ILD Initiatives
The Board of ILD has established two primary initiatives:
- BrainWare Safari Scholarships
BrainWare Safari is a cognitive skills development program created by Learning Enhancement Corporation. It develops cognitive skills comprehensively and in an engaging video-game format. While the program is economical and effective, some schools and families do not have the resources to take advantage of the dramatic improvements in learning ability it offers. As a result, ILD has committed to raising funds to support:
- Classroom teachers in Chicago and Indianapolis who wish to implement BrainWare Safari in their classrooms and are committed to building their students' cognitive skills as well as incorporating brain-based teaching and learning approaches with their students.
- Individuals families who wish to have their children use BrainWare Safari but who cannot afford the program.
ILD expects to begin accepting applications for these programs in October, 2007.
- Enhancing Cognitive Skills as the Basis for Self-Sustaining Life Improvements in Impoverished Communities
ILD is seeking funding to conduct research into the impact of cognitive skill development on the effectiveness of support services provided to families in neighborhoods with large populations of at-risk families. ILD intends to evaluate the impact of increased cognitive development in both primary caregivers and in children. Key areas of impact are expected to be:
• Improved outcomes related to the support services provided to the families, especially decision-making and the ability to utilize support services more effectively
• Strengthened parent-child relationships
• Improved outcomes for the children, including the child's behavior at home, as well his/her success at school in the areas of discipline, conduct and academic achievement