Structured Teaching Educating Prepared Students (STEPS) is a district wide program that assists students, grades six through 12, learn to their greatest potential.
At Aliso Niguel High School, the STEPS program is run by Dr. Radley and Ms. Leventhal, but Assistant Principal Mrs.Wegner oversees the department.
When asked about the overall goal of the STEPS program, Dr. Radley replies, “The STEPS program has the goal of fostering students towards independence in the rest of their lives to the greatest extent possible for each individual.”
The STEPS program assists students in high school involvement as well as preparing upperclassmen for their upcoming life at college and adapting to different jobs.
Originally, our high school’s Link Crew students aided the STEPS program throughout the school year. Unfortunately, the Link Crew program has been momentarily dissolved due to funding complications and lack of time during the school day.
Now students have been stepping up to assist the program by signing up for specialized Wolverine + classes. For example, there is a “Unified Lounge” Wolverine + class that students are able to sign up for.
Clubs like Best Buddies also coexist with the STEPS program here at Aliso. The Best Buddies Club’s goal is to foster one-on-one friendships with students who are not always included.
Along with student involvement, many adults also aid the STEPS program and the students within the program. These Paired Professionals supply one-on-one support for students who need that relationship and assistance.
“Those adults work so well together, and there has been continuity and consistency. That consistency is really important because if you change something in your routine, such as being a different person, that can be hard for some people,” says Mrs. Wegner.
The Paired Professionals are vital to the wellbeing of the students within the program as well as establishing a united and cheerful environment in the classroom.
Thanks to the STEPS program, talented teachers, Pair Professionals and student involvement, all students at Aliso Niguel are able to learn to their best ability despite the various challenges they might face.
