Pathways to Independent Learning

Developing Skill Sets for Success:

• Self-Advocacy
• Effective Communication
• Executive Functioning
• Critical Thinking

A St. Thomas High School program for girls and boys to nurture independent learners who go to school each day with a positive attitude and intellectual curiosity, motivated to succeed.

In the Pathways to Independent Learning course, students are given tools and strategies to take charge of the learning process. They will be able to take full responsibility for choosing effective approaches to long-term learning.  Students need the skills and strategies of independent learning in order to excel in any learning environment or situation. Research has proven that facility and practice of executive functioning skills and critical thinking is a greater predictor of student success than IQ. Students who develop the skills of independent learning are better able to adapt and succeed when they encounter obstacles.

The program consists of three major instructional units:

1. Developing Self-Advocacy
2. Developing Communication Skills
3. Developing Critical Thinking Skills

St. Thomas offers this course in two separate sessions.  Each session consists of three successive Saturday classes.  Session 2 repeats the content offered in Session 1, therefore it is only necessary to register for one of the two sessions.  We conduct these classes in person.  We will supply all materials, but students should bring notebooks for note taking.  Classes are open to girls and boys.

Session 1

Saturday, March 4, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM

Saturday, March 11, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM

Saturday, March 25, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM

Session 2

Saturday, April 15, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM

Saturday, April 29, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM

For questions, contact Rod Takacs at rodney.takacs@sths.org