AN AWARD WINNING STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM

 

 

 

 

STEP 2

 

(Successful Transition to Educator Preparation Program)

 

STEP 2 is a College of Education program funded by The CH Foundation to assist transfer students from South Plains College entering Texas Tech University.  

 

The students must have successfully completed the Associates of Arts in Teaching program at South Plains College and be actively seeking a degree towards certification from the College of Education.

Mission

 

The Mission of STEP 2 is to provide a support mechanism for AAT transfer students from South Plains College to the teacher education program and enable them to experience a successful transition to a four year institution.

 

Upcoming Event

 

 
Orientation
Friday, August 26    ED 001

11:30 a.m.   Lunch Provided

 

RSVP to janie.ramirez@ttu.edu

 

 

Services for AAT Transfer Students                                                                           CONTACT

  

  •       Pre-application orientation at Texas Tech                                                                                  Janie Landin Ramirez

  •       Certification Workshops                                                                                                             Program Administrator

  •       Orientation Workshop                                                                                                        Education Building, Room 160

  •       Main Library Demonstration                                                                                                      806 742 1998, Ext 459

  •       Mass Advising Session                                                                                                         Email:  janie.ramirez@ttu.edu

  •       Tutoring

  •       TEAM  Mentoring Program

  •       Fall Site Visits to South Plains College

  •       Spring Meet & Greet with Faculty & Staff

          Stipends to cover certification expenses

  •       Staff Liaison to assist with issues and concerns

     

 

 

About STEP 2

 

Accomplishments achieved:

STEP 2 participated in a statewide competition sponsored by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in 2008-2009.  The competition sought entries from higher education collaborative partnerships addressing the need to increase the number of teachers in the state.  STEP 2 in partnership with the South Plains College’s Associate of Arts in Teaching program received the highest award, the STAR Award.  The collaboration was recognized by the state for its outstanding efforts in student retention and graduation rates.   The program is also being recognized at the national level in Washington DC fall 2011 for its retention and graduation of Latino students.

 

STEP 2 has consistently maintained a 100% retention of Associate of Arts in Teaching students that enter the Teacher Education Program and enroll in the STEP 2 program at Texas Tech.  The majority of these students complete their degree program within the curriculum structure of two years.  Since about 60% of program participants are non-traditional students, the fact that 92% of the students do complete the Teacher Education program within the two years is also a testament to the program’s effectiveness.  Eighty-eight percent of the grant funds go directly towards the students participating in the program through stipends. Participants must complete a minimum of nine hours of program offerings to be eligible to receive the stipends.

 

Effectiveness of project:

 Student evaluations after each workshop, seminar or conference indicate that program services are successfully meeting the needs of the students.  On a Lichert Scale of 1.0-5.0 with 5.0 meaning Highly effective, the students consistently rate program services between 4.5-4.9.  STEP 2 participants have also consistently achieved a cumulative GPA for Texas Tech coursework above 3.5 on a scale of 4.0. 

 

TEAM Mentoring Program

Students are assigned a TEAM Mentor when they enter Block 1.  The TEAM mentors are former AAT Transfer students that are now in Block 3 classes.  They have participated in STEP 2 since they began their block classes and can offer peer guidance.  Students frequently comment that their mentor was one of the best resources provided by the program.  Mentors receive a $250 stipend to assist with certification preparation expenses in addition to the semester stipends provided through the program.

 

Stipends

Students receive a stipend for participating in STEP 2 activities to use toward certification expenses.  These average between $250 - $500 per semester depending on which Block the student is currently enrolled. The stipends are processed directly to the student's financial account at the conclusion of STEP 2 activities each semester.