A term coined by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in its work to help more students successfully complete math pathways. It describes the situation in which students persist in their studying and attendance (tenacity) and do so efficiently and effectively (good strategies); i.e., students continue to put forth effort during challenges and when they do so, they use effective strategies. Productive Persistence is based upon the formula: “Tenacity + Good Strategies.”  There are five components:

• Growth Mindset - Students believe they are capable of learning.
• Social Belonging - Students feel socially tied to peers, faculty, and the course.
• Course Value - Students believe the course has value.
• Skills & Know-how -Students have skills, habits and know-how to succeed in college setting.
• Support - Faculty and the college support students’ skills and mindsets.