The Academic Development Institute (ADI) works with families, schools, and communities so that all children may become self-directed learners, avid readers, and responsible citizens, respecting themselves and those around them. ADI's vision is of an American landscape filled with distinct school communities reflecting the hopes and dreams of the people intimately attached to them. To this image of the school as a community, ADI is devoted. When the school functions as a community, its constituents (students, parents, teachers, staff) associate with one another and share common values about the education of children. At the root, members of the school community assume responsibility for one another. Those children become our children, and parents are not external agents, but full partners in the education of their children and of each other's children. Teachers are not isolated practitioners of pedagogy, but professionals integrated into the web of community and buoyed by common purpose.

Research and Development

One of ADI’s central purposes is to stand between researchers and practitioners, converting research into procedural knowledge so
that schools and families will be served with sound, effective, researchbased programs and practices. ADI sponsors research and development projects in areas of interest, develops and tests program models, publishes the research of scholars in its School Community Journal, and bases its training and technical assistance on research.

Publishing

ADI’s regular publications include the School Community Journal, Families & Schools newsletter, and the www.adi.org website.
ADI also publishes occasional research reports and books. ADI publishes resource manuals for teachers on a variety of topics, curricula for courses for parents, and planning guides for school administrators. A growing medium for ADI’s publication department is DVD and web-based training material.

Training and Technical Assistance

Training, consulting, technical assistance, and professional development constitute ADI’s third area of activity. ADI provides training and assistance to teachers, administrators, and parents on a host of topics through stand-alone workshops (with follow-up implementation plans), program models, and its Professional Development Academy.


For more information about ADI, please contact:

info@adi.org