Open House March 15

March 7th, 2011

Parents with children who need special education services have a private school alternative in the Twin Cities. The Whole Learning School (TWLS) offers a private, individualized education for children with special education needs. The school is hosting an open house Tuesday, March 15 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for medical professionals, prospective parents and interested community members. Children are welcome and refreshments will be provided.

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Self-reflection skills critical to success for students with special education needs

February 7th, 2011

Modeling appropriate behaviors for students with special education needs and teaching them self reflection skills are two essential components in The Whole Learning School’s individualized learning environment.
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Books and Baker

October 26th, 2010

One of the highlights of every fall in Minnesota is that the weather is beautiful for going outside, hiking, and camping.  Our students spent a weekend in early October learning about wildlife and the environment at Baker Near Wilderness, with frogs, forests, and fun.

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The Importance of High Expectations

October 21st, 2010

One of the common flaws of special education classrooms is the assumption that the students in them are being taught only to pass the time until they move on to the next special education class, with no real expectation of achievement.

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The Importance of Choices

October 19th, 2010

Why should we all support more private and public school choices for students with special needs?

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Fundraising and Community at TWLS

October 14th, 2010

At The Whole Learning School, we see ourselves as part of a community dedicated to a single mission: preparing children with special needs for independent, fulfilling lives.  Our parents, our students, and our donors work with us in this mission; donors are essential to our ongoing work, not only for their money, but for the example they set of generosity and friendship with TWLS.  Recently, fundraising expert Lori Jacobwith interviewed Julie Hoff about how TWLS sees its donors and larger community.  Watch the video on her blog, “With”-ism’s from Lori.

Race to the Top: Underfunding Special Needs

October 12th, 2010

Race to the Top, the federal plan to improve schools by pouring money into those states that agreed to make significant reforms, falls short on addressing the needs of students with learning disabilities.  According to Terrie Albano, writing for the Chicago Independent Examiner, the program places “too much emphasis on standardized tests, charter schools and merit pay.”

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The TWLS Difference

October 5th, 2010

A key problem facing more than half of the six million U.S. students with disabilities, including many public schools is that they spend more time in general education classrooms than in special-education classes that might better meet their needs.

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The Benefits of Music Therapy for Special Needs Students

September 30th, 2010

Music therapy can be a fun way to motivate and encourage students to learn, especially for children with special needs. When these kids get the opportunity to participate in music programs, they not only get the benefit of a richer learning environment, but also the advantage of developing behavior and social skills.

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Please Welcome Jonathon Hatch

September 28th, 2010

Jonathon Hatch is joining us as TWLS’s new communications and fund development intern.  We’re glad to have him on board.  Here’s his background in his own words - give him a warm welcome!

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