Goals & Activities:

Brain compatible learning | Decreasing achievement gap | Trainer-of-trainers model

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Brain compatible learning

• PE teacher, Kitt Fitzgerald, established "brain gym"
  • movement activities to enhance learning
  • 40 students in parent funded after-school activities to develop the brain (e.g., foot movement, cup stacking - see pictures below) - [click picture to see larger view]:

• cup stacking builds eye-hand coordination, right and left hand skills, helps master motor skills, and develops the brain's ability to focus and concentrate by tending to patterning and sequencing - there are even international game challenges in cup stacking! We'll try to get a movie uploaded so you can see it in action.

 

• Grades 4-5 teacher, Kevin Gordon, implemented brain compatible learning in his classes
• teaching students how to be brain healthy and how to learn
• using neurobic exercises (see: examples from staff training)
• interest group for students in understanding the brain and how it learns - local neurosurgeon brought brains to class to enhance student learning - see pictures below [click picture to see larger view]:

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Decreasing the achievement gap

• all Parker staff (and 1/2 of Eastside Alternative School staff) participated in brain compatible research
• all Parker students receive Spanish language instruction
• plan to use statewide testing for pre-post assessments next year (early testing to determine needs and focus instruction, followed by end of year testing to determine progress)

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Development of trainer-of-trainers model

• Teacher Kevin Gordon (in administrative cohort group) sent to brain compatible learing conference in San Diego
• PE teacher Kitt Fitzgerald to head up wellness training for staff and students next school year
• Teachers Kevin and Kitt to lead staff development for all staff next school year