[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TEAM PROBLEM SOLVERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, recently, we debated ways to improve 
educational opportunities. I would like to draw my colleagues' 
attention to a program that is doing just that.
  The Future Problem Solving Program has a significant and positive 
impact on the education of students in grades 4 through 12. It is part 
of a nationwide and international effort to teach children and teens 
creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Problem-solving skills 
have been proven to be essential characteristics for young people 
entering the increasingly competitive job market. This non-profit 
program, which operates in 44 states as well as Australia, New Zealand, 
Malaysia, Chile, and Canada, teaches young people these important 
skills.
  Students have the opportunity to apply their critical thinking skills 
to real-world problems such as restoration of imperiled natural 
habitats and genetic engineering. The program is structured around a 
six-step model for solving complex problems. The steps include 
recognizing potential challenges, generating and evaluating solutions 
and developing a plan for action. Learning to apply these steps every 
day increases the ability of students to think critically and work 
efficiently.
  Small teams of young people brainstorm solutions and implementation 
strategies for issues as varied as tourism, global interdependence, and 
water use. Students are taught to think not only critically but also 
creatively. Team Problem Solving, Action-Based Problem Solving, 
Individual Problem Solving, and Scenario Writing are all components of 
the program that award dynamic thinkers. Students who work in small 
teams also learn the value of cooperation and teamwork. Young people in 
each of the three age divisions compete on the regional, state, and 
international levels. The Future Problems Solving Program is preparing 
the youth of today to face the demands of tomorrow.
  I would like to officially recognize the contributions this program 
has made and will continue to make to society at large. I want to thank 
the adults who are enhancing the education of today's young people and 
the student participants who are taking the initiative to learn about 
and help solve today's difficult issues. These students are taking 
their futures into their own hands. Keep up the good work!

                          ____________________