by Dr. Mel Levine (NAPSA)—I am always impressed by school children’s zest for learning. For too many of them, however, their enthusi- asm is crushed by frustration when they can’t seem to get their terrific ideas down on paper, can’t concentrate or can’t remember their math facts. These kids may struggle for a while, but often give up, concluding they are “stupid” because the way they are being taught is incompatible with the way their brains receive and process information. That doesn’t have to happen. Teachers at public and private schools nationwide are being trained in Schools Attuned, a professional development and service program that recognizes that regular classroom teachers are often in the best position to understand and help kids struggling with differences in learning. Schools Attuned-trained teachers identify their students’ learning profiles and then help kids realize how their individual brains work and affect their academic produc- teacher interactions. The research is also very encouraging regarding the gains in student performance. It stands to reason. When students are educated about how their brains function while learning to read, write and do math, than 80 percent reported enhanced understanding of student learning and learning differences. Almost half of the educators reported improved classroom they also learn to appreciate and understand their individual strengths, as well as weaknesses. They can become the authors of their own success, and will perhaps even exceed the educational standards to which they are being held accountable. In order to leave no child behind, we must attune our schools to our students’ learning processes and to differences in learning. Their future, and that of our educational system, depends on nothingless. e Dr. Mel Levine is co-founder of All Kinds of Minds, a nonprofit Institute for the understanding of differences in learning. More information about Schools Attuned teacher training and the Student Success Center is available by calling 1-888-956- ruptions and improved student- at www.allkindsofminds.org. tivity, social adjustment, and behavior. In a recent independent study of Schools Attuned-trained educators across the country, more climate, reduced classroom dis- 4637 or 919-933-8082, or online
