Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Through participation in Pennsylvania ASCD's online Whole Child Academy, learners will explore how to increase academic achievement by addressing the needs of the whole child. PASCD believes a comprehensive approach to learning recognizes that in order for students to achieve at their highest academic levels, it is critical that they are emotionally and physically healthy, motivated, civically inspired, engaged, and challenged by rigorous content.

"The demands of the 21st century require an educational approach that focuses on each student's academic, social, emotional, and physical needs in order to fully prepare them for college, career, and citizenship. A whole child approach to education coordinates policy, process, and practice by addressing students' comprehensive needs through the shared responsibility of students, families, schools, and communities. A whole child approach ensures that each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged."

-ASCD, Whole Child Approach to Education

The online Whole Child Academy is PDE PIL approved professional development opportunity for Act 45 credit. Participants will receive forty (40) Act 45 or Act 48 hours upon successful completion of the course.

Target Audience: 

The online Whole Child Academy is designed for educational leaders, including district administrators, school principals, and teacher leaders interested in learning more about educating the whole child.

What is the Format of the Whole Child Academy?

Pennsylvania ASCD's Whole Child Academy allows participants to work online asynchronously so they can work anytime, anyplace, and at their own pace. Participants will respond to discussion board posts, review relevant literature & presentations, and submit job-embedded assignments.

Course Modules:

This course contains the following modules:

• The Science of Learning and Development
• Positive School Climate
• Social and Emotional Development
• Productive Instructional Strategies
• Individualized Supports

Upcoming Academy Dates: