Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Get Smart” Mindset?
How much does the training cost?
Where is the training offered?
Do I need to attend training at my child’s school or can I attend at any location?
Is registration needed?
How do I register?
How long is the training?
Is training available in other languages?
Can I request a training to be scheduled at different locations to reach out for the groups or associations I am affiliated with?
Do you provide any follow up services to the parents after they have attended the “Get Smart” mindset training for Parents and Families?
What are other parents saying about the training?

 

Q. What is the “Get Smart” Mindset?
A. “Get Smart” mindset training is a model of learning developed by Efficacy Institute. It is based on the idea that intelligence can be built through Effective Effort. The Efficacy Institute's mission is to promote the academic and social development of children by helping educators, parents and human service providers operate from a simple belief: all children can learn at very high levels if the process of education is effectively organized. The Efficacy Institute has trained over 30,000 educators in more than 50 school districts throughout the United States. www.efficacy.org

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Q. How much does the training cost?
A. The training is FREE! The transportation, child-care and interpreter is available upon request. If you need it, please let us know when you register. At some locations, it’s scheduled as a Family Night with entertainment for kids and free food.

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Q. Where is the training offered? Do I need to attend training at my child’s school or can I attend at any location?
A. For your convenience, the training is offered at many different dates, times and locations. Please feel free to attend the training that works best with your schedule.

For a list of upcoming trainings, please see our schedule. The schedule is updated frequently.

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Q. Is registration needed?
A. Yes, the registration is required to help us plan better. 

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Q. How do I register?
A.There are 3 ways to register: Phone, Email or Register online.

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Q. How long is the training?
A. The regular training is 3 hours. It is also offered as 2-hour sessions or in 2 sessions of 90 minutes each. Parents are provided information on follow up sessions and book study sessions at the training. 

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Q. Is training available in other languages?
A. Yes, we currently offer trainings in English, Spanish and Somali. Interpreters can be arranged for other languages.

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Q. Can I request a training to be scheduled at a different location for the business or other group I am affiliated with?
A. Yes, we can help set up a training at any location where we can reach out to parents and families.  We have offered trainings at faith organizations, after school homework help centers, Rochester Public Library, apartment complexes and much more. Please contact savitak@diversitycouncil.org or juvasquez@rochester.k12.mn.us if you would like to arrange the training for your group.

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Q. Do you provide any follow up services to the parents after they have attended the “Get Smart” mindset training for Parents and Families?
A. Yes, to further support the implementation of “Get Smart” approach in their families, we offer the following services:

  • Monthly follow up sessions are offered on different topics at the Northrop Community Education Center at 201 8th St NW, Room 201. Topic selection is based on parents' feedback. Two sessions are offered for each topic, one from noon to 1 p.m. and one from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Register at smartkidsrochester.org. Upcoming sessions:

September 17: Resources available to parents

October 1: Raising a reader

November 5: Detecting signs of a reading problem in children

December 3: College preparation

January 14: Mobilizing students' efforts at home

February 4: Everyday math

March 4: Understanding the MCA

April 8 and May 6: TBD

  • Book study 8-week pilot sessions for parents of elementary and secondary students have been offered, and additional sessions will be scheduled in the future.

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Q. What are other parents saying about the training?

  • “Great workshop. Agree and love the message too – a whole new way to think.”
  • “Gives a great deal of hope for ALL children"
  • “Eye opening!”
  • “I wish I had this training when my children were in school. I will try to incorporate the concepts I learned with my grandchildren.
  • See more testimonials.

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