General Assembly

This year’s conference agenda will begin with a half-day General Assembly on Friday, but different from past years, we will have a full-day General Assembly on Saturday.

Friday, July 13th

Applying the Kumon Method: The Secret to Creating Highly Successful Students
Presented by: Platinum-Elite Florida Branch Instructor, Ms. Shuko Saito & KNA President, Mr. Akira Hamanaka

The purpose of CTI is that we return to the original philosophy of the Kumon Method and realize it in all Centers for all students. CTI does not aim to change the Centers simply in form. Rather, its purpose is that, through CTI, to actualize the study conditions which the Kumon Method originally aims to reach. The Centers instructed by Ms. Shuko Saito have a high ASHR ratio, the ratio of two or three years ahead, and moreover sustain an impressive 80% one year retention rate. Her Centers have actualized the study conditions of the students at a high level, which is exactly what the Kumon Method aims at. I, Mr. Hamanaka, as KNA President, will extract, as much as possible, the essential information from Ms. Shuko Saito. What is extracted in its essence will bring a huge inspiration to instruction in the Main Classroom as CTI Step 2, which follows the Early Learner and Primary Instruction of CTI Step 1.

From Hesitation to Belief: Two Stories Behind CTI Implementation and Laying the Foundation for Future Success
Presented by: Platinum-Elite Atlanta Branch Instructor, Ms. Arti Balakrishna (focused on Primary Instruction) & Gold-Elite Boston Branch Instructor, Ms. Shoba Donti (focused on Center Layout and Observation)

Arti Balakrishna is the Instructor of the Kumon Centers of Germantown and Collierville in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Shoba Donti is the Instructor of the Kumon Center of North Andover in the Boston, Massachusetts area. In this presentation, these two Elite Instructors will discuss what motivated them to change their outlook and philosophy to incorporate CTI in their centers. Arti will concentrate on Primary Instruction and the initial development of students. Shoba will focus on center layout changes leading to better observation and on-going development of students.

Saturday, July 14th

Instilling the Self-Learning Spirit to Have a Lifelong Love of Reading
Presented by: Dr. Mary Mokris and Ms. Sheila Espineli from the KNA Reading Team

The Reading Presentation begins with an overview of the Reading Program from the standpoint of the correct instructional method, focusing on understanding and developing work skills, self-learning, discipline, and a love of reading. Part 1 will provide specific methods for Levels 7A-5A. Important instructional points for each level are covered, including observation sets. The presentation offers an opportunity to analyze captured examples of student performance, and to consider specific strategies for instructing students with the aim to foster an atmosphere where students build superior work skills, a stronger working memory, and the ability to concentrate without distractions as their reading ability begins to grow. Part Two continues with Levels 4A to 2A. The information in this portion of the presentation will assist Instructors in implementing these levels properly under the Center Transformation Initiative. In addition, the presentation shares tips on the observation of students in these levels and the types of adjustments that may be necessary for students of differing abilities. In addition, a special focus is on the importance of oral assessment in these levels. Proper oral assessment ensures the “just-right” level of study.

What Happens in Vegas, Should Happen at Your Center: A Case Study of Instructors and Field Consultant Working Together
Presented by: The Las Vegas Instructors and Phoenix Branch Field Consultant, Mr. Sung Park

In this presentation, you will get a glimpse of how instructors can work with their field consultant for center improvement. The seven instructors in Las Vegas and their Field Consultant, Sung Park, have been working together since July of 2011 to implement CTI and to provide better instruction for their students. Just like in every Kumon center, these instructors are in different markets and face a unique set of challenges. They have worked closely with Sung to overcome some of these challenges and implement changes in their unique way. After listening to the presentation, you will be even more excited about working with your Field Consultant for your center development. The presentation will give you insight into how you can effectively seek support from your Field Consultant to benefit your students and your Center.