Research - The Heart of Summa’s Practice
As one of the principle components of Summa Institute, the Summa Research Core provides a formal framework for analysis, evaluation, and improvement of our Natural Learning Relationships pedagogy and family programs. Ongoing research ensures the continual refinement, innovation, and direction for replicating the Summa Institute learning model. Summa Research Core shares results and findings with families, scholars, policymakers, and the public.
For 25 years, Summa has been helping children and families to optimize well-being. During that time, we have had a deep commitment to researching our programs through continual self- examination and growth. The Summa Research Core ensures that this important piece is not forgotten.
One of the reasons that Summa Academy is a laboratory school is to keep us focused on the innovative nature of what we do. Natural Learning Relationship is a living model that grows and changes with input from students, parents, teachers, and the community.
The Summa Research Core will monitor all Summa programs including our family programs, professional trainings, and K-8 educational offerings. With a student body limited to 130 students, we are able to collaborate with respect and consideration with everyone involved to continually improve and enhance the NLR programs. Research projects are always made known to the parents and students and placed in the appropriate developmental context so that all involved know what is happening and why and they have the freedom to participate in the process.
We envision a rich community of people coming together to learn. Graduate students, university staff, professors, and professional researchers will come to learn and understand what relational research means. External researchers will be an active part of the Summa community, not merely observers. And Summa will benefit from the results of this work that these important people bring to our community.
Our current focus at Summa is the full development of the Summa Academy and the Professional Development Center. We anticipate launching the Summa Research Core in 2013.
