Independence

Independence

Here you will find resources, links and information for learners who have selected the Independence Goal Path

OALCF | Goal Path Description –Independence

What is Independence?

An Independence goal can encompass a variety of outcomes, expectations or concepts of success based on a learner's particular needs. In general, however, programming for Independence can be organized under four broad sets of objectives:

• manage basic needs
• manage health
• manage personal issues and relationships
• participate fully as a member of the community

OALCF | Goal Path Description – Independence

Learners need to develop all six OALCF competencies (Find and Use Information, Communicate Ideas and Information, Understand and Use Numbers, Use Digital Technology, Manage Learning and Engage with Others) to achieve their goals. The Key Development Skills below list the specific skills a learner needs to develop an Independence goal. These skills were drawn from goal path-specific research and development projects conducted in Ontario. Learns may select the Independence goal initially and then may choose a different goal based on their needs, interests, and level of progress.

Self-Management Key Development Skills

Self-Governing Skills:

• sets goals

• makes decisions

• takes responsibility

• motivates self

• identifies self – knows and understands abilities and limitations

Advocates on Behalf of Self:

• acts self-confidently

• know rights

• uses strategies to build and maintain self-esteem

• understands own learning style

• understands the value of learning

• assesses and reflects upon self

• identifies/recognizes transferable skills

Working with Others:

• understands and follows situational etiquette

• respects others’ views

• uses appropriate body language

• negotiates

• resolves conflict

• participates in teamwork

• communicates effectively

• expresses feelings and opinions

Organizational Skills:

• manages time

• sets priorities

• plans ahead/is prepared

• exercises thinking skills

• solves problems

• understands and uses strategies

Academic Key Development Skills

Reading:

• uses various decoding skills (e.g. alphabet recognition, phonics, knowledge of word parts, recognition of sight words, etc.)

• uses punctuation, pictures/illustrations, context cues and personal experience to understand text

• follows simple written instructions

• Is able to scan a short text to find a key piece of information

• reads and demonstrates an understanding of a short text using basic reading strategies, personal experience, simple forms and conventions

• retells a story in the correct sequence

• makes simple inferences and predictions

• distinguishes between fact, fiction and opinion

Document Use:

• reads and completes forms with detailed personal information

• reads and writes lists, sentences and short paragraphs

• reads short documents and answers simple comprehension questions

• reads and understands simple instructions

• uses and understands simple visual materials to support written text

• understands and uses common writing mechanics (e.g. capitals for pronouns, apostrophes in contractions, commas for lists, common abbreviations, etc.)

• interprets simple signs and symbols that are found every day or are related to specific goals

Numeracy:

• reads and writes numbers found every day, numerically and in words

• estimates costs for making simple purchases

• uses basic math operations to solve simple real life problems

• measures length, perimeter, area, capacity, time and temperature using common standard units

• describes the relationships between units of measure

• interprets data on graphs and tables and expresses understanding

• uses a calculator

Additional Key Development Skills

Soft Skills, Thinking Skills, People Skills:

• uses critical thinking skills

• makes wise decisions

• has strategies to solve a wide range of problems

• makes arrangements to meet needs (e.g. child care, transportation etc.)

• prioritizes, organizes and manages tasks

• copes with change

• makes positive social connections

• shows respect for others

• offers and receives constructive criticism

• uses positive strategies for handling stress