Program Overview
Overcoming Obstacles:
Is a life skills curriculum materials that are research-based, evidence-based, and award-winning. Educators report that when students are
taught Overcoming Obstacles, grades and graduation rates go up, bullying goes
down, and young people are better prepared for college and careers.
The Overcoming Obstacles curriculum is one of the most comprehensive sources of
life skills education available and is lauded for its flexibility. Lessons are sequential in
terms of curriculum level, providing a solid base of life skills development that will
help young people achieve social, emotional, and academic success during their early
years.
The Overcoming Obstacles (Youth an Young Adult) curricula each include over
60 engaging, standards-based lesson plans with objectives, time estimates, and activity
sheets. Assessment questions and extension activities conclude each lesson.
Both levels begin with the three fundamental skills upon which all others can be
built—communication, decision making, and goal setting. After mastering these three
core skills, students learn many other important concepts, including:
• Avoiding stereotypes
• Conflict resolution
• Controlling emotions
• Empathy
• Getting organized
• Handling peer pressure
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses
• Maintaining a positive attitude
• Presenting yourself
• Problem solving
• Reading, listening, and note taking
• Respect for self and others
• Responsibility
• Stress management
• Study and test-taking techniques
• Teamwork
• Techniques for addressing bullying
• Time management
