aha! Process School Programs What are School Programs? Children in poverty face challenges virtually unknown to principals and teachers in middle class or wealth – challenges from both obvious and hidden sources. As a result, there’s often a gap of understanding between educators and the children they serve. A Framework for Understanding Poverty written by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D., provides an understanding of economic class differences and a multitude of strategies for overcoming them at school. In response to educators wanting to apply the Payne Model, aha! Process offers a variety of School Programs to help bridge the gap between students and teachers. The goal is to create an atmosphere of achievement in which all students can flourish. aha! Process offers several approaches to creating a sustainable atmosphere of achievement. aha! LinkedUp: LinkedUp offers online courses and workshops led by aha! Process consultants to support new and seasoned teachers. Take one course at a time, or subscribe for membership in the LinkedUp community, which offers opportunities for conversation with experts and professionals, sharing best practices, peer review, and professional collaboration. School Workshops (at your site): Educators are welcome to select from a variety of workshops designed to focus on a particular aspect of education (A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Learning Structures, Meeting Standards, etc.). Each workshop gives participants practical, compassionate strategies that will changes their lives for the better. These are excellent staff development choices. Book Study: A book study of Framework is a good way to begin. Books can be ordered at a reduced rate. A free Framework study guide is available for download on the Book Study page. The U.S. National Tour: Hear Dr. Payne discuss A Framework for Understanding Poverty at one of the U.S. National Tour workshops. Each tour offers open enrollment. U.S. National Tour is a good alternative to in-house staff development. Trainer Certification: After attending the U.S. National Tour, or having two days of Framework training at your site as a prerequisite, you may become certified to train within your organization, thus applying the Payne Model through existing infrastructure. Payne School Model: For a comprehensive approach, consider adopting the Payne School Model. aha! Process will work with your school to re-frame the daily life of the school and its classrooms. This is a model designed to ensure excellence and long-term sustainability within your school. The School Programs make sense. Understanding the complexities of economic class and its impact within the classroom will help improve communication, encourage mutual respect and ultimately raise the productivity of teachers and students.