September 2007

Dear Reader - More schools are getting S.M.A.R.T. and looking at students in a different light, one that illuminates readiness skill deficits as the probable cause of many learning difficulties, rather than the student, the parents, the home, etc. This summer the MLRC hosted nine S.M.A.R.T. workshops in four states - MN, TN, NC, and SD - and broke all previous records for how many teachers were impacted. Some 400 educators participated and we currently have 75+ schools on the list for mentoring across the state and nation!
As S.M.A.R.T. activities get underway in those schools and classrooms, SMART mentors are beginning their visits to assist teachers in discovering that the activities truly can be integrated into their existing curriculum and schedule. For those sites that have "graduated" from mentoring days, we trust you continue to find creative ways to integrate even more S.M.A.R.T. activities into your daily instruction.

Some easy ways to do that---

Keep the S.M.A.R.T. Curriculum Guide at your fingertips! That makes it
especially to recall specific directions for an activity and to look up
variations as your students advance or need more variety.

Visit another S.M.A.R.T. school in your region - we always learn more from
each other!

Attend a second S.M.A.R.T. Workshop. Those who do always say they learn so
much AFTER having used the program and going through a second training!

And you are also always welcome to come visit us at A Chance to Grow in
Minneapolis. Give us a call if you are going to be in the Twin Cities for
any reason and we'll set up a time for you to visit and observe our
SMART/Boost Up program in action.

The MLRC is always here to help all S.M.A.R.T. teachers improve upon their
program so, whether you have a mentor or not, call or e-mail us with
questions or suggestions. Have a S.M.A.R.T. year!!