Students in ASAP gain much more than academics skills. They learn to be self-confident and motivated, particularly in the areas of math, science and technology. They learn to approach problems with creativity and initiative as they enhance their ability to communicate (language arts, reading and writing). As our students explore new topics they also begin to develop healthy interests as they discover some of their hidden talents. And, they begin to share these interests with their peers as they develop social skills that better prepare them to succeed in middle school.
Although our curriculum is very fluid to allow for creativity and growth, there are specific annual goals to ensure we maintain our academic focus. All curriculum material is specially designed by TSCC and is tested on our students in mixed aged groups and small group learning environments. Our classes are taught by a combination of staff and Americorp volunteers from San José State University’s Center for Service Learning with support from community volunteers including credentialed teachers and other experts in education.
Mathematics component
–
 |
introduces students to solve pre-algebra problems,
learn different measurement systems, and explore practical
applications of geometry. Other topics may include
aeronautics and astronomy. |
Science component – introduces students
to concepts that prepare them to learn biology, chemistry,
physiology, and physics. Other topics that are explored
include forensics, genealogy, genetic engineering, anthropology,
geology and more.
Technology component
–
| teaches students to
understand the dynamics of
competitive team projects
as they prepare to enter an annual robotics competition.
This intensive technology driven curriculum involves
student teams mentored by volunteers
from the Society of Mexican
American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) and
our high tech partners including volunteer engineers
from Applied Materials and
Seagate, who assist students as they prepare their projects,
experiment with different forms of technology, and develop
innovative creations to address complex global issues
such as exposure to second hand smoke, child abduction,
global warming, and more. |
 |
teaches students to understand
the dynamics of competitive team
projects as they prepare to enter an annual robotics competition.
This intensive technology driven curriculum involves
student teams mentored by volunteers
from the Society of Mexican American
Engineers and Scientists (MAES) and
our high tech partners including volunteer engineers from
Applied Materials and Seagate, who assist students as they
prepare their projects, experiment with different forms
of technology, and develop innovative creations to address
complex global issues such as exposure to second hand smoke,
child abduction, global warming, and more.
Leadership component (NEW!)
– This new component will focus on working with middle
school youth (6 th – 8 th graders) in developing leadership
skills, raising awareness of current events, discussing
the latest breakthroughs in science & technology, and
by making connections to how global societal issues impact
our local community. TSCC is currently developing a volunteer
Leadership Mentor component for this population in partnership
with the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center at San José
State University.
Every Monday through Thursday, TSCC provides students with one hour of homework assistance to ensure students complete their daily homework assignments. Coordinated with school faculty and facilitated by TSCC staff, our homework assistance hour provides the tutoring and support that English learners and academically at-risk students need in order to remain at their appropriate level.
Downtown Kids Presscorp – provides students with the opportunity to take what they learned in the classroom and see it applied to practical real world work environments. Students learn about a variety careers by interviewing professionals, photographing, researching, writing, designing and producing four newsletters using Adobe InDesign® and PhotoShop®.
Field Trips – In addition to offering children academic enrichment opportunities, TSCC offers a safe space for students to learn in a fun and supportive environment that includes taking field trips to explore our vibrate local cultural and art life in downtown San Jose. This includes:
- Bimonthly visits to The Tech Museum of Innovation
- Weekly sports activities at local city parks
- Field trips to other local museums like the San José Museum of Art, Rosicrucian Museum, and more.
- Seasonal events such as the Outdoor Ice Rink, the TET Festival, Dia de los Muertos, Oakland A’s games, the circus or sports events ( Depending on the generosity of our local sponsors)
