The 6th Annual Academic Development Institute Research Dinner was held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at the Hotel Monaco Chicago. Guests from a wide variety of organizations interested in family involvement in education enjoyed a wonderful buffet after a welcome by ADI Executive Director Sam Redding. Our featured guest speaker, Dorothy Rich of the Home and School Institute in Washington, DC, spoke on educational change and non-change in our lifetimes. She assisted us in thinking through what we have gained, what we have lost, and what has stayed the same. In addition, she discussed thoughts that educators need to explain to the public, including many assumptions that mislead and blame that doesn’t help, and suggested instead a defense of both teachers and parents that is grounded in reality. Dr. Rich passionately reminded us, “Not even the best school can do the job alone!”
To assist adults in working with children on the “inner engines of learning” – or “MegaSkills®” – Dr. Rich has written “recipes.” These practical activities use everyday routines and items to stimulate learning. The dinner guests learned some of the questions and theory behind the recipes.  Dr. Rich’s 5th edition of MegaSkills® is due out this summer, as is a new MegaSkills® for Babies, Toddlers and Beyond, to assist parents with stimulating fun and natural learning right from the start of their children’s lives.