ABSTRACT
Achieving critical awareness and becoming independent thinkers require hard work. This chapter presents several studies that support the efficacy of a rigorous learning environment that is stimulating, engaging, and challenging. These studies suggest that high school students are more apt to work hard and to be better prepared for college rigor when their learning environment supports meaningful productivity. Moving in this direction is essential for narrowing achievement gaps that prevent all learners, especially low-income students, from attaining success. Supporting students’ work ethic through the grades nurtures education for life because it sets a positive foundation for continued growth and development into adulthood. When students’ hard work is rewarded with success, they realize a sense of accomplishment which, in turn, helps them to continue valuing hard work. This big-picture perspective is vitally important for their emotional and academic future, but moving in this direction requires the support of teachers who are genuinely committed to caring for their students and providing them with high-level expectations. This type of school climate can narrow the achievement gap between ethnic minority learners and their more advantaged peers and can motivate all students’ work ethic for attaining success.
