The program is designed to provide real-life job experiences for students with disabilities and to students of transition age, fourteen and older, in Worcester County Public Schools.   It also provides and inclusive education opportunity for students to participate in general education settings throughout school and community locations. 
At work, students complete jobs while receiving support from a job coach and any necessary supports to promote success at the job site. 

. Our Vision Students will reach their full potential, successfully experience life’s transitions and develop a positive sense of self-worth.

Community Work Experience Established at Worcester Technical High School
for Special Students with Federal Support

Worcester County Public Schools, in conjunction with Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill, and Pocomoke High Schools, Cedar Chapel Special School and the Worcester Technical High School, has established a new educational and career development experience for students.  Community Work Experiences (CWE) is designed for the secondary student up to the age of 21 who is eligible for special education services.  At this stage of their school careers, students are focused on transition activities so that they may move seamlessly from school to the world of work.  Transition activities are geared toward future employability and independence.  They provide the necessary support, skills, and guidance for each student with a disability to achieve his/her transition and career goals and be successful in life after school.  Instruction takes place within the classroom and community.
               
Based at the Worcester Technical High School, participants in CWE have the opportunity to explore various career fields and develop numerous social, academic, and vocational skills in an inclusive setting in a number of career programs offered at WTHS.  Learners in such programs as child care, culinary arts, agricultural science, graphic arts, and carpentry are placed into program areas based interest, assessments, and parental input. 
               
Students also participate in a course designed to develop career awareness and employability skills.  The curriculum encompasses numerous topics and aligns activities to support individualized transition plans.  Topics include self and career awareness, obtaining a job, writing a resume, interviewing, keeping a job, personal hygiene, and communication in the workplace.   Throughout the experience, each student develops a transition portfolio.  The portfolio is designed to include vital information which will present the student’s transitional activities and accomplishments.  This documentation is intended to be used to assist in post-secondary endeavors. 

The second component of the transition experience takes place at the work site.  CWE students participate in structured transition education activities that use real-world settings to teach work-related skills. Skills learned in the classroom are applied directly to employment situations which makes the class lessons relevant to the student’s transitional goals. Each student is provided on-the-job training in site-specific tasks. At the work site, opportunities exist to develop and use work-related and life skills (e.g., using public transportation safely to reach a job site, following time schedules at work, and interacting appropriately with supervisors and co-workers).  A job coach assists students on-site and gradually weans support as students become independent.

CWE is a key component in the transition services mandated by federal law. When consistent with student goals and interests, this experience integrates academic and occupational learning, and comprise a structured “course of study” designed to lead to successful transition outcomes and future employment options. CWE is an avenue for the student to experience a variety of settings for vocational exploration and resume development.  Students have the ability to demonstrate skills to future employers.  CWE benefits both students and employers by presenting employers with pre-screened applicants whose skills are matched to their needs. Students learn employment related skills in real-life work settings.  Currently, there are nine partnering businesses that are working with CWE students:  Atlantic General Hospital, The Atlantic Hotel, Marshalls, Superfresh, The Crack of Dawn Bakery, Home Depot, YMCA of Pocomoke, Friendly’s, and Eastern Shore Lanes.  Twenty-six students are enrolled in CWE for the second semester. The staff, curriculum, and transportation for CWE at Worcester Technical High School are fully funded by federal stimulus funding in support of students with special needs. Fore more information on the Community Work Experience contact Mr. Matthew Elburn, CWE Coordinator, Worcester Technical High School at 410.632.5557.

 

 

Helping Students Transition to an Independent Life

more information- click below

 

Transitioning Students to an Independent Life