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Plymouth State University
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Center for School Success
The Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching
Plymouth State University's College of Graduate Studies has partnered with the Center for School Success to create graduate programs focusing in the Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching – the only programs of their kind in the country. Students may complete a graduate certificate; a Master of Education in K-12 Education, Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching; or the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership with a concentration in the Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching.
The Center for School Success (CSS) is a non-profit organization that helps struggling students achieve measurable success in school and in life. Located in West Lebanon, NH, CSS is the only community-based, educational resource of its type in New Hampshire and Vermont.
CSS bases its services on the work of Dr. Mel Levine, internationally-renowned developmental pediatrician and co-founder of the non-profit All Kinds of Minds Institute in North Carolina. Dr. Levine's work is founded on 30 years of research in cognitive neurosciences. CSS integrates this research with the current theories and best practices of multiple disciplines, including education, health and psychology.
"If I can't learn the way you teach, can you teach the way I learn?"
Candidates seeking a graduate certificate, master's degree or CAGS with a concentration in the Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching will be able to use recent brain-based research to inform their teaching practice, in particular how to identify, respond and manage students with learning differences. Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of themselves as learners and how they can best capitalize on their own strengths, experiences and expertise in order to become more effective teachers. Candidates will also use their understanding of the neurodevelopmental systems to provide specific instructional strategies to promote self-advocacy and school success. The Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching courses will provide the essential tools and knowledge needed for sustained implementation.
The Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching rationale is based on research, best practices and professional development standards outlined by Plymouth State University's College of Graduate Studies, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teaching Excellence (NCATE).
All candidates who complete a graduate program in the Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching concentration will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the neurodevelopmental functions of the brain and their impact on learning
- Demonstrate the ability to observe for specific learning strengths and weaknesses through classroom observation and analysis of student work samples
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and implement specific instructional strategies based on data pertinent to individual students' neurodevelopmental profiles of learning strengths and weaknesses
- Examine curricula, lessons and assessments in order to determine the neurodevelopmental demands of various academic tasks
- Develop lessons, curricula and assessments (informal and formal) with intentional consideration of targeted neurodevelopmental demands
- Apply collaborative practices (with parents, students, colleagues) to promote effective communication and management of individual student needs
- Incorporate teaching of metacognitive concepts and strategies in everyday lessons
- Synthesize and apply knowledge of the neurodevelopmental approach to help students understand and effectively self-advocate for their own learning needs
Steps toward earning a graduate certificate, master's degree or CAGS with a concentration in the Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching
- Apply for admission to the College of Graduate Studies. Note: You can take up to 12 graduate credits before being accepted into a graduate program. Credits received from PSU courses taken prior to admission may be applied toward a degree program of your choice, if the courses fulfill the requirements.
Please visit plymouth.edu/graduate/admissions for step-by-step admission application procedures. - It is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with a PSU program coordinator or an advisor. Call (800) FOR-GRAD or e-mail forgrad@plymouth.edu to schedule an advising session. Visit plymouth.edu/graduate/advising for a list of advisors by degree program and advising sessions by geographic location.
To learn more about the Center for School Success call (603) 298-6700 or visit centerforschoolsuccess.org.
For more information about Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching options, contact Dr. Kimberly M. Williams at (603) 535-3296 or kmwilliams3@plymouth.edu.
