Columbia Elementary School

Teachers plan and prepare a learning environment that encourages children's initiative, active exploration of material and interaction with other children.
Children need to be more physically active in the classroom, not just sitting quietly in their seats. Knowledge is retained longer if children connect not only through what they hear but emotionally and physically to the material.
(Robert Sylvester, University of Oregon)

Optimum windows of opportunity for learning occur because a child's brain gobbles up glucose at twice the adult rate -- so young brains are as primed as they will ever be to process new information.
(Harry Chugani, Wayne State University)
The brain is so hungry for stimulation that, with proper attention early enough in life, scientists can raise a disadvantaged child's IQ 30 points, cut the riskof some forms of mental retardation in half and correct common learning disabilities such as dyslexia.
(Robert Lee Hotz, Science Writer
LA Times, October 13, 1996)
The brain is the ultimate use it or lose it machine.
(Ronald Kotulak)

Cost Effectiveness

Research shows that intense early intervention can reverse or prevent learning problems for far less than it costs to provide special services later.
High quality Early Childhood programs save as much as $7 for every $1 spent by decreasing the likelihood children will be dropouts, on welfare or arrested.
(Children's Defense Fund)

Send comments to Tom Kelly, Director of Technology.