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CONNECTING OBJECTIVES WITH NEURONS THROUGH NOVELTY AND INNOVATION IN EDUCATION (CONNIE)

February 8, 2008 - CM Educate, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 based in Houston, TX, designed the staff development and teaching model that is currently in its second year of validation within the Houston Independent School District (HISD) at Halpin Early Childhood Center.

Preparing teachers and parents to maximize current brain development research is CM Educate's mission. Experienced, master teachers are trained as consultants, coaches, and mentors to facilitate and guide educators to successfully implement an accelerated brain-based science curriculum. Inquiry-based strategies, novelty, and innovative teaching practices are featured to stimulate and increase neural synapses that unleash the learning potential of a child's brain. The cross-cultural curriculum addresses the needs of all preschool children, including those with special needs, limited English, at-risk, and gifted and talented.

The eight modules of the CONNIE^sm Model offer enriched, hands-on learning experiences to develop the whole child at a time when their brain and body is exhibiting tremendous growth and capacity for learning. By focusing on early childhood, the goal is to lay a strong foundation and initiate a life-long love of learning, questioning, investigating, experimenting, creating and inventing. To fully implement the model, CM Educate also supplies books, materials, equipment, and resources for teachers and parents.

Ms. Patricia Thomas, principal at Halpin Early Childhood Center, states, "Science is the "hub" and the driving force of the learning wheel in the CONNIE^sm Model. The science hub drives and supports the spokes of the wheel which represents integration of science into the other content areas of language arts, reading, mathematics, social studies, fine arts, and physical education. The CONNIE^sm Model has created an exciting and challenging learning environment at Halpin."

Dr. Ernesto Bernal, education consultant and external evaluator, has been measuring the effectiveness of the CONNIE^sm Model. End-of-year standardized tests results from APRENDA, IPT, NNAT, IGDI, Stanford 10, and IDEA (IPT) show significant gains in student achievement for participating children. Final project results of the three-year study will become available in August 2009.

Creators of the CONNIE^sm Model, Connie Reza (author, master teacher, 2003 National Bilingual Teacher of the Year) and Dr. Martha Diaz (master teacher, bilingual curriculum expert) co-founded CM Educate in 2007. Their vision is to eliminate the achievement gap for all children.

Funding for the project has been generously provided by The Sherman Foundation of Houston. For more information and to donate, visit www.cmeducate.org.