Creating Safe, Challenging and Joyful Elementary Schools Topic of July Conference

Education Leaders Gather in Washington, DC for Responsive Classroom Schools Conference

TURNERS FALLS, Mass., March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On July 17 & 18, elementary school leaders from around the country will gather at the seventh annual Responsive Classroom Schools Conference (RCSC) at George Washington University in Washington, DC to share ideas about schoolwide implementation of the research-backed Responsive Classroom® approach to social, emotional, and academic learning. Registration is now open.

"Children learn best in caring school communities where they feel safe and significant—the kinds of communities the Responsive Classroom approach helps build," says Karen Casto, director of professional services at Northeast Foundation for Children. The foundation, which hosts RCSC, is the developer of the approach.

Casto, whose school earned National School of Character recognition during her tenure, notes that when she was a principal, schoolwide implementation cut disciplinary referrals, boosted test scores, and helped everyone—teachers and students–enjoy school more. "It's exciting," she says, "to see that more and more schools every year are implementing this powerful way of teaching schoolwide."

Whether administrators are already using Responsive Classroom practices schoolwide, beginning to broaden their implementation, or just exploring new ways of creating effective learning communities in their schools, Casto says they'll bring home practical ideas, resources, and contacts.

Conference organizer Allison Henry says that RCSC 2012 offers "a full slate of practical, engaging, and informative sessions, and two outstanding keynote speakers." Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, psychotherapist, parenting expert, and co-author of The Whole-Brain Child, will deliver a keynote speech titled "Using Brain Research to Educate Whole-Brain Children." Caltha Crowe, Responsive Classroom consulting teacher and author, will offer "It's Up to All of Us: Working Schoolwide to Prevent Bullying," sharing what she has learned while working on her forthcoming book, How to Bullyproof Your Classroom.

In other sessions, administrators will explore ways to:

• engage parents more actively in classroom and school life;
• build schoolwide community with all-school activities and a common language;
• enhance schoolwide discipline;
• promote inclusion and healthy, fun play at recess; and
• continually strengthen professional community.

For more details, including registration information and a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/rcsc.

About Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc. and the Responsive Classroom approach
Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc. (NEFC), a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1981 by elementary school educators who envisioned a way of teaching that would bring together academic and social learning throughout the school day. That way of teaching, called the Responsive Classroom® approach, is now being used in schools across the country. For more information, visit www.responsiveclassroom.org.

SOURCE Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.