GJSD Course Syllabus

Life Skills Apartment Program

Mrs. O’Dowd

• codowd@gjsd.net
• 533-5601 Ext. 5309 or Apartment cell phone-243-5975
• Remind 101 class code- apartmentp #81010
• Conference time availability- 10:10-10:50 & 2:35-3:00

Greater Johnstown High School

Course Description -The Life Skills Apartment Program is a transition program that encourages independent living beyond high school. The program includes instruction in the following areas: Personal Maintenance, Domestic Maintenance, Functional Reading, Math & Writing, Vocational Preparation, Activities of Daily Living and Community Based Instruction. The goal of the program is for students to obtain the necessary skills to support independence within the home and community. The curriculum is individualized to each student’s unique area of need and ability level.

Course Units - Course Units will be determined monthly using the Unique Life Skills Curriculum

Types of Assignments - Assignments are determined by individual IEP goals and objectives for each student. The Functional Curriculum is outlined below:

Personal Maintenance

• Toileting
• Washing hands
• Brushing teeth
• Proper eating skills

Domestic Maintenance

• Using household tools & appliances
• Preparing snacks & meals
• Meal clean-up
• Washing & drying dishes
• Performing household cleaning
• Participates in yard care & lawn maintenance

Functional Math

• Calendar math
• Calculator skills
• Time skills
• Money skills
• Budgeting
• Banking skills
• Measurement
• Comparative shopping

Functional Reading

• Obtaining information from a newspaper & sale ads
• Following Instructions
• Reading labels
• Reading & following a recipe
• Reading & ordering from a menu
• Reading bills, statements, forms & applications

Functional Writing

• Writing simple notes and lists
• Taking phone messages
• Writing personal & emergency information
• Addressing an envelope

Vocational Preparation

• Completing job applications
• Job sampling
• Development of social skills
• Interviewing skills
• Development of employment skills (punctuality, proper attire, job sampling, phone etiquette, attendance, personal hygiene)

Community Based Instruction

• Personal safety
• Shopping
• Ordering & eating at a restaurant
• Using the post office
• Using the library
• Going to a barber/beauty shop
• Using public transportation
• Map skills
• Selecting activities for recreation & leisure

Guidelines for Term Grading - Students are assessed by teacher observation & progress monitoring on IEP goals and objectives. Students will receive progress reports each quarter.

Class Attendance / Late to Class

GJSD supports the concept that consistent and timely attendance is vital to success in any class. Please review the procedures enforced at GJSD within the Discipline Policy regarding absences and lates to class.