CCSD’s hands-on workshops assist parents in becoming more knowledgeable about STEAM

Dell Technologies, in a report that generated a lot of public attention, estimated that 85 percent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 have yet to be invented.

Not only is this forecast a challenge for current employers and those in the workforce, but it also poses a challenge for educators and parents as they prepare our children for what is ahead.

Nonetheless, we know our children still will need to be creative problem-solvers. To encourage this development, our schools emphasize an educational approach that emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM).

STEAM curriculum and activities often are reflected in projects and investigations with much collaboration and communication between learners.

Because many parents are unfamiliar with STEAM approaches, the CCSD Family and Community Engagement Services (FACES) Department and the English Language Learner (ELL) Division have developed workshops through the University of Family Learning (UFL) to assist parents with becoming more knowledgeable about STEAM.

The goal of the hands-on workshops is to help parents and families create conditions at home, using simple everyday activities and materials, where kids can apply what they learn in school. As of February, 1,825 parents have attended STEAM workshops this school year.

A parent who recently attended the Full STEAM Ahead workshop commented on his workshop evaluation that “I now realize that I can use basic materials around our house to explore STEAM with my kids! I do not have to buy anything fancy! I get it!”

To learn more about how STEAM activities can be integrated at home, parents can attend the CCSD Title I Family Learning Resource Academy on Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Pearson Community Center located at 1625 West Carey Ave. in North Las Vegas. For additional workshop opportunities for parents and families at school sites and within the community, including other STEAM workshops, please visit the FACES UFL workshop calendar or call 702-799-0303.