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Starting at an early age

January 30, 2013 Editorial Staff

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Kids should be more than just book smart, which is why one Coney Island kindergarten teacher is trying to implement a program called STEAM education that would give children the technical training that they deserve, starting at an early age.

Scott Krivitsky is focused on starting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Mathematics), a program that seemingly has never been done in New York before. It consists of an education model that would train kids for the work force, beginning in kindergarten and going through the college years.

Were starting them early on the basics, he remarked. When I went to school, vocational education was an option for me, Krivitsky noted, explaining that what he is trying to do is develop a tremendous program, that unfortunately not enough people know about.

How about having companies that are involved with technology, computer science or architecture go into various schools and pick out qualified students? Krivitsky added.

The P.S. 188 teacher spoke of how he thinks that there needs to be a connectedness, between the different levels of education, adding that it is his main goal to see the schools work hand-in-hand.

For example, the Legos robotics program which provides a strong foundation for the students to succeed, reinforces how to work together, and prepares them for a techno future thats only going to get more complex, currently taught at P.S. 188 is continued at a more advanced level at I.S. 303 and then at high schools like John Dewey.

A partnership with Polytechnic University for a higher level of robotics taught at a college level has been created, involving companies such as Con Edison and National Grid, that gives students an opportunity to apply what theyve learned.

A lot of companies that deal with technology are looking for students who have the skills. Theres so much richness in the work place, he remarked.

Were inviting all the schools in the city and hope to see everyone working in collaboration, the teacher concluded.

A brainstorming session to talk about the development of the program is scheduled for February 6 at 9:15 a.m. at P.S. 188, 3314 Neptune Avenue.

The showcase is planned for a later date in May.