Contact:           

Richard Krueger

Kasparov Chess Foundation

[email protected]

(212) 784-9273

Michael Bowden

ESL teacher, chess sponsor

[email protected]

(469) 713-5992

Lewisville, TX, Aug. 27, 2007 – A workshop dedicated to educate Lewisville, Texas teachers and administrators on the value of chess as part of the school curriculum took place on Aug. 16, 2007.   More than 75 educators enrolled in the full-day seminar.

The keynote speaker was Michael Khodarkovsky, President of Kasparov Chess Foundation.  The not-for-profit educational organization is making its "Teaching Chess Step by Step" curriculum available to schools throughout the United States and other countries.  Mr. Khodarkovsky focused on how chess directly impacts other cognitive and critical thinking areas within the educational system.  The Foundation is undertaking a comprehensive study to quantify the effect that chess education plays in a child's development.

Other esteemed presenters included Jim Stallings, Chess Program Director at University of Texas at Dallas; Dr. Alexey Root, from University of Texas at Dallas and 1989 U.S. Women's Chess Champion; and Jerry Nash, Scholastic Director of the United States Chess Federation (USCF).

Attendees included teachers from the Lewisville I.S.D.A, including elementary, middle and high schools, as well as Dr. Penny Reddell, Assistant Superintendent, and Mavis Knight, Texas State Board of Education District 13 representative. A group of teachers from as far away as Monterey, Mexico were also in attendance.

According to Michael Bowden, conference organizer and ESL teacher, the workshop provided a tremendous framework for educators interested in incorporating chess as part of their school's core curriculum.  "The seminar offered a rich environment for teachers and administers to be exposed to the latest techniques in chess education.  Attendees walked away with a much greater understanding of how to leverage chess as a tool to enhance all subject areas."

About Kasparov Chess Foundation

Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF's mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The  not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on  a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org/