Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed, recently appeared on NPR’s This American Life to discuss his breakthrough findings on childhood success. From This American Life:

Ira talks with Paul Tough, author of the new book How Children Succeed, about the traditional ways we measure ability and intelligence in American schools. They talk about the focus on cognitive abilities, conventional “book smarts.” They discuss the current emphasis on these kinds of skills in American education, and the emphasis standardized testing, and then turn our attention to a growing body of research that suggests we may be on the verge of a new approach to some of the biggest challenges facing American schools today. Paul Tough discusses how “non-cognitive skills” — qualities like tenacity, resilience, impulse control — are being viewed as increasingly vital in education.

Lavin speaker and author of Cockeyed and C’mon Papa Ryan Knighton will appear on This American Life’s live edition on May 10th. Here’s a preview!