more about the G.R.I.T. Framework or want to access tools like the G.R.I.T. Workbook, I invite you to visit www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you ] And if you missed the session or want to revisit the message, you can also check out my TEDx Talk: The Power of G.R.I.T. Thank you once again, Adam and NASA, for giving me the platform to share this mission and for all you do to champion student success across Nevada and beyond. Let’s continue lifting others as we climb—one gritty step at a time.