Many high-achieving students are preoccupied with grades. How do we as teachers shift our students’ focus to the learning process rather than the end product or evaluation? Students who are identified as gifted are susceptible to behaviors that can lead to underachievement such as: opting out and avoiding challenges. Middle school is a critical time when students are making decisions about who they are and who they will become. What messages are we sending our middle school students about intelligence and achievement during this important time? In this session, participants will have an introduction to Dweck’s theory of mindsets and reflect on teaching practices that support or undermine a growth mindset.