Why Are My Students Struggling? Increasing Academic Performance through Targeted Brain Development Techniques

Course Available
2 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for Whole Child Learning and Wellness Only

This course is designed for the classroom teacher, specialist, and those who work with children in a large group, small group or individualized setting. Through this course, the participant will gain insight regarding brain development, how children learn, and what is at the root of struggles children experience in the classroom. As a result, the teacher will be able to appropriately adapt the learning environment to adequately meet the individual learner’s needs. This course emphasizes development of student self-regulation; goal setting; physical skills of learning to support the cognitive process. The effects of cerebral, midbrain and hindbrain integration as they relate to posture, movement, relaxation, motivation and thinking skills are identified and experienced for use in and out of the educational environment.

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Whole Child Learning and Wellness Participants

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways. These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Prerequisites:

This enrollment is for graduate level extension credit through the University of San Diego. An additional fee applies for the Why are my Students Struggling? Increasing Academic Performance through Targeted Brain Development Techniques Course itself.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X732S – 006 01 Jan 202631 Dec 2026 2 $158

Why are My Students Struggling? Increasing Academic Performance through Targeted Brain Development Techniques

01 Jan 202631 Dec 2026
2
$158
Credit Validation

Audience: Teachers in public and private schools (general education, special education, specialists), administrators, psychologists, private practitioners (academic language therapists, tutors, speech and language pathologists), parents, and lifetime learners.

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: December 31, 2026 (11:59pm PST)

What You Will Learn

  • Learn how the brain develops and how that development affects learning
  • Learn the effects of learning through movement
  • Understand how imbalances of the brain affect the academic areas of reading, writing, speaking, and mathematics
  • Learn the effectiveness of the three dimensions
  • Support and nurture the learners innate and organic unfolding of skill and intelligence
  • Interconnect the 3 learning dimensions with movements to support their balance
  • Become skilled in the ability to access, develop and evaluate through noticing when working with a child or an adult
  • Explore a variety of neurodevelopmental movements and activities that support cognitive development and integrate them within their lesson plans and daily classroom routines

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Credit Validation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.