2006-07 has been extremely busy at IDEAS. Patty Beyer, office manager, has taken on additional responsibility for overseeing the scarf business, and manages Music Memory production and distribution. Allison Abucewicz has taken responsibility as master trainer for the Bridgeport Total Learning intiative, and continuing the Kinsella School connection in Hartford, CT. Dee Mann has partnered with Sue to provide professional development in Princeton, NJ. A partnership with Expeditionary Learning has taken shape in Dubuque, IA. And Barbara Williams led a Stockton, CA study group to CT, resulting in up-coming Total Literacy implementation in Stockton.

Sue Snyder oversees all components, and continues to consult for the evaluation team of the Ready to Learn Partnership's US Department of Education grant.

The Bridgeport Total Learning initiative developed the Kindergarten training module over the past year, and will enter into a randomized control study with multiple classrooms and conditions in 2007-08. In addition, Grade 1's training will be develped and refined.

Our initiative will require substantial funding. We have had our share of visitors to the Bridgeport Total Learning classroom this past year: Governor Rell, Congressman Chris Shays and his wife Betsy, State Comptroller Wyman and State Treasurer Rapier, Acting Commissioner of Education George Coleman, local politicians and business representatives. In addition, we have visited our state congresspersons, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and the First Lady's staff at the White House.

If you are interested in planning a visit, or discussing your involvement in Total Literacy/Total Learning, call us at 203/229-0411. After July 1, learn more about our plans for the future by visiting our new website: www.thetotallearninginstitute.com