We know school will look different this year. Yet just like last Spring, we continue to do our best to offer innovative and fun ways for students to connect meaningfully with their peers and spark curiosity, even if it’s through a screen. That’s why we’re excited to announce our DSST Opt-Ins, Exploration Courses for Grades 9-12!
Since high schools across the network will be on the same bell schedule, we will be able to offer these non-credit bearing courses that will meet 1-3 times a week, during lunch or after school. Unlike a club that would be specific to a single school, students from across the network can opt-in to take these courses, exposing them to new ideas and potentially inspiring a passion they never knew they had.
How many of us wish we had a class about investing in stocks or using Excel beyond a simple formula? While we have not yet finalized all of the course offerings, we’re hoping to offer all kinds of exploratory courses, from cybersecurity to financial literacy. Currently, Opt-In leaders will be from the Home Office, however we know staff across our network have various expertises and passions. It is not obligatory to lead an Opt-In, but if you would be interested in running one, we’d love to have you! You do not have to be a high school teacher to lead.
Leaders of Opt-Ins will receive a stipend of $500 per trimester. You can read more details about the role here. If you are interested, please reach out to Lauren Jones-Kaplan lauren.jones-kaplan@scienceandtech.org.
Additionally, we have the opportunity to offer two new concurrent enrollment options for students through Western Colorado State and need a DSST teacher to lead. The DSST teacher lead would essentially serve as a TA to the Western Instructor, would receive a small stipend, and 3 credits of graduate coursework for their participation. The courses are Mass Media and Sociology. If you would be interested in supporting the lecturer from Western Colorado State, please contact Lauren Jones-Kaplan and Cassandra Collins cassandra.collins@scienceandtech.org.