Adolescent Reasoning Initiative
Teaching Students How To Learn, Not What To Learn
Reasoning, problem solving, and innovation: all necessary competencies for life success. Early adolescence is an optimal time to enhance learning, but many educators do not have the benefit of scientific methods that foster these skills.
Our training program enables middle school through ninth grade teachers to take advantage of this important brain development stage and optimize student learning for success in the classroom and beyond.
A Hands-On Approach
More than 630 teachers have benefited to date, reaching more than 86,000 students.
- Educators Receive Intensive SMART™ Training
- Teachers Become Cognitive Trainers
- BrainHealth Experts Provide Classroom Support
- Teachers Take Annual Refreshers
- Student Growth Is Measured
In this video, hear from Ariel Black, an educator who shares her "aha!" moment.
A Supportive Collaboration
Middle- and high-school teachers who want to boost their students’ thinking partner with the Adolescent Reasoning Initiative team to learn how to implement Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics, or SMART training, in their classrooms.
SMART is a cognitive neuroscience-based approach designed specifically to improve higher-order thinking skills.
A high school principal discusses the profound impact of the program on students and teachers alike.