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White House Considers Blevins’ ‘Be Smart Kids’
The Greeneville Sun
Press release
September 4, 2004
Donna Blevins, founder of Be Smart Kids Learning System, a Greeneville-based
computer-aided learning process, recently met at the White House with members
of President George W. Bush’s education team.
Blevins was invited to meet with President Bush’s chief domestic policy advisors
to report on the effectiveness of Be Smart Kids in assisting young children
in acquiring basic academic competence necessary for success in school.
Be Smart Kids Learning System currently licenses the use of the system and trains
teachers for on-site learning centers at day-care facilities, preschools, Head
Start programs and elementary schools. President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush
have been supportive of early-learning programs focused on preempting academic
failure in public schools.
Their efforts have put new emphasis on Head Start and early-learning academic
initiatives.
David Dunn, a special assistant to President Bush, hosted the White House meeting
with Blevins. Dunn, a Texas native who worked with the Texas School Board Association
prior to serving at the White House, has been active in facilitating the implementation
of the federal “No Child Left Behind Act.”
Meets Various Officials
While in Washington, Blevins also met with staff members of congressional education
committees, officials in the U.S. Department of Hearth and Human Services, and
with others.
Blevins has said the Be Smart Kids Process is designed to stimulate a child’s
brain during his or her early years when the “windows of opportunity” for learning
are most open. At the White House, Blevins presented the results of more than
10 years of her research. She presented Be Smart Kids’ methodology, which is
predicated on an understanding of how a child learns and the role of rain stimulation
in the early years of life.
Blevins said she was particularly encouraged by the feedback received from federal
officials. One wrote, “The children with whom you work are very fortunate to
have someone so dedicated and passionate.”
Blevins has said the Be Smart Kids Methodology “takes a child only 30 minutes
a week and builds the skills necessary for every ordinary child to enter school
reading, adding and subtracting.”
She has added, “The program develops a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning.
“In addition, the program helps children with disabilities and limited English
language skills.
The implication of the product has demonstrated dramatic results in maximized
learning for children ages one to five, as well as older children requiring
remedial support.”
Be Smart Kids lessons usually are taught once or twice weekly depending on the
child’s age and academic level, for a 30-minute period. The program is presented
for a two-to three-year period.
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