Lifelong Learning Skills Summit

Why is the current emphasis on grades and scores not what we need in today’s world? Why do we need young people who are curious, have a sense of drive and mission, social intelligence, and agility?

The time is now to challenge the traditional metrics of academic achievement and explore why today's world demands a shift toward nurturing executive function skills - from curiosity and social intelligence to purposeful drive. Together, we'll discover how educational leaders can become powerful catalysts for change, illuminating the path toward an education system that truly prepares young people for the complexities and opportunities of real-world success.

How do I create the foundation where learning grows?

Dive into a dynamic exploration of concrete, actionable strategies that transform the abstract ideal of executive function into daily educational practice, where you'll discover how to architect learning environments that naturally cultivate these essential skills. Learn how to shift from traditional instructional models to creating vibrant, purposeful spaces where students' executive function capabilities can flourish organically.

How does meaning-making develop and why is it important? What is happening in the brain as it toggles between networks and develops the capacity for transcendent thinking?

Embark on a fascinating journey into the neuroscience of meaning-making, where you'll uncover how the brain's intricate networks collaborate to create profound understanding and transformative thinking patterns.

Why does thinking positively by itself not lead to achieving goals? How do educators create an environment where students set goals for themselves?

Venture beyond positive thinking to unlock the interplay between mindset, environment, and achievement, as we explore how educators can architect spaces that naturally inspire students to set and pursue meaningful goals. Discover the elements that distinguish successful goal-achievers from those who struggle, and learn how to create educational ecosystems where every student can develop the inner compass that guides them toward their highest potential.

How does perspective-taking change the brain and deepen motivation and understanding?

We'll get into the science of perspective-taking and learn how expanding our mental horizons can ignite new neural pathways and fuels the innate drive to learn and grow. Join us to uncover innovative approaches that empower both students and families to harness these vital capabilities, creating a ripple effect of resilience and understanding that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

What examples exist for effective goal setting and what can we learn from them?

We'll breakout into groups to discuss real-life examples of how adults can promote cognition, goal setting, and perspective taking in the field. What are the indicators? What are the “look-fors”?

How can we improve the components of our inner voices including reflection, motivation, processing, chatter, and self-questioning?

Explore the power of inner dialogue, where you'll hone the art of harnessing your internal conversation to unlock unprecedented levels of self-awareness and personal growth.

How does a mentor mindset improve the relationships between adults and children and among children?

Step into a powerful exploration of the mentor mindset and discover how transforming adult-child relationships can catalyze a revolution in educational dynamics and student growth. Through dynamic breakout sessions and collaborative inquiry, we'll uncover the concrete indicators of success and essential "look-fors" that signal when we're truly nurturing an ecosystem of meaningful connection and authentic learning partnerships.

Why is creative thinking important to students’ learning and thriving? How does it contribute to problem-solving?

Through cutting-edge insights from brain science, we'll unlock the secrets of developing powerful creative thinkers who can transcend traditional problem-solving boundaries and architect solutions that reshape our world.

How does the interplay of self-regulatory skills and the quality of teaching/caregiving environments contribute to students’ health, learning, and well-being over time?

Explore the vital connections between enriched learning environments and students' lifelong development, where skilled guidance meets the innate potential for growth and discovery. Explore the science of building robust mental frameworks, and learn ways educators can spark deep intellectual engagement and foster analytical capabilities that evolve naturally within each child.

How can we manage reactions, such as stress, to our advantage in coping with challenges?

Journey into the interplay between mind and body and learn how our neural and physical responses to challenges can be transformed from perceived obstacles into powerful catalysts for growth. You'll come away with strategies for reframing stress responses and cultivating resilient mindsets, empowering educators to create learning environments where challenges become gateways to extraordinary development and achievement.

What examples exist for crticial thinking, creative thinking, and risk taking and what can we learn from them?

We'll breakout into groups to discuss real-life examples of how adults promote creativity, thinking, and risk taking in classrooms. What are the indicators? What are the “look-fors”?

How can we spark learning after adverse experiences and what does it take to promote well-being?

Through evidence-based insights and innovative approaches, discover how to create spaces that transform adverse experiences into foundations for resilience, igniting each student's innate capacity to learn, heal, and thrive in our ever-evolving educational landscape.

How do we motivate, inspire, and build self-confidence in our students and employees?

Uncover the spark that transforms ordinary learning spaces into vibrant incubators of confidence and purpose, where motivation becomes the magnetic force drawing students and staff toward excellence! Learn to craft educational ecosystems where self-assurance blooms naturally, unlocking the hidden potential within your school community and fostering a rich culture where passionate learning becomes contagious.

What specific actions can classroom teachers and personnel take?

Through practical wisdom and proven techniques, unlock your team's capacity to weave these essential skills into the fabric of everyday learning, creating vibrant spaces where students naturally develop the tools they need to thrive in tomorrow's world.

What is a possibilities mindset?

Unlock the power of possibility thinking, where you'll discover how shifting from fixed mindsets to expansive visions can catalyze growth for students and staff alike.

Learn from district leaders who will reveal the powerful levers of systemic change, sharing their journeys of weaving executive function and lifelong learning into their educational DNA. Through rich dialogue and strategic insights, discover how these leaders have activated key drivers of change, mobilized their teams, and architected breakthrough moments that you can adapt to ignite your own district's transformation journey.