ExcelinEd Reflection: Grit, Expectations, and the Future of Education

by Tatiana Ciccarelli, National Solutions Director

Walking away from the ExcelinEd National Summit on Education last month in New Orleans, I found myself reflecting on one word that surfaced repeatedly in conversations, keynote addresses, and breakout sessions: grit.

Grit—sometimes referred to as "the right stuff," mettle, tenacity, or as Elvis Presley famously called it, Taking Care of Business—is a concept that resonates deeply with me. As an elder millennial who grew up in the pre-cellphone era, grit wasn’t an abstract idea; it was a way of life. I had to ring doorbells to find friends, navigate neighborhoods with street smarts, understand the value of a firm handshake, and figure out how to bail myself out of trouble when things didn’t go as planned. In other words, I had to problem-solve. Looking back, that might be the most valuable durable skill I ever developed.

Why Grit Matters

Grit is what propels us forward when circumstances are challenging and the odds seem stacked against us. It’s the ability to use what we have at our disposal—our intellect, creativity, and resilience—to overcome obstacles. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and father of Stoicism, described this inner strength as the “inner citadel”—a fortress within each of us that keeps the lights on and the engine running, even in the darkest moments.

In education, grit is not just a personal trait; it’s a critical component of success for students. It’s what enables them to persist through rigorous coursework, adapt to new learning environments, and rise to challenges that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. But grit doesn’t develop in isolation. It thrives in environments where expectations are high and support systems are strong.

The Power of Expectations

Reflecting on grit and the idea of expectations, I’m reminded that students expand and contract based on the goals we set for them. When the bar is set high—and when effective supports are in place—the sky truly becomes the limit. Conversely, when we lower the bar, innovation falters, determination has no place to grow, and self-respect becomes void of causal experiences. In short, we nix the grit.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush touched on this in his morning address at the ExcelinEd summit. He emphasized that the absence of expectation doesn’t just reduce a student’s academic potential; it robs them of the opportunity to be tested, to rise to the occasion, and to develop that essential quality of grit. Without challenges, students never discover what they’re truly capable of.

Durable Skills and Career Readiness

Looking ahead to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives sweeping the nation, grit becomes even more relevant. Today, more than 40 states have adopted frameworks for college and career readiness, signaling a shift toward preparing students not just for tests, but for life. The conversation around durable skills—those intrinsic qualities that transcend content knowledge and enable students to prosper and pivot—is louder than ever.

Durable skills include communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and, yes, grit. These skills form the connective tissue that links academic learning to real-world success. They’re what employers seek, what communities need, and what students must cultivate to thrive in an unpredictable future.

At ExcelinEd, I walked away proud of the role Edmentum plays in this movement. Our career-focused offerings for grades 6–12 are the most comprehensive on the market. And with our recent acquisition of MajorClarity, we’re better positioned than ever to help districts—large and small—answer the question: “What’s next?” Now that many states have established a portrait of a graduate, we can provide the tools and pathways to make that vision a reality.

So, What Can We Do as an Education Community?

The conversations at ExcelinEd made it clear: we have both an opportunity and an obligation to act. Here are three critical steps we can take:

1. Keep Expectations High

High expectations are the foundation of student success. When we believe in students’ potential and set ambitious goals, we create an environment where grit can flourish. This means:

• Challenging Curriculum: Offer rigorous coursework that pushes students beyond their comfort zones.
• Support Systems: Pair high expectations with scaffolding—tutoring, mentoring, and resources that help students succeed.
• Growth Mindset: Encourage students to see setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as failures.

Keeping expectations high signals to students that we believe in their ability to succeed. It fosters resilience, builds confidence, and prepares them for the demands of college, careers, and life. When expectations are low, students disengage; when they’re high, students rise.

2. Provide Opportunities to Explore Meaningful CTE Pathways

CTE programs are no longer optional—they’re essential. They give students a chance to connect learning with real-world applications, explore careers, and develop durable skills. To make CTE meaningful, districts should offer:

• Diverse Pathways: Offer programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
• Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses to provide internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences.
• Personalization: Use tools like MajorClarity to help students identify interests and align them with career pathways.

CTE pathways empower students to envision their future and take actionable steps toward it. They bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness, ensuring students graduate with both knowledge and practical skills.

3. Embrace the Grit

Finally, we must recognize that grit is not just a buzzword—it’s a life skill. Schools can nurture grit by:

• Creating Safe Spaces for Failure: Allow students to take risks without fear of punishment.
• Celebrating Perseverance: Highlight stories of resilience and determination in the classroom.
• Modeling Grit: Educators should share their own experiences of overcoming challenges.

Embracing grit means valuing effort as much as achievement. It’s about teaching students that success is rarely instant—it’s earned through persistence, adaptability, and hard work.

A Call to Action

ExcelinEd reminded me that education is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping character, building resilience, and preparing students for a world that demands adaptability. Grit, high expectations, and meaningful pathways are not separate ideas—they’re interconnected threads that weave the fabric of student success.

As we move forward, let’s commit to creating learning environments that challenge, support, and inspire. Let’s ensure every student has the opportunity to discover their inner citadel, rise to the occasion, and take care of business—not just in school, but in life.

About the author

With over 15 years in education, Tatiana Ciccarelli currently serves as National Solutions Director, Florida and New York, at Edmentum. Prior to this position, Tatiana was a Senior Strategic Consultant at NWEA, a division of HMH, where she supported the assessment and solution leadership teams to develop coherence among assessment, curriculum, and instruction in large scale accounts. A native New Yorker, Tatiana is from a long line of school leaders and educators, and brings that generational passion for learning into her work today.