Paul Tough: "Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why"

Paul Tough’s book, his third, is great! Although focused on disadvantaged populations of kids and families, there are many ideas, interventions, and strategies that apply to all populations. These include:

• the idea (and proof) that external rewards for kids don’t work – as proven by research that Paul presents;
• the need for more student autonomy in the classroom, which promotes confidence and motivation; and
• the evidence that students respond positively and persevere more when there are changes in the context of the classroom and the home.

Focusing on children who grow up in chaotic and stressful environments, Paul talks about the influence that adverse childhood experiences have on both kids and those who are parenting or teaching them. He relates stories about proven interventions that he has observed, sharing the outcome of long-term studies. He shares with us his hope for change in education, and why he thinks it takes so long for change to occur.

You’ll hear a lot from the book in this interview with Paul, but you’ll still want to read this little, 114 page powerfully-packed book! 

For more about Paul Tough, visit his website at www.paultough.com/helping.