Culture of the LearnSTEAM program
A potential applicant considering the LearnSTEAM program is advised that the LearnSTEAM culture promotes:
LearnSTEAM includes classic literature to prepare students for success on the GED exam. By careful reading, and Socratic reasoning, students build a profound foundation of essential understandings and multifaceted skills.
LearnSTEAM avoids cognitive stimulus bombardment and other addictive practices.
Cell phones are placed in a secure caddy during class time, accessible only during scheduled breaks.
Shop safety and class time productivity precludes divided attention, such as listening to music.
Before applying, carefully consider the lost opportunity costs of joining LearnSTEAM. E.g., Reduced binging on the endless scroll of TikTok and Instagram; no more “learning” from Brainly.com to complete Odysseyware classes; no more treating social anxiety by staying isolated at home. These are some of the lost opportunities LearnSTEAM participants experience as they are actively engaged in producing a better world for themselves and others.
In order to become a better version of myself, LearnSTEAM (LS) will be my job during the next two semesters. I intend to earn my GED or acquire at least six credits toward my diploma.
I understand this transformative year will be a challenging pivot point as I reorient the trajectory of my life’s path. I can expect times of painful change as I chose to do hard things and stretch beyond my comfort zone. Through this I will persevere and delay gratification in order to gain the long term benefit.
As my job, I agree to show up on time, work hard, and follow the rules of the workspace. I agree to put in full days of work in exchange for gaining increased knowledge and skill development offered by LearnSTEAM.
With the military motto of “leave no one behind”, I will endeavor to encourage and support my classmates toward their successful completion of the school year. This active behavior goes beyond the passive attitude that I merely agree to not disrupt the learning of others. For example, if I know how to solve an algebra problem that my classmate has struggled with, I will take the time to tutor in that area. My own skills are made stronger by practicing “each one teach one”.
I agree to specialize in some aspects of the LearnSTEAM project to a degree that I can train others with my knowledge and skills. For example, this may be in the area of CAD design, metal fabrication, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, cabinet building, finish carpentry, roofing, solar voltaics, smart home microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino), or low voltage wiring. In this I will gain skills in leadership and confidence.
In an effort to improve my public speaking skills, I will strive at all times to use standard English, think before speaking, and help maintain a professional atmosphere in my speech and body language.
LearnSTEAM seeks to allow program replication by others. Toward this goal LS intends to document through multimedia the progress of the project. It is expected that all participants will become comfortable on both sides of the camera. LS has opportunity for some students to specialize in videography, editing, and website development.
I understand LearnSTEAM will develop my soft skills by requiring community service and participation in a social activity such as choir, band, or sports. This semester long extracurricular program may have activities in addition to the regular school day.
In an effort to create and maintain a supportive family type collegial environment, I will participate with my classmates in at least half of the weekend activities such as hikes, sports, concerts, and visits to industries, art galleries, or other avenues of inspiration.
I understand physical fitness is important to entering the skilled trades. I will participate in regular stretching, strength training, and cardiovascular exercises. I agree to avoid unhealthy food and drink, such as highly caffeinated beverages.
I understand mental fitness comes from the consistent practice of evaluating thoughts in the practice of self awareness. In an effort to reform my brain, I will seek to decrease the use of angry outbursts, pornography, shooter games [e.g., Apex, Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto...], and other stimulus bombardment of my cognitive faculties.
Given the importance of shop safety, I agree to never operate a tool until I have passed the related safety evaluation, and I will operate tools as instructed. I will wear hearing and eye protection when called for.
Signed _________________________ , dated _________________