Bernadette Wieser and Anita Hotter from the acclaimed Down Syndrome Center of Leoben, Austria, facilitated a workshop in March on their innovative curriculum that enables students with Down syndrome to master simple arithmetic through the use of their hands.

The College of Education’s ANSERS Institute and The Morris Foundation of Fort Worth sponsored the workshop, which was also funded with a memorial gift honoring the late Keith and Linda Reimers Mixson ’51 MM. About 70 teachers, administrators and parents attended.

“The curriculum made its U.S. debut right here on the TCU campus and was received with excellent reviews,” said Jacqueline D’Angelo, professional development coordinator at the ANSERS Institute.

“Participants commented on how practical the approach was and said they look forward to sharing this approach and their new knowledge with other teachers and parents,” she said. “When asked about the effectiveness of the workshop, one participant commented, ‘I’ve never been to such an engaging workshop, symposium or conference! It was top notch.’ ”

Austria led five partner countries in a two-year project that aimed to develop the mathematical skills of individuals with Down syndrome. Objectives of the project included working to develop an effective didactical concept that, based on neuro-pedagogical principles, would enable people with Down syndrome to master simple arithmetical calculations through the use of both their hands.

The content and focus of the project (including behaviors of non-compliance, motivation, mirror neurons, learned helplessness, relationship training and paradox intervention) are detailed in the book 3 x 21=From root to blossom.

On the Web:
For a list upcoming workshops offered by the College of Education, go to coe.tcu.edu.