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TSC learning initiative gets state attention
Sue Scott

State Senators Ron Alting and Brian Buchanan, along with representatives from Committee for Children, toured schools and met with TSC educators to learn more about a districtwide initiative to improve social and emotional learning. The TSC’s team of educators called the “Brain Brigade” is spearheading an initiative to incorporate neuroscience research strategies into schools. 

Director of Students Services Dr. BeAnn Younker explained how important it is for educators to understand how the brain works so they can help students with strategies to help regulate their emotions and be prepared to learn. 

The group toured Wea Ridge Elementary School to see a neuroscience education lesson being taught to kindergarteners and a Second Step lesson to fourth grade students. Fourth grade students addressed empathy and how to see someone else’s point of view. Younger students learned about the different parts of the brain including the Amygdala, Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus.

Neuroscience educator Anne Marshall says TSC is empowering students with knowledge of their neuroanatomy. “We know that when our students understand how they think and learn, their emotions are normalized and validated,” says Marshall. “The Applied Educational Neuroscience framework builds on the four pillars of teaching neuroanatomy to all stakeholders, learning about regulation, attachment as a requirement for learning and the need for a regulated teacher brain state.”

“This was an important opportunity to share with our legislators our commitment to social and emotional learning in the Tippecanoe School Corporation,” says Younker. “Our commitment will continue to grow thanks to a three year North Central Health Services grant. The grant will fund professional development for our staff and provide them with the tools and strategies to meet the social and emotional needs of our students.”

Senator Buchanan interactions with students
TSC Brain Brigade and guests