Bridges to Learning 2004

Bridges to Learning Institute

The Second Annual Bridges to Learning Coeur d’Alene Summer Institute brought in a surprising 650 attendees this year, nearly 200 more than the previous year. The three day conference began Tuesday, June 29^th and lasted until Thursday July 1^st.

Following registration on Tuesday, the afternoon began with an opening speech from keynote speakers Dr. Ben and Sally Shaywitz. Dr. Sally Shaywitz discussed her book Overcoming Dyslexia, which sheds lights on a new science-based program that addresses reading problems at any level. Dr. Ben Shaywitz spoke about the neurological differences in those individuals with learning difficulties.

A welcome reception followed the first day of breakout sessions and the evening ended with some comedy entertainment by Pat McAllister. Dr. Anita Archer, who gave the keynote speech “The Art and Heart of Education,” during the lunch hour on day two, is an educational consultant to school districts. She is nationally known for her presentations and publications on instructional procedures and design. The closing keynote speech was given by Dr. Steve Kukic, of Sopris West, who has a Ph.D. in School Administration. His keynote speech was titled “Closing the Achievement Gap With A Vengeance.”

A variety of workshops, or breakout sessions, were offered each day for teachers and school administrators. The topics ranged from improving vocabulary, mathematical, reading, and spelling skills; behavioral issues among students; to teaching social competence and character. The classes provided a wealth of information on teaching strategies. One instructor, Dr. Anita Archer, taught her sessions as she would teach a class of students in order to precisely demonstrate her style and teaching techniques.

Next year’s Bridges to Learning Conference is tentatively set for June 30 - July 2, 2005 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

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