A book review of
Larry K. Brendtro, Martin L. Mitchell, Herman J. McCall
2009, Starr Commonwealth
Reviewed by: Mark Freado
Deep Brain Learning, published in 2009 by Starr Commonwealth, is the most recent contribution to the field by Larry Brendtro, founder of Reclaiming Youth International. Larry was joined in this effort by Martin Mitchell and Herman McCall, who have provided executive leadership at Starr Commonwealth for many years. This well-researched book examines familiar concepts from another perspective and promotes new ways of looking at the challenges faced by youth in trouble and those who work with them.
Through its eight chapters, Deep Brain Learning invokes the work of pioneers in the field of youth services and science and incorporates recent brain research in another way of understanding the values of the Circle of Courage. In the introduction, Searching for Solutions, we are introduced to a way of considering problems and solutions with the term consilience, a term invented more than a century ago. Consilience requires that "truth be tested against multiple perspectives of science, practical wisdom and universal human values." The initial chapters, Cultures of Discord and Cultures of Respect examine the roles of adults, programs and systems in the creation of both pain and promise in the youth we serve. Chapter three, The Brain Terrain, summarizes current brain research in ten rules. That concise summary provides an important understanding of what young people need in order to create trusting relationships, learn to solve problems and live successfully. The following four chapters, Trust Maps, Challenge Maps, Power Maps and Moral Maps provide a creative application of the values of the Circle of Courage as they pertain to brain programs we all use to survive and thrive. The final chapter, Transformation, uses the process of consilience to present pathways to transformational change in "youth of challenge" through four types of transformation; Trauma to Trust, Performing to Learning, Deficits to Strengths and Program Centered to Person Centered.
This book is a very effective blend of much that is familiar to our colleagues in the Reclaiming Youth Network with new ways of understanding and approaching the challenges of reaching and teaching youth in trouble. Deep Brain Learning is a valuable addition to our professional library and I strongly recommend it. It is available through our
bookstore for individual orders. The book is also the text for the Developmental Audit training, which is among the array of
trainings offered through Reclaiming Youth International.
Click here for more information on
Deep Brain Learning.
