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April 2024

Dear Winston Families, Colleagues and Friends,
 
The work of the Winston Innovation Lab (WIL) seeks to not only enrich the student experience with evidence-based practices and faculty support, but importantly, to remain on the cutting edge of learning disability research while contributing to the educational field at large. At the heart of this endeavor to cultivate and share new knowledge is our desire to ‘realize the possible.’ We constantly push the envelope through the facilitation of research that fosters a deep understanding of learning, learning disabilities, and best practices.
WIL’s ongoing Lives Over Time study, which began in 2013, continues to shed light on the key social emotional factors that lead to overall life satisfaction in adults with learning disabilities. These factors were organized into a social emotional framework: Qualities of a Sustainable and Independent Learner (QSIL). Recently, WIL hosted our Annual Alumni Panel event, bringing a group of Winston Preparatory School alums together and giving current juniors and seniors the opportunity to ask questions about life after Winston. Our alumni highlighted how the QSIL skills that they gained throughout their time at Winston impact their ongoing development and independence as young adults, demonstrating the tangible long-term value of these skills. For example, Winston graduates shared that utilizing QSIL skills allows them to be receptive to feedback, comfortable asking questions, organized and self-sufficient, and open to friendships with new people. It is evident that the skills of the QSIL are an integral part of their post-graduate success and satisfaction. 
 
On campus, these key QSIL skills are explicitly developed and assessed annually using the Winston Essential Skills Survey (WESS). Our ongoing assessment-based research allows us to gain a deeper understanding of our students’ social emotional development over time and the relationship between learning, social emotional skills and effective programming. Further, given our mission to expand our reach beyond our campuses, we are working to make the WESS available to educators outside of Winston, supporting all students with learning disabilities on their journeys towards becoming independent learners.
 
As we continue to prioritize our boundless commitment to assessment, learning, and research, we remain an active leader and participant in the ever-evolving study of learning and learning disabilities, directly applying findings to provide our students with the optimal learning experience while also influencing the field of education.
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Winston Preparatory School is a leading school for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, executive functioning difficulties (ADHD), and non-verbal learning disorders (NVLD).

WPS does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin. The Winston Preparatory School provides programs and services and equal opportunity in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid programs, employment, and the selection of its governing board without regard to gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, or any status recognized by federal, state and local civil rights and non-discrimination laws.