New Horizons for Learning: Observation Deck July 1999

ADD and ADHD -- Critical Questions

We have been noting with growing concern the escalation of Attention Deficit Disorders in today's schools. Are these disorders just being diagnosed more often? Is the term now being used, as is dyslexia, to cover a wide range of learning difficulties? Are there factors in current home and/or school environments that are responsible for these problems? What are the most effective ways of preventing and dealing with ADD/ADHD? New Horizons for Learning was fortunate to be awarded a grant from the Discuren Foundation to explore the topic and offer some possible answers to these questions. With Judith Bluestone, founder of the Handle Institute , and with the assistance of Dr. Wynn Knowling, psychologist and former director of the Institute, we offer a collection of views on the subject. We will of course be adding further materials and invite those who access the Building to submit their ideas and suggestions.

We're also including a new article by Dr. Jean Houston, director of the Foundation for Mind Research. It will appear in the Window on the Future area of the Building. Her views on the state of the world and possibilities for the future are also relevant to our examination of the causes as well as prevention and treatment of ADD/ADHD.

And a reminder: Don't miss the annual Assessment Conference for 1999: The Roads to Mastery K-12, co-sponsored by New Horizons for Learning and Seattle Pacific University. Along with inspirational keynote speakers, outstanding regional practitioners will offer useful tools for meeting new standards.

Distinguished keynote presenters include Stephanie Pace-Marshall, founding president of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy; Todd Siler, founder and director of Psi Phi Communications and author of Think Like a Genius and Breaking the Mind Barrier; Yvette Jackson, Deputy Executive Director of Instructional Services, National Urban Alliance at Teachers College, Columbia University; Robert Sylwester, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Oregon, author of A Celebration of Neurons: An Educator's Guide to the Human Brain; Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State OSPI.