New Book focuses on chess in education

Lots of chess players and coaches are interested in seeing chess more widely taught in our nation's schools. USCF would like to introduce you to a new book that helps everyone interested in how and why chess has such a positive impact on education.

On Sept. 4, Harcourt published "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character" by noted education writer Paul Tough. Using some of the latest scientific research on non-cognitive thinking skills, Tough argues that skills like perserverance and self-control are just as important to success in academics, and in life, as having a high IQ. One chapter, "How to Think" focuses on the role chess plays in education and documents the successes Elizabeth Vichary-Spiegel has been achieving at I.S. 318 in Brooklyn (also featured in the upcoming Brooklyn Castle documentary, which we will cover more in the coming weeks). 

The author is on a major promotional tour and speaking to educators and media about the book's topics, including success with chess. We encourage everyone with an interest in chess education to check it out. As the issues of our failing schools are front and center in communities across the nation, we know that chess can make a major positive contribution to turning things around. This book can help us present the case to educators and administrators who maybe don't know chess is more than just a game.