Curricular Studies "Ideas, Insights, and Challenges" 2004-2005
Because of the acclaim received from the Fall 2004 IIC conference participants, the spring 2005 Curricular Studies Ideas, Insights, and Challenges Conference for Partnership Teachers, held Thursday, March 3, also featured nationally renowned clinician, researcher, and educator Horacio Sanchez, who graciously agreed to return for a second presentation, Mr. Sanchez spoke on "A Brain-based Approach to Achieving Educational Reform" to 147 Partnership Teachers, University Supervisors, and other partners and sparked animated discussion focused on his resiliency theory and its impacts on at-risk students. Mr. Sanchez bases his approach on current brain research and designs programs for increasing academic achievement and improving learning environments for all students.
Patti Tyndall and Diane Calhoun coordinators conference with Horacio Sanchez.
Mr. Sanchez' morning session focused on the structure of the brain and the risk factors that are impediments to learning. Through a series of examples, he explained the role that emotion plays in learning and the importance of understanding what is known about the way the brain functions. He discussed how and why "crisis" occurs and the impact perceptions have on our ability to process information and learn new material. He then offered suggestions for impacting perceptions in ways that allow students to feel wanted, to believe that they can succeed, and to feel safe in a learning environment. Mr. Sanchez insists that we must incorporate that knowledge into every teaching process and practice. He believes that reforming education using brain-based research should change:
- The way we teach
- The way we discipline
- The school climate
- The way we train teachers
During his afternoon presentation, Mr. Sanchez offered specific strategies in classroom management and structuring instruction to assist teachers in working successfully with students who don't arrive at school ready to learn. He emphasized the importance and benefits of physical movement, visual cueing, and relationship building. His final hour addressed the necessity of schools to improve language and ways to accomplish this goal. Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments at the end of his presentation.
Teachers who attended the two-hour extended partnership teacher training in December or January and this daylong conference will receive a certificate for 10 hours of professional development.
