Students Targeted for Educational Performance
(S.T.E.P.) |
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The mission of the STEP (Students Targeted for Educational Performance) program is to provide a school-based support structure for minority students in order to optimize academic achievement through encouragement, support, and guidance.
S.T.E.P. Core beliefs:
1. Challenging expectations raise performance.
2. Students, parents, and coordinators share responsibility for achieving the program’s mission.
3. A supportive environment encourages minority students to pursue rigorous academic goals.
4. A system to ensure equality of opportunities for student learning promotes a strong learning community.
5. Effective communication builds a culture that supports system thinking.
Target Population:
1. The program will be composed of minority students who have one or both of the following qualifiers:
• FCAT scores that fall within the level 3 in reading or math or both areas
• A cumulative 2.5 or higher GPA
2. Students may be accepted into the program in the 3rd thru 11th grades
Desired Outcomes:
• To increase the number of minority students in advanced, honors, advanced placement and dual enrollment courses
• To increase the number of academic courses taken beyond the minimum graduation requirements, especially in sequential math, science, foreign language courses
• To improve standardized test scores, including FCAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT
• To increase involvement in academic extra curricular activities and clubs
• To increase involvement in community activities
• To increase opportunities for minority students to get scholarships and additional educational opportunities beyond high school
• To make parents of the targeted group of students more aware and more directly involved in their child’s educational plan (course selection, registration, activities, available opportunities, etc.)
In Pinellas County Schools, minority enrollment in advanced level courses is not representative when compared to the number of minority students enrolled in schools. Many honors, foreign language, AP, or dual enrolment courses have no minority students. The goal of this program is to increase the number of capable minority students enrolled in challenging courses by creating a positive, supportive educational environment.
For further information please contact Sandra Hopkins at (727) 588-6537 or (727) 638-3036.
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