Coordinator: Paul Zuckerman
Email: Paul.Zuckerman@granite.k12.ut.us
Phone: 646-4412
Fax: 646-4235
Program Description:
The Strategies and Mentoring for At-Risk Teens (S.M.A.R.T.) program in the junior high schools is an opportunity for any struggling student to begin to achieve greater success in school given multiple supports and a rich classroom experience. Class sizes are maintained at 12-15 students allowing for individualized attention. Students take one of their core classes in S.M.A.R.T. along with a S.M.A.R.T. Teen Support class.
In the core subject class, students are given standard classroom content but with additional instruction on methods for doing their work more effectively by applying learning strategies, study habits and organizational techniques. In the Teen Support class, students practice techniques aimed at improving their ability to interact with others, achieve goals, make sense of advertising messages and to cope with life's challenges. The S.M.A.R.T. teacher also serves as a mentor, meeting individually with each student both during and after their stay in the program, to ensure continued success at applying the skills taught in both classes.
Program Objectives:
The goal of the program is to give each student the "tools" needed to improve their results in all classes. Each student is encouraged to develop an educational/career plan that will inspire them to work toward graduation. A plan of goals and actions for continued success is set for each student and supported by the teacher working with the student in a mentoring capacity.
Assessment:
Multiple forms of assessment are done to help the student see the kind of learning needs and career preferences they have. A S.M.A.R.T. Card report lets the student, parent and other teachers see the progress the student is making on specific targeted school skills and learning strategies. Throughout the student’s time in the program, any barriers to success in school are assessed and addressed through school and district supports.
Referral:
Students are referred to the program by a school team that includes counselors and principals. Students are chosen based on several indicators of potential for improvement. You can contact the program's coordinator listed above or your student's counselor with questions or if you wish to have your child considered for this opportunity to grow as a learner and citizen.