Mind Brain Education
Mind Brain Education (MBE)
In partnership with Neuroteach Global and the Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning (CTTL)
Staff at Kestrel Heights engage in Mind Brain Education (MBE) in partnership with Neuroteach Global and the Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning (CTTL). MBE equips Kestrel Heights staff with the knowledge and skills to design instruction with the latest brain science in mind. Through MBE, we will be able to develop strategies to improve scholar achievement, well-being, and the whole-school experience.
After two decades of pioneering work in brain research, the education community has realized that understanding the brain can help open new pathways to improve teaching, learning, working memory, and executive functioning. In addition, neuroscientists have established that the brain has a highly robust and well-developed capacity to change in response to environmental demands, a process called neuroplasticity. By strategically addressing the learning environment, curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment, and scholar well-being, Kestrel Heights staff are empowered to be brain changers.
Kestrel Heights teachers and staff understand the idea of neuroplasticity. There is not, in fact, such a thing as “left-brained” or “right-brained” learners. Therefore, at Kestrel Heights, scholars and staff are “all brained”, all the time.
Learn more about “thinking outside of the brain” by clicking on the resources below:
A Day in the Life of Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning
NeuroTeach Global
Using Neuroscience to Improve Teaching
CTTL Webinars & Podcasts
OUR CURRICULUM
ENCOURAGES EXCELLENCE
Kestrel Heights has established a new partnership with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a nationally recognized leader in education, to provide a comprehensive curriculum for K-8 students in Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. This enhanced curriculum will provide integrated, research-based materials that will enable our students to continue outperforming county and state averages for end-of-grade tests.
All KHS teachers will receive professional development conducted by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt professionals before classes begin to assist them with implementing the new curriculum.
Kestrel Heights School is partnering with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a nationally recognized “power-house” in education, to provide a K-8 all-inclusive curriculum in Math, English-Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies, ensuring that each student has equal access to the necessary tools for their academic success. Teachers will be given a rigorous baseline and materials for reaching all levels of learners, eliminating the additional time spent searching for and creating curriculum resources. Students and parents will have access to classroom materials and supplemental resources online to assist with learning at home. Professional development for staff in the first year will be conducted with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt professionals to ensure the implementation of the curriculum with fidelity, with follow-up training as necessary in future years. Kestrel Heights School has consistently outperformed both the State and the local county in end of grade testing in grades 3-8. Using a research-based, comprehensive curriculum, Kestrel Heights School will continue as a leader in academic excellence in Durham.
Students and parents will have access to classroom materials and supplemental resources online to help students learn at home. We are very excited about these additional resources and how they will benefit our students. Click here to view the Elementary School Supply List or the Middle School Supply List.