SBISD Earns National Award from Action Based Learning

Action Based Learning President Jean Blaydes Moize (center) presents the national

award to SBISD leaders and teachers during Aug. 24 board meeting.

Spring Branch ISD’s longtime support for Action Based Learning (ABL) programs using neuroscience insights to link intentional movement with student learning has earned it ABL’s National Showcase District Award for 2015.

ABL President Jean Blaydes Moize presented the national award to SBISD leaders and teachers during the SBISD Board of Trustees monthly meeting on Aug. 24.

“Spring Branch ISD exemplifies excellence and innovation by providing Action Based Learning programs that improve the overall health and academic performance of its students,” Moize said in a prepared statement.

The Action Based Learning Lab at Shadow Oaks Elementary has been recognized as one of the first physical-based centers of its kind. SBISD’s Academy of Choice piloted the nation’s first so-called NeuroNasium. The NeuroNasium now operates in more than 1,000 high schools worldwide due to its success.

In addition, the district’s TOTAL program has received state and national attention as an innovative, research-based program that uses kinesthetic strategies to boost the success of struggling learners.

ABL is based on research that shows exercise helps grow brain cells, reduce stress and calm student behavior. SBISD has partnered with ABL for more than a decade on movement and learning, beginning with former area director Marty Urand up to current Director of Student Wellness Rebecca Fuchs.

Success with movement-based learning is also credited to many talented educators and school or district administrators. ABL recognized these district teachers in its recent award announcement: Darlene Evans, Jamie and Samuel Karns, Courtney Roberts, Marla Squires, Cherilyn Lantrip, Debbie Moore, Gail Willoughby, John Kenna, Maria James, Gayle Martinez, Wendy Granger, Kate Stoll, Carol Andrews and Anne Daily.

ABL recognized the following campus or district administrators: Julie Baggerly, Kay Kennard, Michele Hilberth, Jeff Post, Valerie Johnson, Pamela Pennington, Pamela Redd, Jennifer Blaine, Sofia Petrou and Pamela Butler.

As a National Showcase District, SBISD will allow visitors to view model Action Based Learning programs in action and consider the programs for their own use.