Through out elementary school and college I always preferred to do either something creative (like acting in plays) or technical (like programming) rather then regular academics. That was many years ago and somehow I was able to forge my own path to make it through the parts of school that caused me stress. Now watching my kids go through school, it feels like the game has changed and there is little room for creative paths. Kids and teens somehow have much more homework, testing to higher standards and at the same time are expected to do more after school activities. All to build up that “perfect resume” for college that still makes wonder what for? This leaves kids stressed out in epic proportions, and even if they do get into college some are crashing from the pressure. What happened to school being a supportive environment that builds up a love of learning for kids? This epidemic of school inspired stress touches almost every family I know.
When I first heard about the organization Challenge Success, I was intrigued because it had a mission of “partnering with schools and families to provide kids with the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to succeed now and in the future”. They believe that kids come with a wide variety of interests, skills, capacities, and talents and need love, support, limits, and a safe environment to develop their full potential. Most importantly, the organization’s vision is finally offering insight on the issue of school stress: “The overemphasis on grades, test scores, and rote answers has stressed out some kids and marginalized many more. We all want our kids to do well in school and to master certain skills and concepts, but our largely singular focus on academic achievement has resulted in a lack of attention to other components of a successful life—the ability to be independent, adaptable, ethical, and engaged critical thinkers. Our work helps to foster learners who are healthy, motivated, and prepared for the wide variety of tasks they will face as adults.” Challenge Success provides schools and families information and strategies they need to create a more balanced and academically fulfilling life for their kids. Their founders (Denise Pope, Madeline Levine and Jim Lobdell) and staff have an approach based on best practices and research. They have courses, presentations and even parenting guidelines.
Challenge Success Parent Education Offerings, 2015 – 2016
In addition to our popular live parent education presentations, Challenge Success now offers three new video options. Please check Challenge Success for those offerings and contact them if you are interested in bringing a parent education presentation to your school.
Challenge Success has a New Book!
The first Challenge Success book has officially been released — Overloaded and Underprepared: Strategies for Stronger Schools and Healthy, Successful Kids. The new book provides the research-based tools needed to begin making immediate changes at your school, in your community, and at home that will benefit all kids. Consider purchasing a copy for your school’s library, school board members, and faculty members through Amazon.
Preview select chapters of the book with video clips narrated by Co-Founder and Co-Author, Denise Pope.
**EVENT: For those that live in the SF Bay Area, Challenge Success has a Parent Education Event at Stanford Memorial Auditorium titled “Sparking Creativity: Imagining Tomorrow’s Schools”. Those not local can watch the livestream. Listed below are more details and a flyer. Don’t miss out one of the most important parent education events!
Press release:
Sparking Creativity: Imagining Tomorrow’s Schools
Friday, September 25th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm PDT
Challenge Success invites you to our biggest parent education event of the year. This year’s keynote speaker will be Tony Wagner, author and Expert in Residence at Harvard University’s new Innovation Lab. He will be joined by Challenge Success Co-Founders, Dr. Denise Pope and Dr. Madeline Levine, for an interactive discussion on fostering creativity in schools and at home.
Purchase tickets for Stanford: http://www.challengesuccess.org/sparking-creativity-imagining-tomorrows-schools/
Livestream event tickets: http://www.challengesuccess.org/store/online-streaming-2015-stanford-parent-ed/
Please note: People who have paid for the livestream/virtual event, will have viewing access post event.
