How the G.R.I.T. Framework is Aligned with Florida's Resiliency Standards
India White • October 18, 2024
G.R.I.T. Framework Aligned with Fl. Resiliency Standards
How the G.R.I.T Framework and G.R.I.T. Workbook Align to Florida Resiliency Standards
Dr. India White's GREAT Resilience In Time (G.R.I.T.) Workbook for Teachers, her G.R.I.T. Framework, and her TEDx talk "The Power of Grit" align comprehensively with the Florida Health Standards and the 11 Resiliency Skills outlined in Section 1003.42(2)(n)4., Florida Statutes (F.S.). These standards emphasize essential life skills that build confidence, support mental and emotional health, and enable students to overcome challenges. Here’s a detailed explanation of this alignment:
I. Self-awareness and Self-management
Dr. White's G.R.I.T. Framework includes a self-assessment component that encourages teachers and students to reflect on their resilience, growth mindset, self-efficacy, and time management. This self-awareness is foundational for effective self-management. By understanding their strengths and areas for improvement, individuals can better regulate their emotions and behaviors, aligning with the self-awareness and self-management goals of the standards.
II. Responsible Decision-making
The G.R.I.T. Workbook provides practical exercises and scenarios that help students and teachers make thoughtful and informed decisions. By fostering a growth mindset, Dr. White emphasizes the importance of perseverance and dedication, encouraging responsible decision-making that considers long-term outcomes rather than immediate gratification.
III. Resiliency
Resiliency is a core focus of Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. resources. Her TEDx talk highlights the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity. The workbook includes specific activities to build resilience, such as reflective questions and goal-setting exercises that encourage students to persist through challenges.
IV. Relationship Skills and Conflict Resolution
Dr. White’s emphasis on a growth mindset and understanding diverse perspectives promotes better relationship skills and conflict resolution. By encouraging empathy and open-mindedness, her framework helps students navigate interpersonal conflicts and build stronger, more respectful relationships.
V. Understanding and Respecting Other Viewpoints and Backgrounds
The G.R.I.T. Framework’s focus on a growth mindset also supports the understanding and respect for diverse viewpoints. Dr. White teaches that challenges and failures are opportunities for growth, which includes learning from others' experiences and perspectives.
VI. Developing Leadership and Interpersonal Skills (Grades 9-12)
For high school students, Dr. White’s resources address the development of leadership, interpersonal skills, organization skills, and other critical life skills. Her workbook includes exercises on goal setting, time management, and self-efficacy, which are essential for creating resumes, exploring career pathways, and preparing for employment. These activities align with the standards' focus on preparing students for future careers and responsibilities.
VII. Florida Health Standards Alignment
Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Framework aligns with the Florida Health Standards, specifically HE.912.R.4.1, which emphasizes the importance of character and grit in achieving successful outcomes. By teaching students to persevere, manage stress, and stay motivated, Dr. White’s resources directly support these educational goals.
VIII. Alignment with 11 Resiliency Skills
Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework and Workbook are meticulously aligned with the 11 resiliency skills outlined in Florida's educational standards. Each skill is addressed through specific components of the framework, fostering comprehensive personal and professional development.
1. Grit
Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Framework is fundamentally designed to cultivate grit, defined as the combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. Through her self-assessment tools and reflective exercises, teachers and students are encouraged to identify their core passions and commit to pursuing them persistently. This focus on sustained effort and dedication, even in the face of challenges, embodies the essence of grit, helping individuals to build a strong, resilient character that is essential for success.
2. Resilience
Resilience is explicitly addressed within the resilience category of Dr. White's G.R.I.T. Framework. The workbook includes activities and questions that prompt individuals to reflect on their ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change. By encouraging the practice of maintaining a positive outlook and developing strategies to overcome obstacles, Dr. White’s resources help students and teachers build resilience, ensuring they can recover from difficulties and continue moving forward with determination.
3. Perseverance
Perseverance is a recurring theme in both the growth mindset and resilience components of the G.R.I.T. Framework. Dr. White emphasizes the importance of persistence through failure and challenges, teaching that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning. Through guided exercises, individuals are encouraged to set long-term goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and remain committed to their efforts despite difficulties. This relentless pursuit of goals is a key aspect of perseverance.
4. Gratitude
Gratitude is fostered through the self-reflection and positive outlook promoted by Dr. White's framework. The workbook encourages individuals to regularly reflect on their progress and appreciate the small victories along their journey. This practice of acknowledging and valuing positive experiences and contributions helps build a mindset of gratitude, which is crucial for maintaining a balanced and positive perspective in both personal and professional life.
5. Responsibility
Responsibility is promoted through the self-efficacy and responsible decision-making exercises within the G.R.I.T. Framework. By guiding individuals to take ownership of their actions, set realistic goals, and make informed decisions, Dr. White’s resources help foster a sense of responsibility. Teachers and students learn to be accountable for their progress and setbacks, understanding that their actions directly impact their success and well-being.
6. Responsible Decision-making
Responsible decision-making is integrated throughout the G.R.I.T. Framework, particularly in scenarios and reflective questions that challenge individuals to consider the consequences of their choices. Dr. White provides practical tools and exercises that help individuals weigh their options, think critically about potential outcomes, and make decisions that align with their long-term goals and values. This emphasis on thoughtful and informed decision-making is crucial for personal and professional growth.
7. Self-awareness
Self-awareness is central to the self-assessment component of the G.R.I.T. Framework. Dr. White encourages individuals to reflect deeply on their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This heightened self-awareness allows individuals to understand their motivations, recognize their emotional responses, and make adjustments to their behavior that promote personal growth and effective self-management.
8. Self-management
Self-management is developed through the time management and self-efficacy activities within Dr. White’s framework. By teaching individuals how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and manage their time effectively, the G.R.I.T. Workbook helps them develop the skills needed to regulate their behavior and stay focused on their objectives. These self-management skills are essential for achieving long-term success and maintaining a balanced life.
9. Mentorship
Mentorship is encouraged as part of relationship skills and supporting others within the G.R.I.T. Framework. Dr. White emphasizes the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and seeking guidance from experienced mentors. The workbook includes exercises that prompt individuals to reflect on their role as mentors and mentees, fostering a culture of support, collaboration, and mutual growth.
10. Citizenship
Citizenship is promoted through the emphasis on understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints and backgrounds. Dr. White’s framework teaches individuals to value different perspectives, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility. By encouraging empathy and open-mindedness, the G.R.I.T. Workbook helps students and teachers become active, respectful, and engaged members of their communities.
11. Honesty and Empathy
Honesty and empathy are integral to the relationship skills and conflict resolution components of the G.R.I.T. Framework. Dr. White’s resources teach individuals to communicate openly and honestly, while also understanding and respecting others’ feelings and perspectives. This focus on genuine, empathetic interactions helps build trust, resolve conflicts effectively, and foster healthy, supportive relationships.
In conclusion, Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Workbook for Teachers, her G.R.I.T. Framework, and her TEDx talk are meticulously aligned with Florida’s resilience standards. They provide comprehensive strategies to develop essential life skills, fostering a growth mindset and building resilience in both students and teachers, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in various aspects of life.
Looking for more resources? Explore the G.R.I.T. Workbook Series by Dr. India White, featuring workbooks for teachers, students, administrators, parents, and leaders!
Join the G.R.I.T. Academy today for online courses on G.R.I.T. or access personalized tutoring services and support for your students!
Let’s Get Gritty: 5 G.R.I.T.-Powered Tips for Starting Off the School Year Right The start of the school year is a powerful moment; a fresh opportunity to set the tone, establish relationships, and lay the foundation for student success. This year, I encourage you to launch your classroom with G.R.I.T.: focusing on Growth mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. These four pillars don’t just help students succeed academically—they help you, the educator, lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Here are 5 actionable, GRIT-filled tips to kick off your school year strong: 1. Get to Know Your Students Every student comes with a unique story. Taking time to understand their learning styles, goals, and experiences shows them that they matter. This is where growth mindset comes alive—when we believe every student can improve and grow, no matter their starting point. GRIT Tip: Use icebreakers, interest surveys, or one-on-one chats to learn more about each student. Personal connections inspire engagement and persistence. 2. Speak to EVERY Parent or Guardian Strong home-school partnerships build trust and set the tone for collaboration. When parents feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to support and partner with you throughout the year. GRIT Tip: Make it a goal to connect with every family in the first two weeks with a positive phone call, email, or message. This builds your own self-efficacy and shows families that you’re invested in their child. 3. Connect with the Community Students are more resilient when they see how their learning connects to the real world. Whether it’s inviting local leaders to speak or organizing service projects, community connections bring relevance and depth to your teaching. GRIT Tip: Tap into the power of local culture and voices. When students see their community represented in learning, they build pride and purpose. 4. Know the Data Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a guide to help you make intentional decisions. Understanding your students’ strengths, gaps, and growth areas early on helps you manage time wisely and set personalized goals. GRIT Tip: Set aside weekly time to review data and make small, consistent adjustments. Empower students to track their own progress and celebrate wins, big or small. 5. Establish Norms for Success Your classroom culture will shape how students respond to challenges. Create norms that emphasize perseverance, responsibility, and mutual respect. Make these norms student-led and revisit them often. GRIT Tip: Let students help define what success looks like in your space. When expectations are clear and co-created, students feel ownership—and that builds resilience and self-efficacy. Final Thought: This school year, let’s lead with GRIT. Let’s build classrooms where students feel empowered to grow, bounce back, and believe in themselves. When we model G.R.I.T. as educators, we equip students with the tools they need to thrive in every area of life. Ready to bring G.R.I.T. to your school or district? I offer professional development, GRIT trainings for staff and students, keynote sessions, and engaging workshops to help you start strong and stay strong throughout the year. Let’s work together to build a G.R.I.T.-driven school culture! Contact Dr. India White 📧 Email: india.white.123@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.india-white.com 📱 Instagram/Twitter: @DrIndiaWhite 🎤 Available for: PD Sessions | Keynotes | GRIT Trainings | Student Workshops | Leadership Summits Let’s get gritty and make this year your best one yet!
🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students
🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students
🌟 Part 1 of the Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles has been beyond my expectations! 🙌 I’ve learned so much about Black history and heard from the greatest Black experts! There is work to be done, but my hope has been rekindled! 💖 It’s time to get gritty about bridging the achievement gap! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #nctm #ncsm NCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsNCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationYolande Beckles #foryou #savvas #bwxme #naacp (I don’t own music copyright)
🌟 Hey Los Angeles educators! 📚 Join us at the California Endowment Center as we dive into the power of grit and more at the Black Kids Love Math Annual Summit! Let’s inspire and empower our students together! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #lausd #grit
🌟🎉 I can’t wait to see all you incredible Los Angeles educators at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit tomorrow morning ! 🚀✨ I’m super excited to talk about the power of grit and dive into some fun grit workbooks together! 💪📚 Stay gritty, everyone! Let’s do this! 🎊🙌 #drindiawhite #nctm #lausd #ncsm #nabse #bwxme #naacp #aasa (I don’t own music or background copyright)
Let’s Get Gritty at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in LA! 🔥 🎉 I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles! This powerful event is all about equity, excellence, and empowering Black students in mathematics—and I’m honored to be part of it. My session will focus on a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: Cultivating G.R.I.T. in the Math Classroom. During this hands-on, engaging session, attendees will: * 📘 Flip through the G.R.I.T. Student Workbook—a powerful tool designed to build Growth mindset, Resilience, self-efficacy, and Time management in students. * 💡 Explore real strategies for integrating grit-building activities into your math instruction. * 💬 Discuss how to support students through productive struggle while helping them develop the confidence to succeed in rigorous academic environments. And then, later that evening... get ready for the IGNITE session! 🔥 We’ll dive deeper into the message that “GRIT is IT” when it comes to student achievement. We’ll talk about how grit transforms classroom culture, closes equity gaps, and turns math challenges into moments of triumph—for every student. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, or advocate—this is your chance to get inspired, get equipped, and get gritty. 📍Los Angeles, here we come! Let’s empower our students, celebrate their brilliance, and make sure they know—Black Kids Love Math and they can excel in it too. #drindiawhite #grit #LetsGetGritty #BlackKidsLoveMath #lausd #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #aasa #math #studentachievement #equity #resilience #gritintheclassroom #california
Spiritual Grit in Hard Times – Let’s Get Gritty Podcast Ep. 104 Recap We’re back with another powerful episode of the *Let’s Get Gritty Podcast*—and Episode 104 is one you don’t want to miss! In this special episode, we were joined by Apostle Andre Aris, Minister Ernestine, and a powerful audience of believers as we dove deep into the topic of spiritual grit during hard times. What is spiritual grit, and why does it matter? It’s that unshakable faith, perseverance, and strength we hold onto when life gets tough—when storms come, doors close, or we feel like giving up. In this episode, our guests shared raw, honest testimonies** of times they had to stand firm, trust God, and keep moving forward in the face of adversity. 💬 Highlights from the episode include: - Apostle Andre Aris encouraging listeners to "grit up spiritually" and hold onto their calling even when the path gets rocky. - Minister Ernestine reminding parents and community members that our trials are often the training grounds for our greatest breakthroughs. - Real talk with the audience—parents, students, and educators—about how to navigate faith, struggle, and purpose in everyday life. 🎧 Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a student, or a leader in your community, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual strength for the journey ahead. 👉 Listen to Episode 104 now on the Let’s Get Gritty Podcast (Available on all major platforms – don’t forget to subscribe!) Let’s keep pressing forward with faith, resilience, and purpose. Let’s Get Gritty—Spiritually! #LetsGetGritty #SpiritualGrit #FaithInHardTimes #TestimonyTuesday #PodcastRecap #DrIndiaWhite #PersevereWithPurpose #GritAndGrace #FaithAndGrit
Ready for the New School Year? Check Out What’s New with Dr. India White! Hey educators, leaders, and families! I’m thrilled to share my latest July newsletter, packed with exciting updates, upcoming speaking engagements, and opportunities for collaboration. As we gear up for a brand-new school year, there’s no better time to focus on what matters most—building GRIT, empowering students, and transforming education. Here’s what you’ll find inside: 🎤 Upcoming Speaking Engagements This year, I’m honored to speak at some incredible conferences and events, including: -Black Kids Love Math – 2nd Annual Math Summit -NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Annual Conference -NCSM (National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics) Leadership Conference ...and many more across the country! Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or educational organization looking to ignite your audience, now is the time to book me for your next keynote, PD session, or summit. Let’s make this year powerful and purpose-driven. 🎓 Enroll Your Students in the GRIT Academy Looking for a way to support your students beyond the classroom? The GRIT Academy is now enrolling students nationwide! Our certified tutors specialize in STEM and help students not only master academic content, but also develop growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management—the key pillars of the GRIT framework. ✨ Let’s Work Together I’d love to partner with you to empower your students, staff, or district. Check out the newsletter, explore the opportunities, and reach out to book a session or enroll your students today. 📬 Click here to view the newsletter: Let’s get gritty and make this school year the best one yet! #LetsGetGritty #GritAcademy #EducationMatters #MathEquity #BackToSchool #KeynoteSpeaker #STEMSuccess #DrIndiaWhite
🎙️ Let’s Get Gritty: How Grit Carried Alexander Rivera Across the Graduation Stage This week’s episode of the Let’s Get Gritty podcast is one you don’t want to miss. We had the incredible honor of sitting down with Alexander Rivera, a recent high school graduate who beat the odds with one powerful trait—GRIT. Alexander’s story is more than just a celebration of academic achievement. It’s a living testament to how resilience, perseverance, and the right support system can transform a young life. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Alexander shares how Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework—which focuses on Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—helped him push through obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. 🎓 From Setbacks to Success Alexander opens up about the challenges he faced during his educational journey, from personal struggles to academic hurdles. But instead of giving up, he pressed forward—step by gritty step. He attributes much of his transformation to learning how to: *Develop a growth mindset when failure felt final * Bounce back with resilience after every setback * Believe in his own ability even when others doubted * Manage his time intentionally to meet his goals With this mindset, and through the support of educators and mentors who believed in him, Alexander proudly walked the graduation stage this week—a moment he once thought would never come. 🍎 Nuggets of Wisdom for Educators, Families & Leaders In the episode, Alexander doesn’t just share his story—he delivers gold. He offers practical advice for: * Teachers: “Don’t give up on students. See past their struggle and speak to their potential. It’s your voice that sticks in our heads.” * Students: “You’re not alone. Keep pushing. Grit isn't about perfection—it's about consistency.” * Parents: “Your encouragement matters more than you realize. Even if your child doesn’t say it, they hear you.” * Principals & Superintendents: “Create opportunities for students to recover, grow, and prove themselves. Every student deserves a second chance—and sometimes a third.” 🙏 Gratitude and Paying It Forward Alexander shares his deep gratitude to Dr. India White for her mentorship, wisdom, and for showing him what it looks like to lead with grit. He also gives heartfelt thanks to The Honorable Susan Valdes, who stood by him and helped pave a path for his success. But Alexander isn’t stopping here. He’s committed to paying it forward—to becoming an educator who pours into the next generation, just as others did for him. His goal? To help students not just survive school, but thrive with grit. 💥 Final Thoughts Alexander Rivera reminds us that grit is not reserved for the gifted—it’s grown in the trenches of trial. His journey encourages us all to see every student as capable of greatness, if we’re willing to support, uplift, and believe in them—relentlessly. 👏 Tune in to this powerful episode of Let’s Get Gritty to hear Alexander’s full story. Then ask yourself: How can I help build grit in someone today? 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. \#LetsGetGritty #GRIT #StudentSuccess #DrIndiaWhite #AlexanderRivera #PayItForward #GritInEducation #GraduationVictory #BuildingGRIT