Getting into the VIP of students' brains requires an intentional focus on design and relationship building. Sustaining that access requires emotional and physical safety, and then engaging and challenging and supporting students.

1. More Brains, Less Brawn
Jason Flom, Director of Learning Platforms
QED Foundation
Whole Brain, Whole Child, Whole School
Image: Tany Yau Hoong

2. Back in the day . . .
. . . when Pluto was still a planet
The Brain Was Fixed*
(*based on poor/no research)

3. These days . . .
We know better*
(*We have research)
Image: IO9

4. “The brain is continually changing, as learning
experiences shape its architecture.”
Christina Hinton, Kurt W. Fischer, Catherine Glennon
Image: UCLA Faculty Association

5. “The brain is learning virtually all the time, in
both formal and informal contexts.”
Christina Hinton, Kurt W. Fischer, Catherine Glennon
Image: UCLA Faculty Association

6. “The brain changes that underlie learning occur
when experiences are active, not passive.”
Christina Hinton, Kurt W. Fischer, Catherine Glennon
Image: UCLA Faculty Association

7. Neuroplasticity:
Neurons that fire together, wire together
(Use ‘em or lose ‘em)
Image: Project Walk

8. Location,
Location,
Location
Image: Simpsons

9. Premier Property: Prefrontal Cortex
Home of Executive Functioning
Image: IO9 Auman
Chris

10. Executive Success:
planning,
flexibility,
tolerance,
risk assessment,
informed
decision-making,
reasoning,
analysis,
and delay of
immediate
gratification to
achieve long-term
goals Image: Executive Skills Works
Source: Judy Willis

11. Pump Up Executive Function “Muscles”
Image:SNL

12. What happens at school/home
doesn’t stay at school/home
Image: Jeremy Ko

13. Access to Brain’s VIP Lounge is Exclusive
Image: Sir Toddy English

14. Amygdala triggers Flight or Fight
When . . .
Scared
Fearful
Worried
Unsafe
Nervous
Threatened
Bored
Image: Polemie

15. The brain’s bouncer asks, “Are you worthy?”
Source: edutopia

16. SAFE!
Emotionally
Emotionally
Physically
Physically
Socially
Socially
Image: Military Times Edge

17. But How?

18. Step 1: Mission Statement and Program Assessment
Your Puzzle is Unique
(Just like everyone else’s)
Image: Great Leadership by Dan

19. Step 2: Develop
Leverage Plan
Mission
People
“Data”
Image: Clipart ETC

20. Step 3: Engage!
Image: Star Trek TNG

21. Learning Community
Facilitated Leadership & Collaborative Inquiry
Image: DC Comics Justice League

22. Collaborate,
Target, Inquire,
Reflect, Apply,
Repeat
Image: Worcester Community Housing

23. School-wide
Culture of Learning
More than the sum of its parts
Image: Glennz

24. We learn together when. . .
supported
challenged
safe
healthy
engaged
Image: Epic Self

25. Resources
Connecting  ASCD Whole Child
 QED
the Transformational
Change Model
Parts 

Learner Sketch Tool
Edutopia
Neuroscience
 Judy Willis Video
 Students at the
Center
 School Reform
Initiative (Critical
Friends Group)
 Carol Ann
Tomlinson’s
“Differentiation and
the Brain”
Image: Chicago Bike Blog

26. Questions, Comments, Quips?
Jason Flom, Director of Learning Platforms
QED Foundation www.QEDfoundation.org
JasonQED at gmail dot com