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National Education Expert Rebecca Winthrop to Speak in New Canaan with New Canaan CARES to Help Parents
Brookings scholar and author of The Disengaged Teen shares practical strategies to foster curiosity and resilience in an AI world.
At a time when many parents are asking how to keep their children motivated, curious, and thinking deeply in a rapidly evolving digital world, New Canaan CARES is bringing a nationally recognized expert to town to provide answers
On Tuesday, March 24 at 6:45 p.m. at New Canaan Library, Rebecca Winthrop, senior fellow and director at the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution and co-author of The Disengaged Teen, will lead a community conversation focused on helping parents raise engaged, resilient learners in the age of artificial intelligence.
Winthrop’s research examines why more students today are disengaging from school and what adults can do to reverse the trend. Her work identifies four distinct modes of student engagement and offers a practical framework for understanding children’s behavior, whether they are overwhelmed, under-challenged, compliant, or genuinely curious.
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“Parents are juggling enormous responsibilities and are now being asked to navigate AI’s impact on their children without clear guidance, said Maureen Asiel, Education & Program Manager at New Canaan CARES. “Rebecca’s work gives families a roadmap. This event is about empowering parents with practical tools they can use immediately.”
Recent research from Brookings highlights both the promise and the risks of AI in education. While AI tools can support learning, they may also undermine critical thinking, autonomy, and motivation if not thoughtfully managed. Parents interviewed in the study expressed a strong desire for clear, accessible strategies to both protect and prepare their children in this new environment.
Find out what's happening in New Canaanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
During the event, Winthrop will:
- Introduce parents to the power of curiosity and engagement
- Explain her four learning modes framework
- Share practical strategies families can use at home
- Explore how AI is reshaping education — and what skills matter most
New Canaan CARES provides responsive educational programs that support and strengthen parenting skills, positive youth development, and healthy lifestyles, free-of charge
The event is open to the public. Registration is available at newcanaancares.org
