Does building kids' self-esteem increase their academic achievement? New research says no.
In schools, self-esteem boosting is losing favor to rigor, fine-tuned praise. We've been doling out so much empty praise in the past decade that even when kids do poorly on tests, they still feel GOOD about their performance. I think it's important to let kids struggle. Once they've actually accomplished something noteworthy, then praise is true and gratifying. Here are more of my thoughts from a segment on Fox & Friends this past weekend: