The School Administrator

December 2006 Number 11, Vol. 63Brain-Friendly PracticesHow cognitive neuroscience is informing K-12 instruction

Features

Brain-Compatible Learning: Fad or Foundation?
by Patricia Wolfe
Neuroscience points to better instructional strategies, but sorting out the sundry claims on programs touted as “brain-based” is a tougher call.
Similar Reading: Not All Academic: Brain Development in the Early Years and Resources
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Applying Brain-Friendly Instructional Practices
by Laura Erlauer-Myrah
One principal’s description of how she has worked with her staff to change the instructional climate.
Similar Reading: Promoting Practices Among School Staff
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Addressing Literacy Through Neuroscience
by Steve Miller and Paula A. Tallal
Because the human brain no longer is seen as a hard-wired organ, educators can make serious inroads in helping students who are struggling with spoken and written language skills.
Similar Reading: The Brain Connection
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How the Arts Develop the Young Brain
by David A. Sousa
Neuroscience research is revealing the impressive impact of music, drawing and physical activity on students’ cognitive, social and emotional development.
Similar Reading: Why the Arts Belong in School and Resources
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Cognitive Neuroscience Discoveries and Educational Practices
by Robert Sylwester
Seven areas of brain research that shift the current behavioral orientation of teaching and learning.
Similar Reading: Resources
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Profile

Acting Big on a Small Stage by Paul Riede

Judith Johnson helped shape national education policy for the Clinton White House before moving into school system leadership in Peekskill, N.Y.

Departments

Board-Savvy Superintendent

Bullies in the Boardroom by Nicholas D. Caruso Jr.

They can make life miserable for others on the board and the superintendent. So how should you cope with those board members who believe they can get their way by publicly challenging, verbally abusing or even threatening others?read more

Focus

Setting Boundaries for Sexual Harassment by Edward F. Dragan

More than half of secondary schools and middle schools have reported incidents of sexual harassment, meaning schools need to be aware of personal interactions in school settings that could lead to inappropriate relationships.read more

Guest Columns

Crossing Borders To Increase Student Learning by Martin J. Blank

Educators who want to build sustainable partnerships with community groups and businesses must recognize the broader dimension of youth development and the importance of family circumstance.read more

Office Addicted? Try This Three-Step Process by Nic Clement

Are you feeling isolated and insulated in your central-office role? Tired of being the last to know and first to be surprised?read more

The Dangerous Option of Testing Out by Bronte H. Reynolds

Would you feel kindly about surgery performed by a doctor who’d opted out of a full-fledged training program? Then why, a former superintendent asks, is a California commission allowing teachers with minimal experience the chance to test out to receive their credential in educational administration without formal training?read more

Tech Leadership

Engaging, Technology-Rich Classrooms on a Budget by Jim Hirsch

Before investing too heavily in interactive whiteboards, consider the latest research on whether the technology contributes to better student outcomes.read more

President's Corner

CSI Public Schools: Solving a Mystery by Eugene G. White

AASA’s president says he is glad so many people are curious about solving crimes because he has a good who-done-it in need of resolution: Who is attempting to kill public education?read more

Executive Perspective

Christmas Presence by Paul D. Houston

AASA’s executive director has a modest proposal for the holiday season: Give yourself and those around you the gift of presence when thoughts of many turn to more traditional presents.read more

Systems Thinking

Vitals for Change: Process, Benchmarking and Data by Anne W. Miller

Like football coaches, school system leaders sometimes have basic statistics that tell them whether students are winning or losing but little data that tells them why.read more

People

People

Career movements of AASA members across the land.read more

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