“Transition 2 Life” is a multi-unit program that uses a hands-on approach to those life skills. In addition to high school academic skills, Federal Law also requires that schools provide transitional skills so that, after graduation, students will be ready to function as an adult. This curriculum provides educational opportunities to attain the transitional goals spelled out in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). 

Over the course of this curriculum, students will cover these topics:

1. Who Am I?                                             

a. Learn to read and understand their IEP

b. Analyze how their disability impacts their life and what accommodations they need.

c. Learn to advocate for themselves to obtain the accommodations needed to succeed.

d. Know how to order a prescription and use insurance? Explore a “Life Map” of skills needed for independence.

e. Discover their learning style and how to make the most of it. Do they study best alone or does group interaction help them learn?

f. Obtain and complete a voter registration card.

2. Transportation                                      

a. Does your student know most cities are laid out on a grid? Learn how to find the grid, read a map/determine their place in the world.

b. Explore how to read a schedule and use the public transit system

c. Practice calculating the time needed to get to a specific place at a specific time using public transit.

d. Practice how to study for a driver’s license written exam.

e. Obtain a driver’s license or state ID card.

3. Education                                                    

a. Test themselves for career aptitude/preferences

b. Obtain career information including:

i.     Career options in area of interest

ii.     Education requirements for a given career

iii.     Salary levels for a given career

c. Practice applying for college

d. Practice creating a college class schedule

e. Learn how to obtain grants and financial aid

f. Plan a mock field trip to the local community college

4. Finances                                                           

a. How to write a check or use an ATM card

b. How to keep a check register and use online registers

c. How to create a financial budget

d. Examine current spending habits and how those habits impact future financial security

e. Calculate savings benefits over a lifetime

f. Create a budget planner to move out on their own

g. Practice filing their taxes—sample 1040 EZ

5. Communication                                      

a. Learn explicit instructions on business manners, dress and behavior

b. Learn how to write a business letter

c. Create a resume

d. Obtain personal references

e. Practice job skills with a mock job interview

6. Employment                                                         

a. Learn how to fill out a job application

b. Explore how to find job openings

c. Organize and plan a job search

d. Learn how to follow up on applications/interviews

e. Create an opportunity to job shadow in a career of choice

7. Resources                                                                

a. Learn how the law affects them when they turn 18.

b. Have a resource providing information on legal responsibilities and rights under IDEA.

c. Explore local resources for housing, education, clinics and more.

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