Birchwood School
World Class Education in a Globally Diverse Environment
A private elementary school serving grades K through 8
4400 West 140th Street
Cleveland, OH 44135
Office: 216.251.2321
Fax: 216.251.2787
The Birchwood Project

Mission
    To provide parents and educators with practical help about the application of current research and historical precedents surrounding K-8 general education, gifted education, and character development
Background
    The Birchwood Project is a product of our 25 year experience and research at Birchwood School. Here we have had the rare and invaluable experience of having our own "lab school" environment pursuing the components of outstanding elementary and middle school education. Granted, a pursuit of this nature is never final; no one ever arrives at all the right answers. Nevertheless, our work has rendered us insights into good education, provided our students with measurable academic and personal benefits. The Birchwood Project is our way of sharing what we have learned and inviting others to join our quest to provide children the best education possible.

Content
    The Birchwood Project is designed for parents who are interested in learning more about child development (ages 3-15) and the components of premier education. It provides an historical and research-based perspective from which parents can make informed decisions. Currently, the project has two initiatives. First there is a monthly essay reviewing and applying current research to education and child development. These essays are included in Birchwood's monthly newsletter. Second is a series of lectures and book discussions held monthly throughout the school year.

Two Thrusts

1. Monthly Essay written by Charles Debelak can be found on Chuck's blog at www.birchwoodschool.org/blog.

2. Monthly Lectures and Book Discussions:

Lectures: The Birchwood Project Lectures highlight the components of great education. Drawing upon research, history, and experience, they provide parents with a knowledge base from which to make informed decisions about their children’s education. They also give parents insight into important developmental issues as they relate to progress and achievement inside and outside of school.

Thursday, September 23, 2:00 - 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00

The Tenets of Great Education

    How can I be sure my child is getting a good education? What does history tell us? What does research tell us? What part do parents play to insure great education for their children? In a global marketplace, parents are increasingly more concerned that their children are receiving an education that will make them successful in the 21st century.

Cultivating Creativity in Young People

Thursday, November 17, 2:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00

    We hear from every quarter that creativity is one of the most important characteristics for individual achievement and success in the 21st century. But it is equally important to know that creative thinking is a skill that can be learned, developed, and perfected. This lecture will focus on these skills and how they can be nurtured.

“IQ – Its Meaning and Implications for Education”

Thursday, January 20, 2:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00

    Nearly 100 years of research on intelligence provides ground work for parents and educators to make informed and wise decisions about educating children. This lecture will debunk the myths surrounding the meanings and interpretations of the intelligence quotient (IQ) while also explaining its place in determining curriculum and educational planning for young people.

The Cumulative Advantage: The Rationale for Investing Early in Education

Thursday, March 24, 2:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00

    Do you hope to give your child the best education possible? Then start early. The most important habits and attitudes about schooling and achievement can be, and should be, nurtured in children before the age of ten. Over time, these advantages accumulate and give children a head start in academic achievement and personal development.

Book Discussions: The Book Digest Roundtable Discussions are custom made for busy parents who want to stay abreast of current research about child development, high quality education, or education for bright and gifted children. There’s no homework and everyone can participate.  In each discussion, participants will take turns reading selections from popular literature written by accomplished scholars. These selections will highlight the author’s central theme and enable participants to engage in informative and thoughtful discourse.

Thursday October 21 at 2:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Beyond the Classroom by Steinberg

    Drawing upon ten years of extensive research, Laurence Steinberg, author, researcher and university professor, explains the key factors for student achievement. He offers parents and educators strategies to develop the characteristics that lead to academic success.

Thursday, December 9, 2:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Mindsets: By Carol Dweck

    Clinical psychologist and researcher at Stanford University, Carol Dweck has spent 30 years studying issues surrounding competency and motivation. In her popular new book, she describes the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, and how these two approaches to life affect learning and achievement.

Thursday, February 17, 2:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Reforming Education by Mortimer Adler

    Author of the classic How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler continues to be a voice for universal, classical education. His insights into the components of great education are timeless and critical to the ears of 21st century parents.

Thursday, April 21, 2:00 – 3:00 and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Talent Code  by Daniel Coyle

    Author of the New York Times bestseller Lance Armstrong’s War  and Hardball: A Season in the Projects , Daniel Coyle connects the dots among populations of high achieving individuals in various disciplines. He illustrates some of the essential characteristics of talent development from sports training to academic training. The implications for schooling are powerful.

 

 

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