Schools for All Kinds of Minds – Boosting Student Success by Embracing Learning Variation

Schools for All Kinds of Minds

Based on cutting-edge brain research and the pioneering work being done at the All Kinds of Minds nonprofit organization, this groundbreaking book offers a dynamic approach to closing the ever-widening achievement gap in schools. Schools for All Kinds of Minds shows how edu tors at all levels can develop expertise in "learning variation"--understanding how different kind of minds learn--and demonstrates how to apply this knowledge to raise achievement for all. This focus--which recognizes kids' learning strengths, not just deficits--can lead to school success even for struggling students.

The All Kinds of Minds model is defined by these essential components: Expertise in the science of learning and the belief that differences are variation, not deviation; evidence gathered from multiple sources, including an approach for understanding how specific students learn; a problem-solving model that helps to identify passions and affinities that can drive scholarship, careers, and other life choices; a set of five core beliefs about how all students are treated; and a commitment to align school and educational practices and policies to the way students learn and vary in their learning.

The book includes reflection exercises and accompanying online resources that can facilitate the use of the All Kinds of Minds model within school-based professional learning communities (PLCs) and other staff development activities, as well as teacher education programs.