At Queen Elizabeth School, staff members recognized that many students were
coming to school not ready to learn for a variety of reasons. We were able to deal
with many of their physical needs by offering breakfast or warmer clothes, but we
noticed a distinct gap in the ability of students to use what we would term
“common sense” in social or academic situations. Within a few months, some of
the staff became aware of Art Costa’s 16 Habits of Mind as well as the availability
of an action research grant through the Dr. Stirling McDowell Foundation. In an
effort to equip students with behaviors that would help them socially and
academically, we began integrating the Habits of Mind into our curriculum