All Kinds of Minds Recognizes Schools of Distinction

Over 25 schools honored for their efforts to change the face of learning using All Kinds of Minds' programs

* Visit All Kinds of Minds at NAIS in San Francisco – Booth #724 *

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- All Kinds of Minds, a national nonprofit dedicated to translating the latest research about how students learn into training and tools that equip educators to better reach all learners, today recognized more than 25 Schools of Distinction. The national and international schools receiving this designation represent a wide range of learning environments – including public, charter, and independent schools of all sizes and from a range of communities.

Schools selected as All Kinds of Minds Schools of Distinction have committed to implementation of the All Kinds of Minds philosophy and approach into their curricula and school culture and have trained more than 50 percent of their staff using All Kinds of Minds' programs. They exemplify how schools can build expertise in learning in order to develop individual intellects, talents, and creativity through innovative teaching; implement a wide range of creative learning concepts that take into consideration students' strengths, affinities and challenges; and help solve problems through addressing student learning issues.

"These outstanding schools have embraced the All Kinds of Minds philosophy and programs to do amazing work with students," said Mary-Dean Barringer, All Kinds of Minds CEO and co-author of a forthcoming book entitled, Schools for All Kinds of Minds. "They have effectively integrated these programs into their school missions, fostering success among diverse and complex learners. We are excited about the opportunity these schools will offer their students through innovative teaching practices."

View the full list of recognized schools by clicking here or by copying/pasting this URL in your browser: http://www.allkindsofminds.org/SchoolsOfDistinction/list.aspx

Monroe Elementary School in Enid, Okla., began working with All Kinds of Minds in 1999. Today the school's entire faculty is trained in the All Kinds of Minds approach, and school principal Kay Kiner credits the use of this knowledge for helping improve test scores and reducing special education referrals.

"Our goal was to intervene and make a positive impact with our struggling students who did not qualify for extra services," recalled Kiner. "Our All Kinds of Minds training opened our eyes to a new way of thinking about learning and teaching, giving us research-based knowledge and strategies to use with our students who learn differently in the regular classroom."

Max Roach, Director of Wasatch Academy's Schools Attuned Program in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, said using the professional development programs offered by All Kinds of Minds has enabled educators to teach learners how to learn, to value their gifts, and use them to overcome academic challenges.

"All Kinds of Minds' commitment to research-driven educational innovations is nothing short of revolutionary," added Roach. "Our new Learning Strategies student course, based upon the All Kinds of Minds approach, helps students become more successful learners by understanding their learning profiles from a neurodevelopmental perspective."

Representatives from All Kinds of Minds will be attending this week's National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Annual Conference in San Francisco, Calif.  Please be sure to stop by Booth #724 to learn more about how to implement the All Kinds of Minds approach in your school.

All Kinds of Minds has equipped more than 48,000 teachers worldwide to better understand, identify, and manage learning differences among students. More than 20 independent studies, along with a decade of program evaluation data, show that All Kinds of Minds' programs help students improve on multiple measures of school success and academic achievement, and support greater instructional effectiveness for teachers.

About All Kinds of Minds

All Kinds of Minds is a globally recognized organization that translates groundbreaking research from neuroscience and other disciplines on how children learn -- and vary in their learning -- into a powerful framework educators can use in their classrooms. In addition to delivering high-quality professional development for educators, All Kinds of Minds advocates for learning-focused education policies and reform efforts to help transform schools and school systems to better meet the needs of all students. More information about All Kinds of Minds' professional development programs is available at www.allkindsofminds.org.

SOURCE All Kinds of Minds