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An Experience for life!

The Student Training Empowerment Program, A.K.A. STEP, is proud to offer a series of workshops for young people in grades 1 through 5 at the Chrysalis Conservation Courtyard beginning on Monday, October 20, 2008 from 3:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.  The workshops will be led by Ms. Laura  Gottardo, teacher of the year at Hilton Head High School, along with the assistance of high school STEP members.

The workshops are designed to give young children hands-on experiences as they learn how people can improve or damage the environment, and how their choices can affect the future quality of their lives. Continue Reading This Article…

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This is a highly opinionated article, and doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of the STEP Program, or its members (well, except this member).   I wanted to write this article for the following reason:

STEP is a program that teaches life skills to youth using unique methods that encourage children to express themselves, and share their life’s lessons with their peer groups.  Very simple strategy that has proven itself to be highly effective.  Give children the tools and guidance, and they will build something great.  One of the greatest things we can do for future generations, is teaching our children to teach both themselves, and others.

Failing GradeI was reading an article at MSNBC about a recent poll that showed the majority of Americans feel their children are not being properly educated for life.  I wonder why?  There is obviously a very large debate on how much “life skills” preparation a child should receive through the public education system.  This stems mainly from the various stances that schools should shy away from addressing any issues which may be based upon moral or religious views that differ from those opinions taught in the child’s home.  When you have 30-50 Students in the classroom, it would be difficult not to step on any toes, so I guess teachers just avoid a lot of the topics.

Bear in mind that I do not place all of the blame on teachers, but also on the parents, school boards, curriculum, and No Child Left A Dime… err, I mean, No Child Left Behind. Continue Reading This Article…

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December 21, 2007 – “College For Kids” – This is a condensed experience with the Student Training Empowerment Program, grooming tomorrow’s leaders through a program which facilitates creativity, positive thinking, team work, problem solving, role-playing and critical thinking.