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Growth Mindset and I-CRT

A growth mindset, a concept from the work of psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that intelligence and ability can be developed through effort, reflection, and persistence. In an I-CRT classroom, this belief is made visible through intentional practices like REFINE and G.R.O.W. With REFINE, students learn that improvement is a process, they revisit their work, apply feedback, and make purposeful changes, reinforcing the idea that progress matters more than perfection. Through G.R.O.W., students build self-awareness by setting goals, reflecting on challenges, and recognizing small wins, helping them stay motivated and resilient. Together, these components ensure that a  growth mindset is supported by meaningful classroom routines.

Why It Matters in Culturally Responsive Teaching

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In many classrooms, especially those serving historically marginalized students, fixed mindset beliefs can be internalized early. Students, for example, begin to believe they are either “smart” or “not,” “good at math” or “not.” These beliefs can be unintentionally reinforced when teachers rush through curriculum, ignore effort, or fail to recognize how identity and culture shape how students show understanding.

 

I-CRT challenges this by slowing down, going deeper, and meeting students where they are. When students are taught to reflect, revise, and take ownership of their learning, they begin to value effort and believe in their potential, not just in academics, but in life.

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Growth mindset within an I-CRT framework is about:

  • Honoring the process, not just the product

  • Helping students see struggle as strength

  • Building a classroom culture where trying again is expected, not something to be embarrassed about

  • Teaching students how to think about their thinking, and make shifts when needed 

 

This approach is especially powerful for children who may not have been given the message that they are capable of excellence. When students feel seen, supported, and understood, they are more likely to take risks, reflect, and rise to challenges they encounter.

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