Wellness, Innovation and Learning

Research-Based Innovation & Parent Education

Established in 2016, The Center for Wellness, Innovation and Learning (CWIL^TM, pronounced "quill") at The Independence School supports the needs of the whole child.

CWIL’s team approach addresses not only academic progress but also motor, language, cognitive, emotional and physical development, as well as health. This allows Independence to provide a program that holds the full interests of the students at heart, both in and out of the classroom. Parent education, research, and evidence-based practices form the foundation of the center’s work. CWIL’s mission is to ensure that Independence students truly develop into independent, intellectually curious individuals.

Connecting research in mind, brain and education science to classroom practices is our goal, whether we are considering curriculum changes, teaching approaches, or even classroom furniture!

Areas of Focus

The Team

Vita Biddle

Tim Costello

Illene Courtright

Linza Godfrey

Parker Slaton

Dahra Williams

Meet our CWIL Advisors

Research & Partnerships

CWIL conducts research on its own and also seeks to collaborate on research with other organizations. Partnerships to date include the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development, UD’s Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences/Language Acquisition and Brain Lab, UD’s Professional Development Center for Educators, the Stroud Water Research Center and Millersville University.

Examples of CWIL research include a study of the impact of Indy’s LeApps curriculum on student self-efficacy, the effectiveness of mindfulness on middle school students, observations of student engagement and growth in math, assessing how young students learn fractions, and the impact of The Independence School’s outdoor learning initiative.

Case Study on Outdoor Learning at Independence

The Independence School initiated a joint research case study with Stroud Water Research Center and Millersville University on the impact of The Independence School’s Outdoor Learning Initiative on Outdoor Learnin in order to understand the impact outdoor learning was having on middle school students and faculty. The study was completed via a survey constructed by Millersville University and the STROUD Water Research Center in the spring of 2021. This is expected to be the first of several studies that this partner group completes in the area of outdoor education. Each of the partners is expecting to share the results of the study at several conferences in the next school year. Independence is planning to host the Delaware Association of Environmental Education 2023 conference, the first in person conference since 2018.

Math Professional Development

The Independence School partnered with the University of Delaware on a five year professional development journey in the area of math. The school, under the leadership of the CWIL team, was looking for a new math program that used research-based practices and approaches and would be highly qualified instructional material. The UD group partnered with the school with multi-years long professional development goals that are completely changing the way that the faculty teach math to Independence students. Through a combination of training, observation, and feedback, student engagement is increasing. Baseline data was obtained that will be used by outside professionals to monitor year over year growth.

Learning Applications

CWIL is facilitating the collaboration between The University of Delaware’s Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences Lab and the fifth grade class at Independence in research related to self-efficacy. Fifth graders in the Learning Applications (LeApps) course learn skills and strategies that help to improve their self-efficacy in the classroom and beyond. We are excited to see the results of the study as it pertains to our students’ executive functions of planning, organizing, and advocating for themselves as early learners.

Parent Education Topics

CWIL Resources

Apps For Focusing

Books

“A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even if you Flunked Algebra)” by Barbara Oakley, Ph.D.
“The Doodle Revolution” by Sunni Brown
“Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning” by Peter C. Brown
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
"Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children" by Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D.

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What we knew before the pandemic was that young people were struggling with mental health issues, particularly anxiety and/or depression. This was a national challenge as rates of depression and anxiety were on the increase, however there was a lack of resources (psychologists, guidance counselors, etc.) to meet this need. Read more for how fostering independence can ease children's anxiety.

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This time of the year schools invite parents into the building or connect virtually for what is most commonly known as the “Parent-Teacher” conference. While the very thought of sitting with your child’s teacher can bring about anxious feelings, a positive partnership between school and home is essential to a student’s success. Here are a few tips for making the most of your meeting.

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When parents consider school options, a typical Google search will yield results with schools showcasing strong academics, outstanding teachers, and impressive facilities. Often absent from the list is something that we at The Independence School consider to be just as important - a caring, connected, mission-focused community.

The Independence DifferenceLearn about the key programs and approaches that set us apart.

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