The "marshmallow test" (designed by the author of this book!) given to preschoolers in the 1960's measured delayed gratification. (Eat this one now or wait and enjoy two later). Decades later, the results predicted life outcomes as the longer the wait, the more likely the person could finish school, keep a job and maintain stable relationships. These ideas have been used by Prof Mischel and his team at the KIPP schools in San Antonio and in the South Bronx. Mischel has discovered that willpower and grit are not purely genetic as self-control can be improved at any age due to the plasticity of the human brain. Mischel describes how he used these principles in his own life when he quit his three pack a day smoking habit. Here are some cute videos of kids trying to resist marshmallows:
Sample Common Core items can help students, teachers, and parents see the expectations at each grade level. ThePartnership for Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is one of two consortia designing exams for Common Core Math and ELA. These items can be used for classwork, homework and in-class exams to give students an opportunity to learn content and see the level of challenge. New York is a PARCC state along with about 10 other states. The remaining Common Core states will be using Smarter Balanced assessments.
