ABSTRACT
Components of the BrainBuilders project were customized to become the third pillar for Talent Development Academies, a multiyear project that seeks to grow talent in students from traditionally poor-performing elementary schools by helping teachers to view all students as “at potential” even when they are learning in “at-risk” schools. When teachers learn about the malleability of the human brain directly linked to the concepts of neuroplasticity, including the responsiveness of the brain to classroom learning and experiences and the science of learning on the cellular level, this knowledge impacts teacher's mindset beliefs in a positive trajectory. In an exploration of experience-expectant versus experience-dependent neurodevelopmental impacts, the effects of screens, physical activity, and, importantly, sleep on child development were also shared with the teachers. Teachers who understand neuroplasticity are more likely to hold growth mindset beliefs about students.
