Tough on tough

Grit, perseverance, curiosity, conscientiousness, optimism and self-control; those not test scores are the keys to success says Paul Tough. The writer of the provocative New York Times article What If the Secret to Success is Failure comes to Seattle next week to talk about How Children Succeed.

I haven't read the book yet. In a past post, I shared my thoughts on the New York Times article which I found provocative. Its invitation to inspect character education as central and essential to successful education was compelling. I am curious how Tough defines success. That remains my central question.

Does he talk about success the way it is most commonly referenced — status, economic achievement and high paying careers or does his refrain on what makes for success also redefine success. Is he joining the band of happiness, empathy and fulfillment based definitions of success?

It remains to be seen.

In the meantime, come out and listen to him speak next week at the Seattle Town Hall on September 20.

Photo credit: New York Times