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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Giuliana Bullard
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
gbullard@imls.gov
202-653-4799
Eve Tahmincioglu
Families and Work Institute (FWI)
eve@familiesandwork.org
302-521-1215
Webinar Demonstrates How Libraries and Museums Can Strengthen Executive Function
Washington, DC—Mind in the Making (MITM), a program of the Families and Work Institute (FWI), and partner, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), will present a free webinar for museum and library professionals on executive function life skills. The webinar will feature findings from the just-released groundbreaking report, Brain-Building Powerhouses: How Museums and Libraries Can Strengthen Executive Function Life Skills.
The webinar presenters include report contributors Mimi Howard and Andrea Camp, Mind in the Making author and FWI President Ellen Galinsky, and IMLS Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Helen Wechsler. They will discuss new findings from research on brain development, the importance of executive function skills, and how museums and libraries across the country are incorporating this research into their programs and exhibits.
Some of the outstanding initiatives in museums and libraries featured in the report will be presented in the webinar by the following:
- Laurie Kleinbaum Fink, Science Museum of Minnesota
- Stephanie Terry, Children’s Museum of Evansville
- Kerry Salazar, Portland Children’s Museum
- Kimberlee Kiehl, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
- Holly Henley, Arizona State Library
- Anne Kilkenny, Providence Public Library
- Kathy Shahbodaghi, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Executive function skills are built on the brain processes we use to pay attention and exercise self control, to hold information in our minds so that we can use it, and to think flexibly. These skills become foundational for other skills, including delaying gratification, understanding the perspectives of others, reflection, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, and taking on challenges.
Webinar: Brain-Building Powerhouses: How Museums and Libraries Can Strengthen Executive Function Life Skills
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Time: 2:00 PM EDT
Webinar link: Join the webinar with this link to the Blackboard Collaborate system.
Phone code: 1-866-299-7945, Enter guest code 5680404#
Note: IMLS-hosted webinars use the Blackboard Collaborate system. If you are a first-time user of Blackboard Collaborate, click here to check your system compatibility in advance of the webinar. You will be able to confirm that your operating system and Java are up-to-date, and enter a Configuration Room that will allow you to configure your connection speed and audio settings before the IMLS webinar begins. (If you choose to enter a Configuration Room, please note that the IMLS webinar will use Blackboard version 12.6.)
About Families and Work Institute
Families and Work Institute (FWI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that studies the changing workforce, family and community. As a preeminent think tank, FWI is known for being ahead of the curve, identifying emerging issues, and then conducting rigorous research that often challenges common wisdom and provides insight and knowledge that leads to action. Mind in the Making (MITM), a program of FWI, is a national initiative that seeks to maintain children’s engagement in learning throughout their lives by sharing best research on the development of young children, including the importance of executive function life skills. Projects include: Seven Essential Skills Learning Modules (in English/Spanish) that are being implemented in communities and have been adapted for the health sector and museums and libraries; a DVD collection of videos showing important experiments in child development research; Prescriptions for Learning—downloadable tip sheets on turning everyday behavioral challenges into opportunities for promoting life skills; and a library of more than 100 children’s books and accompanying tips to promote life skills. For more information, visit www.mindinthemaking.org; www.familiesandwork.org, like us on Facebook.com/MindInTheMaking and follow us on Twitter @MITM_FWI. For more information on MITM, please contact Erin Ramsey at 812- 549-6216, eramsey@familiesandwork.org.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.