This class is for seniors who are NOT taking ACGI, AP Government, or AP Gov/WTP at THS during their senior year. Typically, you would be a:
Full time Running Start student
Part-time Running Start student who is earning ACGI/AP Gov credit at the college
Former Running Start student who already earned ACGI/AP Gov credit at the college
A transfer student who already earned ACGI/AP Gov (Civics) credit at another school
Students in unique situations who are not and will not take ACGI or AP Government at THS
STEP may only be completed during senior year; juniors cannot complete the work early unless they are working with their counselor to graduate early. There is one exception: the community service assignment can be completed at any time during high school.
If you are a homeschool Running Start student, you do not need to do STEP. Homeschool students do not earn a Tahoma High School diploma. If you wish to become a homeschool student because you don't want to do STEP, contact your counselor.
SDL stands for Self-directed Learner. Students who are not in a THS ACGI or AP Government class will need to be self-directed to complete the STEP assignments required to earn a THS diploma. You will not earn credit, but you must pass each required assignment in order to earn a THS diploma. You will enroll in a class with Lara Lindersmith which is where you get assignment information and submit your work for evaluation.
All assignments will be turned in to the "SDL STEP" Google Classroom class that you will join after you pass the quiz in the "Take the Quiz" section.
STEP #1: Career - Due October 24
STEP #2: Plan - Due November 7
STEP #3: Financing - Due November 14
STEP #4: Resume - Due February 27
STEP #5: Community Service - Due April 14
STEP #6: Evidence - Due May 1
STEP #7: Senior Presentation - Thursday, May 21 or 22 depending on number of snow days
Personal Data Sheet, however you should complete one to give to any person you ask for a recommendation letter. Counselors need a Personal Data Sheet if they are writing you a letter of recommendation. Be sure to give the recommender a minimum of 2 weeks.
Mentor or Mentor Meetings
Lara Lindersmith
Future Ready Specialist
425-413-3468
Linda Caughill
STEP Support
lcaughill@tahomasd.us
425-413-6312
Make sure you can login to your Tahoma account: Your username is your GoTahoma email. If you need a password reset, you will need to call the Tech Department at 425-413-3230. If you don't get through, leave a clear voicemail message. Spell out your first and last name and leave a call back number. They will get back to you, but it may take a couple of days.
Read all about STEP: Read How to be Successful with SDL STEP and read the information on each page of the STEP website (the site you are currently on). Be sure to open all documents (checklists, rubrics, etc.) and review them.
Take the quiz: You may refer to the STEP website and documents during the quiz. You must earn 17 out of 20 to pass and get the class code. If you don't pass, take it again.
Click here to take the quiz for Class of 2026.
It may take up to one full work day for us to send you the classroom code. If you don't receive an email with the code, please email llinders@tahomasd.us directly.
Students who are off campus part time or full time often feel disconnected from what's happening at THS. To stay informed, students and parent/guardians are encouraged to read weekly Bear Bytes (sent on Wednesdays) and other communications that come out through ParentSquare/StudentSquare.