Description:
Quantum Learning (QL) provides training for students, teachers, administrators and also businesses. In regards to schools, its programs are designed to create dynamic learning environments in which students can obtain the academic and life skills necessary to be confident and successful. It works at every level to develop a sense of community that is empowering and positive (www.quantumlearning.com).

QL academic skills focus on building students' awareness of their own Learning Styles and needs. Time management, test taking, note taking and study skills are addressed. Students learn strategies for enhancing memorization skills as well as "idea reading" and writing related strategies such as how to get past writer's block (www.supercamp.com).

Under the category of life skills there are 8 Keys of Excellence that act as the framework for building personal effectiveness:

1. Integrity
2. Failure Leads to Success
3. Speak With Good Purpose
4. This Is It!
5. Commitment
6. Ownership
7. Flexibility
8. Balance
   

Children and adults alike learn specific strategies for improving their communication skills, building positive relationships, setting goals, solving problems and thinking creatively (www.supercamp.com).

Goal:
"Vision Statement:
An international model of excellence, facilitating a shift in learning, resulting in creative, educated, responsible people,
participating in the global community."

(Vision statement of the Learning Forum, producer of Quantum Learning programs in the US and around the world, retrieved February 29, 2004 from http://www.learningforum.com)

Approach:
Compenents of the Quantum Learning Staff Development program include 5 days, or levels, of training each building upon the previous. Teachers move from learning about curriculum design and creating a supportive environment into the "how to" of delivering specific learning and life skills to students in the classroom. Reinforcement days and Classroom Coaching days are designed as follow-up support for teachers practicing newly learn skills. Learning Forum facilitators are present to answer questions, provide feedback or model practices if desired. Design and Planning days specific to QL are incorporated to address schools' long-term objectives in regards to what they aim to get out of the program (www.quantumlearning.com).

Quantum Learning programs for students may range from a motivational hour long assembly to a ten or more days summer camp, known as Supercamp - the successful summer program on which QL student programming is based. To prepare a program for students, representatives from a school or district meet with members of QL's Learning Forum to custom blend the learning and life skills best suited for a particular population of students. Program days, planning days and training days for participating teachers are determined by the established focus. While QL programming for teachers and administrators can benefit students of all ages, student-specific programming is specified on their website as appropriate for children in grades 6-12 (www.quantumlearning.com).

For administrators and other educational leaders, QL has a two-day workshop focused on how to be a motivational, inspiring and strong leader. The QL learning skills considered essential to being a strong administrator are as follows:

• Understand your thinking and working styles, and identify the styles of others
• Understand the formula for building a strong school community
• Establish and maintain a positive, productive atmosphere
• Identify the elements for fostering trust, safety and respect at work
• Develop more confidence in your ability to work effectively in team situations
• Increase your ability to be a motivating and inspiring leader
• Learn how to support your staff in systematic and personal victories
  

(www.quantumlearning.com)

QL also provides training for businesses and has held public workshops in Chicago and San Diego. A free catalog and CD can be ordered through the QL website (www.quantumlearning.com).

The Learning Forum, the producer of Quantum learning programming, provides an umbrella website with connections to QL national and international programs as well as several QL related products and articles: www.learningforum.com. What seems to be another, slightly different version of the QL website featuring the same information can be viewed at http://www.learningforum.com/quantum/index.html

The Quantum Quarterly is a newsletter available through the Supercamp website under "Support and Products."

research:
In 2003, an independent evaluator (Benn and Associates) contracted by the developer studied Quantum Learning’s impact in 18 schools in four states: three schools in California, six in Illinois, six in Wyoming, and three in Texas. Evaluators compared student achievement scores to schools with similar data on state performance indexes, other matched comparison schools, or statewide averages. The number of years of Implementation varied from two to four years. The study found that students who attended schools with Quantum Learning trained teachers demonstrated greater gains in achievement than comparison sample students not participating in the model.

At New Lexington Elementary School, for example, students showed greater gains on SAT-9 Reading exams during the 2001-2002 school year compared with similar schools in the district. These gains were statistically significant. At three high schools in Illinois, students made statistically significant improvements on the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) reading and writing assessments from 2001 and 2002 compared with a statewide comparison sample. During the same period, mathematics scores on the PSAE showed a decline compared with the same sample. In Sheridan District #1 in Wyoming, where Quantum Learning was implemented districtwide, students from six schools demonstrated statistically significant improvements on the WyCAS reading and writing assessment from 2001 to 2002 compared with a neighboring comparison district. Mathematics achievement gains on the WyCAS were not statistically significant.

(Research information retrieved February 29, 2004 from NWREL, http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/catalog/ModelDetails.asp?ModelID=46)

Summaries of research are available through the Quantum Learning Website: http://www.quantumlearning.com. Complete studies can be provided upon request.

Costs:
Costs will differ greatly depending on the interest of the school or oganization and what program it has interest in. To get the closest estimate, consider the program you wish to engage in and contact QL directly:

Quantum Learning
1725 South Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054

760.722.0072 ext 115
800.285.3276

Implementation Sites:
New Lexington Elementary (K-6)
10410 E Bodger St.
El Monte, CA 91733
626-575-2320
Contact: Karin Smith

Big Horn Elementary School (K-5)
333 Hwy 335
Big Horn, WY 82833
307-672-3497
Contact: Brent Caldwell

Kenneth E. Neubert School (K-5)
1100 Huntington Dr.
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-2540
Contact: Darlene Warner

Clifford D. Murray Elementary School (K-5)
505 E. Renwick Road
Azusa, CA 91702
626-815-5100
Contact: Corey James

As listed by NWREL February 27, 2004:NWREL catalogue 2/27/04