S.T.E.P Overview (doc)

STEP Calendar 2007-2008 (doc)

STEP Forms

Running Start STEP Calendar 2007-2008 (doc)

Senior Project Opportunities

S.T.E.P

Purpose: The Student Transition Exit Plan (S.T.E.P.) represents the culminating experience of your education. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your finest skills in research, organization, writing, creative product designing, speaking and future planning.

 

PORTFOLIO

Transition Plan Purpose : To prepare an individual portfolio of transition tools and resources to help students move towards future goals; to document student’s personal growth and accomplishments.

 

Transition Summary Purpose: To create a quality writing piece reflecting the student’s future planning and goal setting relative to the student’s development and growth.

 

Job Shadow Purpose : To experience the workplace, explore and gather information regarding careers which directly relate to student’s area of interest and transition plan. Job Shadow Research Paper – To produce a quality piece of student composition that demonstrates mastery in effective research, writing, and critical thinking skills in an area related to their selected job shadow career area.

 

PRODUCT

Purpose : To demonstrate the ability to research, plan, complete, display, and discuss a hands-on experience reflecting a minimum of 20 hours of work toward the product’s completion.

 

PRESENTATION

Purpose: To showcase quality speaking skills, including an integrated, effective visual; by explaining individual skills that have been learned through the S.T.E.P. Project, and relating the experience to who you are and your future goals.

 

S.T.E.P. Outcomes & Indicators

 

Self-Directed Learners are able to:

* persevere through a year-long task

* make independent choices

* budget time

* work independently

* self-critique/evaluate

* plan for their future

 

Collaborative Workers are able to:

* participate in peer-groups to trouble-shoot, analyze, progress and support those who experience difficulties

* consult with mentors regularly

* submit rough drafts to mentors, parents and peers for feedback

* consult with others to develop future plans

 

Quality Producers are able to:

* set goals for success

* meet established criteria/deadlines

* access resources ( Learning Center , Writing Center Computer Lab, mentors) as needed

* reflect on progress during and after each project phase

* create an effective and aesthetically pleasing transition plan/portfolio, product, & presentation

  

Community Contributors are able to:

* design a project that includes giving time/service to community

* lay groundwork for becoming a productive member of society

 

Effective Communicators are able to:

* write a clear, focused, cohesive transition plan summary using engaging and appropriate language

* present an organized, articulate oral presentation

* consult with mentor regarding ideas and problems

* acquire and use information for planning

 

Complex Thinkers are able to:

* design an interrelated project

* venture into new territory in topic selection

* write a transition plan summary with a clear focus

* create a unique, informative product based on newly acquired knowledge

* resolve problems as they arise

* analyze and synthesize information to make future plans

 

 

Message to Seniors

 

Wow! You are nearing the end of your high school career...Congratulations!

 

In a short amount of time, you will walk down the aisle to receive your high school diploma! And tell me how many times have you heard from Parents, relatives and friends….

 

“So, what are you going to do after you graduate?”

 

You’ve come a long way since you first entered school. All the experiences, joys and frustrations of growing up have converged to this point in time in your life when important decisions must be made that will determine your future life style. There are many options open to you. Do your goals include work, college, marriage, military service, traveling, apprenticeship training, technical school, university or a combination of these and other activities? As you set your goals and make decisions the more facts you have about your options and about yourself, the more likely it is you will be satisfied with your choices.

 

Whatever your future goals and objectives may be, the growing complexity of our society requires that individuals obtain a higher level of education or skill training than before, More and more people are going to college or technical schools to learn new skills that will increase their ability to compete in the technological age in which we live.

 

By increasing self knowledge and knowledge of the world of work you can better accept the responsibility of career choices that will affect your own destiny. There are many training routes available for a variety of occupational choices. Where you intend to go to college, enter the military, take apprenticeship or on-the-job-training, all are dependent on time, involvement, cost and location.

 

For example, if you plan on attending a four-year University you should ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy learning?
• Are my study habits good?
• What extra-curricular activities have I been involved in?
• What are my aptitudes and ambitions?
• Do I need a four year degree to get the job I want?

 

College is not the only avenue to a rewarding life, and formal education is not limited to book knowledge alone; education is an ongoing continuing process which can be pursued in many different environments. For many, the best and happiest course after high school is in training for skilled work. Vocational and technical education is one answer to the needs of business and industry. Your educational goals should include a commitment to learning as a necessary part of career planning. Getting a n education is an important job, the more time and effort expended in this job now, the greater the opportunities will be after high school. Lifestyles and personal satisfaction are additional goals that should be considered when making decisions about the future, There is a wide range in the degrees and kids of satisfaction that are derived from work. Lifestyle and occupations are closely interrelated and make a direct contribution to personal fulfillment.

 

There are many resources that can help you know more about yourself and the options you are considering. Explore the resources that the Career Center has to offer. Think about the classes you have had and the activities you are involved in. Which were the most interesting and rewarding? Which ones did you enjoy the least and why? Reflect on job shadows and career units you have been involved with.

 

Remember, the decisions you make now are not necessarily final ones. As you have new experiences and make new discoveries you may change your mind. A single decision may combine more than one option. That is, you might work full time and go to night school, learn a skill while in the military, or choose to work toward a college degree in five years rather than the traditional four years.

 

This is a critical time for making important life decisions. As you move from the security of home, school and community, be prepared to enter a complex world that is in constant transition. You will be face with new challenges, new realities and new alternatives as you emerge into a wider society.

 

This is YOUR future, no one else’s. Make your decisions wisely; do not let someone else tell you that you can’t!!!! How happy do you want to be in 10, 20, 30 years? Receive and gather information about the options that interest YOU. Explore educational opportunities, colleges and universities, the military, apprenticeship programs, technical schools and careers that interest you!

 

Good Luck and make the most of YOUR FUTURE!!!!!

 

 

 

Questions? Email Churri or Kristin at careercenter@tahomaSD.us