A respected Indiana consultant, Thomas Stoughton works with diverse clients in spheres such as technology, education, and business development. Areas of community focus for Thomas Stoughton throughout his career have included addiction recovery and youth education.
A recent article in Chalkbeat drew attention to the significant hurdles faced by foster youth in Indiana. With the opioid crisis identified as a contributing factor, there has been a significant increase in school-age children in the state’s foster care system, with the number now totaling 9,000. Ideally, schools represent an oasis of stability in the oft-chaotic lives of children in foster care. Unfortunately, according to organizations such as Mind Trust and Foster Success, children are often moved to new placements and homes, thus preventing them from setting down stable roots. This continuous changing of schools results in a predictably poor educational outcome, with a first-of-its kind systematic foster youth education analysis revealing that just 64 percent graduate from high school. This compares with a graduation rate of 88 percent among the general population of Indiana high school students.
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With a master of science in instructional systems technology from Indiana University, Thomas Stoughton is an experienced educational and technology consultant. Formerly the president of Business Consulting Incorporated in Indiana, Thomas Stoughton also produced a documentary, Virus of Violence, about the effects of media violence on children.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), violent video games are a risk factor for aggressive behavior, thoughts, and emotions in youth. In addition, the APA Task Force on Violent Media found a link between children and adolescents exposed to these types of games and less empathy for others. One way violent media may increase aggression is by desensitizing children to antisocial and combative behavior, as well as decreasing attention on prosocial ones like compassion and generosity. Studies of children worldwide indicate that those who are exposed to violent video games for longer amounts of time are more likely to display aggression. However, research also suggests that competition between players more effectively predicts adverse behavior than the medium’s violence level. Child-development experts advise parents to limit or avoid exposing their children to violent media and talk with them about aspects of the games they play. A distinguished public-policy and educational-technology consultant based in Indiana, Thomas Stoughton served as the president of Business Consulting Incorporated for 10 years. Aside from running a successful consulting business, Thomas Stoughton established the Heartland International Film Festival, an annual event held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Heartland Film regularly recognizes studio-released films that make a social contribution beyond entertainment with the Truly Moving Picture Award. Meant to convey the special meaning of these movies to potential audiences, the award program determines recipients through a judges panel that evaluate artistic and technical quality. Recently, Heartland Film presented the Truly Moving Picture Award to Little Woods. Set in a North Dakota-based town of the same name, the film is a moving thriller about two sisters against extreme circumstances beyond their control and the decisions they face. Directed by award-winning director Nia DaCosta, Little Woods opened in theaters on April 19, 2019. The former president of Business Consulting Incorporated in Indiana, Thomas Stoughton graduated from Indiana University with an MS in instructional systems technology. In addition to serving as an Indiana-based educational and technology consultant for 10 years, Thomas Stoughton worked to educate society about the impacts of violent video games by establishing a parent resource center and producing a documentary called Virus of Violence.
Video games have evolved from the Atari consoles of the 1980s to become more realistic and, unfortunately, more violent. For instance, many of the games on the market include criminal behavior, sexual exploitation, drug and alcohol use, foul language and gestures, and killing or harming of people and animals. Some games even allow young users to interact with unknown people via the Internet. Research shows that video games are not harmless. Children who have been exposed to violent games or programs frequently imitate the violence they’ve seen or otherwise exhibit aggressive behavior. Violent media may cause more negative impacts on young children or those with emotional, behavioral, or learning problems. Parents should be wary of what games they allow their children to consume. In addition to evaluating the ratings of the games their children play, parents should set clear rules about what game content is allowed and for how long, discuss inappropriate elements of video games with their children, and encourage their children to engage in other pastimes, especially physical activities. An accomplished technology and business management consultant based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Thomas Stoughton formerly served as the president of Business Consulting Incorporated. Also an experienced education consultant, Thomas Stoughton is responsible for establishing the Indiana Virtual School in 2011.
A public, statewide charter school, the Indiana Virtual School is an educational outreach program that serves children whose potential has been neglected by traditional public schools. The Virtual School brings an enriching educational experience to children who have unique skills and abilities, as well as those whose medical needs or religious beliefs have kept them from full participation in a traditional educational environment. Funded by Mr. Stoughton out of his personal money, 121 students enrolled in the online charter school for the 2012-13 academic year. By the 2018-19 school year, the school’s enrollment had grown to more than 7,000 virtual students from all 92 counties. In addition to being the state’s largest virtual school, it ranks as one of the largest high schools in the state. Aside from educational programs, it coordinates with the Department of Child Services and statewide sheriff’s departments to promote student well-being in underserved areas. |
AuthorThomas Stoughton - Former President of BCI in Indianapolis, Indiana. Archives
May 2019
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