Center for Wellness, Innovation and Learning

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!

Emotional Well-Being

Supporting students emotionally is vital to their growth and success. Our conflict resolution initiatives teach students effective communication and problem-solving skills, helping them navigate interpersonal challenges with confidence. Through the Character Development Program, we foster qualities like empathy and integrity, creating a supportive community where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Learning & The Brain

Our innovative approach to education focuses on optimizing student learning through brain-based strategies. At the heart of this is our research-based LeApps™ curriculum, a signature program where students discover effective learning strategies, develop organizational skills, and understand how the brain works. Alongside LeApps™, our mindset initiatives promote resilience and are growth-oriented. We also provide comprehensive learning support, including language processing assistance, to ensure every student thrives.

Medical Health

At Independence, student health is a top priority. Our comprehensive medical health program includes routine vision and postural screenings to ensure students are meeting key developmental milestones, along with expert concussion prevention and care to protect student-athletes. Additionally, families have access to a variety of health resources, providing the information and support they need to promote their child's well-being both at school and at home.

Meet the Team

Our CWIL team consists of ten dedicated Independence staff members as well as five CWIL Advisors.

CWIL Advisors

Parent Workshops

Join the CWIL team for a series of one-hour sessions, divided by division, focused on helping your child grow and thrive. Each topic will be covered in 20-minute sessions. Come ready to gain practical tips and strategies to support your child's development!

The first workshop for parents of ECI - 1st grade students focused on the importance of play in development, key child development insights, and early literacy tips to boost learning at home. Explore the workshop presentations below:

First page of the PDF file: LiteracyLaunchpadHelpingYourChildSoar

First page of the PDF file: PlaytimeMatters_UnlockingthePotentialofPlay

First page of the PDF file: BRAINDevelopmentECthrough1stGrade

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 Learning 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.

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.

Helpful Health Sites

Summer Reading Tips

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students practicing in the mindfulness studio

3 Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness at Home with Your Child

Mrs. Marea Kessler

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for children and adults alike. By helping your child practice mindfulness, you’re teaching them how to manage stress, improve focus, and develop emotional resilience. The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or a lot of time to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. Read more for three easy ways to get started at home.

Twenty-one Steps and Twenty-one Seconds (opens in new window/tab)

Mr. Kevin McDonald

Teachers often discuss something called the “teachable moment.” These fleeting instances happen outside the curriculum or daily lesson wherein we take advantage of a coincidence or a happening outside our control. A snake slithers across the courtyard. A student abruptly brings up something he witnessed on the way to school. A child has an embarrassing accident that leads to a lesson about compassion and empathy. Teachers love these moments, and I am no exception.

Building Stronger Parent-Teacher Partnerships: Four Strategies for Effective Communication

Mrs. Parker Slaton

As we approach the end of September, I find myself reflecting on the many channels of communication between school and home. With so much contact from the school, I am left to consider what the school needs to hear from me? To that end, I’d like to suggest four strategies that I’ve found enhance the Parent-Teacher partnership:

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