|
Why SSD Chose BrainWise. Initially, BrainWise was primarily used by social workers and teachers who worked closely with SEB (Social, Emotional and Behavioral) programs. Five years ago, BrainWise was approved for use by all teachers.
The program’s expansion occurred after staff vetted BrainWise and recognized how it complemented and enhanced the district’s goal to help students be independent and successful. Today, St. Louis SSD serves students at 266 schools, six specialized schools, and two technical high schools across 22 partner districts. An estimated 500 students have taken BrainWise since this approach was implemented.
Praise for BrainWise. Team members consistently describe the powerful, long‑term impact BrainWise has had on their students. They note that the 10 Wise Ways are easy to integrate into other programs and that BrainWise turns complex thinking skills into simple, concrete tools students of all abilities can understand and use.
The lessons give teachers language and activities that help students recognize how impulsive behavior can take over when they do not “stop and think.” BrainWise breaks complex cognitive processes into clear, repeatable actions that show students how using these skills helps them prevent and manage problems.
Team leaders agree that this structured, visual, hands‑on approach is especially effective for students with special needs, who benefit from learning methods that make abstract thinking skills concrete and easy-to-understand.
Hands-On Learning. BrainWise includes hands‑on activities that engage students and bring abstract concepts to life. Examples include:
· Building Emotions Elevators to show different feelings and their intensity
· Creating Red Flags to help students recognize internal (inside) and external (outside) warning signs
· Learning to distinguish between impulsive behaviors triggered by the Lizard Brain and thoughtful, helpful behaviors produced by Wizard Brain thinking
These activities make problem awareness, emotional regulation, and the steps of problem solving—skills that are often challenging for special‑needs students—clear, concrete, and easy to grasp.
Teaching and Reinforcement. The team agreed that stories and animations are especially appealing to their student population because they shift the focus away from the individual child and place it on characters who face relatable challenges. This safe distance allows students to explore emotions and problem-solving without feeling judged or singled out.
By watching characters recognize red flags, lower their emotions, and use Wizard Brain thinking to apply the 10 Wise Ways, students see abstract concepts transformed into concrete, visual actions they can understand and imitate. Stories make complex thinking skills accessible, engaging, and emotionally safe—creating a powerful foundation for learning and practicing the 10 Wise Ways.
Instructors look forward to sharing examples that use animations such as Toy Story 5 , as well as games and stories that reinforce the 10 Wise Ways.
Moving Forward. During her distinguished tenure with the SSD of St. Louis County, Dr. Bolton helped shape a culture where purpose, passion, and unwavering commitment to students with disabilities guided every decision. As she reflected, “Public education has been more than a career for me—it has been a purpose and a passion.”
This sentiment captures the transformative work she championed and which is continued through the exceptional educators on SSD’s team -- Dr. Young‑Owens, Dr. Melanie Ziebatree and Carrie Aydt. These leaders continue the long legacy of providing a unified system of special education, technical education and support services that provide equitable, innovative, and lasting learning experiences to children with disabilities.
| 
