The activities below are set up more like a strategic plan to move students closer to their MPG of becoming more independent by building off prior knowledge and skills. Based on where you student currently is, will determine which step to start with. Furthermore, your student's end goal may be different than the one I envisioned and will need adaptations to be individualized.
Managing Personal Finances– Postsecondary Goal: Achieve financial stability and independence in adulthood through budgeting, saving, paying bills, and making informed financial decisions.
Managing Personal Finances– Postsecondary Goal: Achieve financial stability and independence in adulthood through budgeting, saving, paying bills, and making informed financial decisions.
Step 1 – Recognize Money & Its Value
Step 1 – Recognize Money & Its Value
Description: Identify coins and bills; match each to its value.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use tactile or visual aids for recognition.
Student Outcome: Student will identify different coins and bills and match them to their correct values.
Step 2 – Understand Income vs. Expenses
Step 2 – Understand Income vs. Expenses
Description: Learn the difference between income and expenses using a simple chart.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Practice with a mock paycheck or allowance activity.
Student Outcome: Student will sort examples of money earned and money spent into the correct categories.
Step 3 – Identify Personal Sources of Income
Step 3 – Identify Personal Sources of Income
Description: List current and possible future income sources (allowance, part-time work, SSI).
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Connect to the student’s postsecondary employment goal.
Student Outcome: Student will list at least two current and two future ways they might earn money.
Step 4 – Identify Common Expenses
Step 4 – Identify Common Expenses
Description: List fixed expenses (rent, utilities) and variable expenses (groceries, entertainment).
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use visuals like bills and receipts.
Student Outcome: Student will separate common expenses into fixed and variable categories.
Step 5 – Track Daily Spending
Step 5 – Track Daily Spending
Description: Record all purchases for one week and review totals.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Could be done with a paper tracker or budgeting app.
Student Outcome: Student will keep a daily log of purchases and calculate the total spent at the end of the week.
Step 6 – Compare Costs
Step 6 – Compare Costs
Description: Compare prices of similar products online and in-store.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Include unit pricing and bulk vs. single items.
Student Outcome: Student will compare at least two products and decide which is the better buy based on price and size.
Step 7 – Create a Simple Budget
Step 7 – Create a Simple Budget
Description: Allocate income to savings, expenses, and discretionary spending.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use budgeting templates.
Student Outcome: Student will create a budget showing how their income will be divided among needs, wants, and savings.
Step 8 – Understand Banking Basics
Step 8 – Understand Banking Basics
Description: Identify types of accounts, how to open one, and how to deposit/withdraw money.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Arrange a field trip to a bank or credit union.
Student Outcome: Student will explain the difference between a checking and savings account and demonstrate how to make a deposit.
Step 9 – Pay Bills
Step 9 – Pay Bills
Description: Practice paying sample bills online and by mail.
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Teach safety tips for online transactions.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a mock payment for a bill using either an online form or a paper form.
Step 10 – Set a Savings Goal
Step 10 – Set a Savings Goal
Description: Choose a financial goal and plan how to save for it.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Tie the goal to something the student cares about.
Student Outcome: Student will set a savings goal and outline steps to reach it.
Step 11 – Use Financial Tools
Step 11 – Use Financial Tools
Description: Practice with debit cards, prepaid cards, and budgeting apps.
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Provide low-stakes, supervised practice.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate how to make a purchase with a debit card and record it in a budget app or log.
Step 12 – Make Informed Financial Decisions
Step 12 – Make Informed Financial Decisions
Description: Evaluate purchases for needs vs. wants and their long-term impact.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Discuss impulse spending and opportunity cost.
Student Outcome: Student will explain whether a purchase is a need or a want and why.
Step 13 – Manage Credit
Step 13 – Manage Credit
Description: Understand what credit is, how to use it responsibly, and the consequences of misuse.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Include credit score basics.
Student Outcome: Student will explain what a credit score is and give one example of how to maintain good credit.
Step 14 – Handle Financial Problems
Step 14 – Handle Financial Problems
Description: Learn what to do if you miss a payment, lose a card, or experience fraud.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Role-play problem-solving scenarios.
Student Outcome: Student will describe the steps they would take if their debit card was lost or stolen.
Securing and Maintaining Housing – Postsecondary Goal: Live in a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained housing environment by understanding housing options, budgeting for housing, and maintaining the space responsibly.
Securing and Maintaining Housing – Postsecondary Goal: Live in a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained housing environment by understanding housing options, budgeting for housing, and maintaining the space responsibly.
Step 1 – Identify Housing Options
Step 1 – Identify Housing Options
Description: Learn the differences between renting, buying, dorm living, shared housing, and assisted living options.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use photos, videos, or real-world examples to show each type of housing.
Student Outcome: Student will name at least three housing options and describe one feature of each.
Step 2 – Understand Housing Costs
Step 2 – Understand Housing Costs
Description: Learn about rent/mortgage, utilities, deposits, and other common housing expenses.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Practice matching expenses to housing scenarios.
Student Outcome: Student will list three common housing costs and explain what each covers.
Step 3 – Budget for Housing
Step 3 – Budget for Housing
Description: Allocate income for housing expenses, savings, and other living costs.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a sample income and create a monthly budget that includes rent and utilities.
Student Outcome: Student will create a sample budget that includes housing as a fixed expense.
Step 4 – Explore Neighborhoods
Step 4 – Explore Neighborhoods
Description: Identify safe, accessible, and convenient areas based on needs (transportation, work, school, healthcare).
Category: Community Experience / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use online tools like Google Maps or Zillow to compare neighborhoods.
Student Outcome: Student will identify two neighborhoods and list pros and cons for each.
Step 5 – Understand Lease Agreements
Step 5 – Understand Lease Agreements
Description: Learn how to read and understand a basic lease, including terms, rent due dates, and tenant responsibilities.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Highlight key terms and role-play asking a landlord clarifying questions.
Student Outcome: Student will identify three important details to check in a lease.
Step 6 – Apply for Housing
Step 6 – Apply for Housing
Description: Complete a rental application, provide references, and understand application fees.
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Practice filling out a mock application with realistic details.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a mock housing application with all required fields.
Step 7 – Move-In Preparation
Step 7 – Move-In Preparation
Description: Create a move-in checklist (furniture, cleaning supplies, basic tools) and plan transportation for moving items.
Category: Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Tour a sample apartment to discuss what is needed in each room.
Student Outcome: Student will create a move-in checklist with at least five items needed for a first apartment.
Step 8 – Basic Home Maintenance
Step 8 – Basic Home Maintenance
Description: Learn to perform basic repairs (changing light bulbs, unclogging drains, replacing batteries in smoke detectors).
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Demonstrate with real tools in a classroom or workshop setting.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate how to safely perform one basic household repair.
Step 9 – Cleaning & Organization
Step 9 – Cleaning & Organization
Description: Develop routines for cleaning different areas of the home and organizing belongings.
Category: Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Create a visual weekly cleaning schedule.
Student Outcome: Student will follow a cleaning checklist to complete a basic room cleaning.
Step 10 – Safety in the Home
Step 10 – Safety in the Home
Description: Learn how to lock doors/windows, check smoke detectors, use appliances safely, and respond to emergencies.
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living / Related Services
Teacher Tip: Practice emergency scenarios like a fire drill or power outage.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate locking up a home and identifying two emergency procedures.
Step 11 – Addressing Problems with Housing
Step 11 – Addressing Problems with Housing
Description: Learn how to request repairs, resolve roommate conflicts, and handle landlord issues.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Role-play making a maintenance request or discussing an issue with a landlord.
Student Outcome: Student will role-play requesting a repair from a landlord using appropriate communication.
Transportation – Postsecondary Goal: Access work, school, healthcare, and community resources by independently using public transportation, driving, or arranging alternative transportation methods.
Transportation – Postsecondary Goal: Access work, school, healthcare, and community resources by independently using public transportation, driving, or arranging alternative transportation methods.
Step 1 – Identify Types of Transportation
Step 1 – Identify Types of Transportation
Description: Learn the differences between public bus, paratransit, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, private vehicles, and driving services.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use real photos, videos, or community visits to show each transportation type.
Student Outcome: Student will identify at least four different types of transportation and describe when each might be used.
Step 2 – Match Transportation to Situations
Step 2 – Match Transportation to Situations
Description: Decide which transportation option fits a given scenario (e.g., work commute, grocery trip, medical appointment).
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use role-play and matching cards for different situations.
Student Outcome: Student will select the most appropriate transportation type for three given scenarios.
Step 3 – Compare Transportation Options
Step 3 – Compare Transportation Options
Description: Compare cost, travel time, convenience, and accessibility for each mode of transportation.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use fare charts and real-world examples for comparison.
Student Outcome: Student will compare two transportation options and choose the best one based on cost and convenience.
Step 4 – Understand Eligibility Requirements
Step 4 – Understand Eligibility Requirements
Description: Learn the requirements for services such as paratransit, driver’s license, or school-provided transportation.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Invite a local transportation agency representative to explain eligibility.
Student Outcome: Student will explain eligibility requirements for one transportation service in their community.
Step 5 – Travel Training Basics
Step 5 – Travel Training Basics
Description: Learn to read maps, bus routes, and schedules; practice planning a route.
Category: Community Experience / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Practice with a real bus route or train schedule.
Student Outcome: Student will plan a route using a bus schedule that includes departure time, arrival time, and transfers if needed.
Step 6 – Apply for Transportation Services
Step 6 – Apply for Transportation Services
Description: Complete an application for a bus pass, paratransit, or student transportation program.
Category: Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a mock application and walk through each step together.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a transportation service application accurately with all required information.
Step 7 – Practice Using Transportation with Support
Step 7 – Practice Using Transportation with Support
Description: Take a supervised trip using public transportation, following the planned route.
Category: Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Start with familiar routes and gradually increase independence.
Student Outcome: Student will successfully complete a supervised trip on public transportation using a pre-planned route.
Step 8 – Problem-Solving in Transit
Step 8 – Problem-Solving in Transit
Description: Learn what to do if a ride is late, a route changes, or a pass is lost.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use scenario cards to role-play solutions.
Student Outcome: Student will describe how they would respond to two unexpected transportation problems.
Step 9 – Driving Readiness
Step 9 – Driving Readiness
Description: Understand the DMV testing process, complete a functional driving assessment, and explore adaptive equipment if needed.
Category: Functional Assessment / Related Services
Teacher Tip: Partner with local driver’s education or rehabilitation services.
Student Outcome: Student will identify three requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in their state.
Step 10 – Manage Extras Related to Driving
Step 10 – Manage Extras Related to Driving
Description: Learn about insurance, vehicle registration, maintenance, and reporting incidents.
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Invite a guest speaker from an insurance agency or auto repair shop.
Student Outcome: Student will list two responsibilities of a vehicle owner besides driving.
Healthcare Management-Independently navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, manage medications, and advocate for one’s health needs to maintain well-being in adulthood.
Healthcare Management-Independently navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, manage medications, and advocate for one’s health needs to maintain well-being in adulthood.
Step 1 – Identify Personal Health Information
Step 1 – Identify Personal Health Information
Description: Learn basic personal health information (full name, date of birth, address, emergency contact).
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Create an ID card or laminated health info card for reference.
Student Outcome: Student will recall and write down their personal health information, including an emergency contact.
Step 2 – Recognize Types of Healthcare Providers
Step 2 – Recognize Types of Healthcare Providers
Description: Understand the difference between primary care, urgent care, specialists, and emergency services.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use photos and simple scenarios to show when to use each provider.
Student Outcome: Student will match common health situations to the correct type of healthcare provider.
Step 3 – Understand Health Insurance Basics
Step 3 – Understand Health Insurance Basics
Description: Learn what health insurance is, common terms (copay, deductible, premium), and why coverage matters.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use visual aids to explain terms and show real insurance cards (with sensitive info covered).
Student Outcome: Student will define three key health insurance terms and explain why insurance is important.
Step 4 – Schedule an Appointment
Step 4 – Schedule an Appointment
Description: Practice calling a provider or using an online portal to make an appointment.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Role-play phone calls with scripted prompts.
Student Outcome: Student will make a mock phone call or complete an online form to schedule a medical appointment.
Step 5 – Prepare for a Medical Appointment
Step 5 – Prepare for a Medical Appointment
Description: Learn what to bring (ID, insurance card, list of medications, questions) and how to describe symptoms.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a checklist and practice explaining symptoms in plain language.
Student Outcome: Student will create a checklist for a medical appointment and explain one symptom in their own words.
Step 6 – Understand Medication Management
Step 6 – Understand Medication Management
Description: Identify personal medications, dosage, timing, and safe storage.
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use pill organizers and visual schedules.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate how to set up a pill organizer for one week of medication.
Step 7 – Practice Self-Advocacy in Healthcare
Step 7 – Practice Self-Advocacy in Healthcare
Description: Learn to ask questions, request clarification, and express preferences in medical settings.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Role-play advocating for accommodations or expressing discomfort.
Student Outcome: Student will role-play asking at least one question and requesting clarification during a mock appointment.
Step 8 – Manage Prescriptions Independently
Step 8 – Manage Prescriptions Independently
Description: Refill prescriptions, pick them up from a pharmacy, and track refills.
Category: Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Practice calling a pharmacy and setting phone reminders for refills.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate refilling a prescription using a phone call or online request.
Step 9 – Respond to Common Health Situations
Step 9 – Respond to Common Health Situations
Description: Identify symptoms requiring rest, over-the-counter medication, urgent care, or emergency services.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use decision-making flowcharts for symptom management.
Student Outcome: Student will sort common symptoms into categories for self-care, urgent care, or emergency.
Step 10 – Maintain Personal Health Records
Step 10 – Maintain Personal Health Records
Description: Keep copies of immunizations, test results, and medical history in an organized format.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Create a binder or secure digital folder for records.
Student Outcome: Student will organize at least three medical documents in a binder or folder.
Meal Planning and Preparation-Plan, shop for, prepare, and safely store nutritious meals to maintain a healthy lifestyle and support independent living.
Meal Planning and Preparation-Plan, shop for, prepare, and safely store nutritious meals to maintain a healthy lifestyle and support independent living.
Step 1 – Identify Basic Food Groups
Step 1 – Identify Basic Food Groups
Description: Learn the five main food groups and examples of each.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use real food items, grocery flyers, or pictures to sort into groups.
Student Outcome: Student will sort at least ten food items into the correct food groups.
Step 2 – Recognize Healthy vs. Unhealthy Choices
Step 2 – Recognize Healthy vs. Unhealthy Choices
Description: Understand the difference between nutrient-rich foods and foods high in sugar, salt, or fat.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Compare nutrition labels or create a “swap this for that” chart.
Student Outcome: Student will identify five healthy foods and five foods to limit for better nutrition.
Step 3 – Read and Understand Nutrition Labels
Step 3 – Read and Understand Nutrition Labels
Description: Learn how to read serving sizes, calories, and nutrient amounts on packaging.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Practice with real packaging from snacks, drinks, and frozen meals.
Student Outcome: Student will find and explain serving size, calories, and sugar content from a nutrition label.
Step 4 – Plan a Simple Meal
Step 4 – Plan a Simple Meal
Description: Choose ingredients for a balanced breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a visual meal template or “plate model” to guide balance.
Student Outcome: Student will plan one balanced meal using at least three different food groups.
Step 5 – Create a Grocery List
Step 5 – Create a Grocery List
Description: Write or type a shopping list based on a meal plan.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use store flyers or apps to find prices and deals.
Student Outcome: Student will create a grocery list with at least five items needed for their planned meal.
Step 6 – Shop for Groceries
Step 6 – Shop for Groceries
Description: Navigate a grocery store, compare prices, and purchase needed items.
Category: Community Experience / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Practice with a shopping scavenger hunt activity.
Student Outcome: Student will locate, select, and purchase items from their grocery list.
Step 7 – Use Kitchen Tools and Appliances Safely
Step 7 – Use Kitchen Tools and Appliances Safely
Description: Learn safe use of stove, oven, microwave, knives, and small appliances.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Provide step-by-step safety checklists for each tool.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate safe use of at least one kitchen appliance or utensil.
Step 8 – Prepare Simple Recipes
Step 8 – Prepare Simple Recipes
Description: Follow step-by-step instructions to make basic meals (sandwiches, pasta, salads, scrambled eggs).
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Start with no-cook recipes and progress to stovetop/oven use.
Student Outcome: Student will prepare one simple recipe following step-by-step instructions.
Step 9 – Practice Food Safety
Step 9 – Practice Food Safety
Description: Learn proper food storage, handwashing, cooking temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use videos or posters on safe food handling rules.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate correct handwashing and explain how to store perishable foods.
Step 10 – Plan and Prepare a Full Day of Meals
Step 10 – Plan and Prepare a Full Day of Meals
Description: Plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks; shop for ingredients; and prepare meals.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Have students cook for peers or family as a capstone project.
Student Outcome: Student will plan, shop for, and prepare three meals for one day.
Personal Care and Hygiene – Postsecondary Goal: Maintain personal health, hygiene, and grooming routines to promote well-being, confidence, and independence.
Personal Care and Hygiene – Postsecondary Goal: Maintain personal health, hygiene, and grooming routines to promote well-being, confidence, and independence.
Step 1 – Understand the Importance of Hygiene
Step 1 – Understand the Importance of Hygiene
Description: Learn why personal care is important for health, social relationships, and self-esteem.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use real-life examples or short videos to show the impact of hygiene on daily life.
Student Outcome: Student will list three reasons why personal hygiene is important.
Step 2 – Create a Daily Personal Care Routine
Step 2 – Create a Daily Personal Care Routine
Description: Develop a checklist for morning, afternoon, and evening hygiene tasks.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a visual schedule or phone reminders for routine building.
Student Outcome: Student will follow a personal care checklist for one week.
Step 3 – Practice Oral Hygiene
Step 3 – Practice Oral Hygiene
Description: Learn how to brush and floss teeth properly and schedule dental visits.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a large model of teeth to practice brushing and flossing techniques.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing.
Step 4 – Bathing and Hair Care
Step 4 – Bathing and Hair Care
Description: Understand how often to bathe, wash hair, and choose appropriate hair care products.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Demonstrate product use and discuss personal preferences for style and care.
Student Outcome: Student will create a personal bathing and hair washing schedule.
Step 5 – Skin Care Basics
Step 5 – Skin Care Basics
Description: Learn about cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Provide samples and show correct application methods.
Student Outcome: Student will identify two products for skin care and explain their use.
Step 6 – Nail Care
Step 6 – Nail Care
Description: Learn how to trim nails, maintain cleanliness, and recognize signs of infection.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Provide clippers and practice on models or self-care sessions.
Student Outcome: Student will safely trim and clean fingernails.
Step 7 – Dressing for the Occasion
Step 7 – Dressing for the Occasion
Description: Select appropriate clothing for work, school, recreation, and special events.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use pictures or a closet activity to match outfits to events.
Student Outcome: Student will choose an outfit appropriate for a given scenario.
Step 8 – Laundry Skills
Step 8 – Laundry Skills
Description: Learn to sort laundry, operate washers/dryers, and fold/store clothes.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Teach using visual step-by-step guides and practice with real laundry.
Student Outcome: Student will wash, dry, fold, and store one load of laundry.
Step 9 – Managing Personal Care Supplies
Step 9 – Managing Personal Care Supplies
Description: Keep track of hygiene products, replace when empty, and shop for new items.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Have students make a shopping list based on their hygiene routine.
Student Outcome: Student will create a shopping list for needed personal care items.
Step 10 – Understanding Hygiene and Social Interaction
Step 10 – Understanding Hygiene and Social Interaction
Description: Recognize how hygiene affects social, educational, and work relationships.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Discuss scenarios where hygiene impacts first impressions.
Student Outcome: Student will role-play introducing themselves in a social or work setting while demonstrating good hygiene.
Community Engagement – Postsecondary Goal: Participate in community activities, develop social connections, and contribute to society through work, volunteering, or civic involvement.
Community Engagement – Postsecondary Goal: Participate in community activities, develop social connections, and contribute to society through work, volunteering, or civic involvement.
Step 1 – Identify Community Resources
Step 1 – Identify Community Resources
Description: Learn about local community centers, libraries, recreation programs, clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
Category: Instruction / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Create a community resource map and visit locations as a group.
Student Outcome: Student will identify five local community resources and their purposes.
Step 2 – Explore Personal Interests
Step 2 – Explore Personal Interests
Description: Connect hobbies, talents, and passions to community opportunities.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use interest inventories and online searches for local events.
Student Outcome: Student will list three personal interests and match each to a community activity.
Step 3 – Practice Social Communication Skills
Step 3 – Practice Social Communication Skills
Description: Learn conversation starters, active listening, and appropriate behavior in group settings.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Role-play meeting new people in a community setting.
Student Outcome: Student will participate in a mock social conversation using at least one conversation starter and active listening.
Step 4 – Attend a Community Event with Support
Step 4 – Attend a Community Event with Support
Description: Go to a public event (fair, festival, sports game, library workshop) with staff or family support.
Category: Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Prep by reviewing event details, dress code, and behavior expectations.
Student Outcome: Student will attend one community event and describe their experience afterward.
Step 5 – Join a Club or Group
Step 5 – Join a Club or Group
Description: Research and select a club, organization, or social group that matches interests.
Category: Community Experience / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Provide examples of school-based and community-based clubs.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one club or group to join and explain why they chose it.
Step 6 – Volunteer in the Community
Step 6 – Volunteer in the Community
Description: Participate in a volunteer opportunity that supports personal interests and skills.
Category: Community Experience / Employment
Teacher Tip: Start with short-term volunteer activities to build comfort.
Student Outcome: Student will complete one volunteer activity and reflect on what they learned.
Step 7 – Practice Independent Participation
Step 7 – Practice Independent Participation
Description: Attend an activity or meeting independently, following all necessary rules and expectations.
Category: Community Experience / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Provide a checklist of steps for attending independently (transportation, supplies, arrival time).
Student Outcome: Student will attend one community activity independently and return with proof of participation.
Step 8 – Contribute to a Group Project
Step 8 – Contribute to a Group Project
Description: Work collaboratively with others toward a shared goal in a community setting.
Category: Community Experience / Employment
Teacher Tip: Assign small group roles in a community service project.
Student Outcome: Student will complete their assigned role in a group project and report on the outcome.
Step 9 – Explore Civic Engagement
Step 9 – Explore Civic Engagement
Description: Learn about voting, attending public meetings, and advocating for community needs.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Attend a mock town hall or visit a local government office.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one way they can participate in local government or advocacy.
Step 10 – Maintain Long-Term Community Involvement
Step 10 – Maintain Long-Term Community Involvement
Description: Build consistent engagement through ongoing activities, memberships, or leadership roles.
Category: Adult Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to commit to a regular schedule for participation.
Student Outcome: Student will describe one community activity they plan to continue participating in after high school.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities – Postsecondary Goal: Understand personal legal rights and responsibilities to make informed decisions, protect oneself, and participate fully in adult life.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities – Postsecondary Goal: Understand personal legal rights and responsibilities to make informed decisions, protect oneself, and participate fully in adult life.
Step 1 – Understand the Concept of Legal Rights
Step 1 – Understand the Concept of Legal Rights
Description: Learn what legal rights are and why they matter for independence.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use real-world examples such as the right to vote or the right to privacy.
Student Outcome: Student will name two personal legal rights and explain their importance.
Step 2 – Know Key Legal Documents
Step 2 – Know Key Legal Documents
Description: Recognize important personal legal documents (ID, Social Security card, birth certificate) and their purposes.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Show sample documents with personal information removed.
Student Outcome: Student will identify three key legal documents and state their uses.
Step 3 – Understand the Age of Majority
Step 3 – Understand the Age of Majority
Description: Learn what changes when a person turns 18, including legal independence and responsibilities.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Create a checklist of rights and responsibilities gained at 18.
Student Outcome: Student will list three legal changes that happen when turning 18.
Step 4 – Explore Disability Rights
Step 4 – Explore Disability Rights
Description: Learn about laws like the ADA, Section 504, and IDEA, and how they protect individuals with disabilities.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use case studies to show how these laws are applied in school, work, and community settings.
Student Outcome: Student will describe one disability right and how it applies to them.
Step 5 – Understand Voting Rights and Processes
Step 5 – Understand Voting Rights and Processes
Description: Learn how to register to vote and the steps for voting.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Practice filling out a sample voter registration form.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a mock voter registration form.
Step 6 – Recognize Housing Rights
Step 6 – Recognize Housing Rights
Description: Understand tenant rights, lease agreements, and protections against discrimination.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Review a simplified lease and identify key terms.
Student Outcome: Student will identify two rights they would have as a renter.
Step 7 – Know Workplace Rights and Responsibilities
Step 7 – Know Workplace Rights and Responsibilities
Description: Learn about minimum wage, safe work environments, and workplace accommodations.
Category: Instruction / Employment
Teacher Tip: Review real job postings and discuss accommodations.
Student Outcome: Student will name two workplace rights and explain how to request accommodations.
Step 8 – Understand Financial Legal Responsibilities
Step 8 – Understand Financial Legal Responsibilities
Description: Learn about taxes, contracts, and the importance of paying bills on time.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Show a sample bill and discuss late fees and consequences.
Student Outcome: Student will explain one consequence of not paying a bill on time.
Step 9 – Practice Self-Advocacy in Legal Situations
Step 9 – Practice Self-Advocacy in Legal Situations
Description: Learn to speak up for one’s rights in school, work, and community settings.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Role-play scenarios where a student asks for legal accommodations.
Student Outcome: Student will role-play requesting a reasonable accommodation in a workplace or school setting.
Step 10 – Maintain and Protect Legal Documents
Step 10 – Maintain and Protect Legal Documents
Description: Store important documents securely and know how to replace them if lost.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Demonstrate safe storage methods and provide a replacement process guide.
Student Outcome: Student will create a secure folder or digital file for their legal documents.
Self-Determination – Postsecondary Goal: Develop the ability to make choices, set goals, advocate for oneself, and take responsibility for decisions in order to live as independently as possible.
Self-Determination – Postsecondary Goal: Develop the ability to make choices, set goals, advocate for oneself, and take responsibility for decisions in order to live as independently as possible.
Step 1 – Understand Self-Determination
Step 1 – Understand Self-Determination
Description: Learn what self-determination means and why it is important for success in school, work, and life.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Share real-life examples of people making their own choices and reaching goals.
Student Outcome: Student will explain what self-determination means in their own words.
Step 2 – Identify Strengths, Preferences, Interests, and Needs (SPIN)
Step 2 – Identify Strengths, Preferences, Interests, and Needs (SPIN)
Description: Reflect on personal abilities, likes/dislikes, and areas where help is needed.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use an interest inventory or “All About Me” profile activity.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a SPIN profile listing at least three strengths and three needs.
Step 3 – Learn Decision-Making Skills
Step 3 – Learn Decision-Making Skills
Description: Practice making small and large decisions, weighing pros and cons.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Provide decision-making scenarios for role-play.
Student Outcome: Student will make a choice between two or more options and explain their reasoning.
Step 4 – Set Personal Goals
Step 4 – Set Personal Goals
Description: Create short-term and long-term goals based on SPIN information.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use the SMART goal framework to make goals specific and measurable.
Student Outcome: Student will write one short-term and one long-term goal.
Step 5 – Create an Action Plan
Step 5 – Create an Action Plan
Description: Break down goals into steps and assign timelines.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use checklists or timelines to track steps toward goals.
Student Outcome: Student will list at least three steps to achieve their short-term goal.
Step 6 – Practice Self-Advocacy
Step 6 – Practice Self-Advocacy
Description: Learn to communicate needs and preferences in school, work, and community settings.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Role-play IEP meetings or workplace requests for accommodations.
Student Outcome: Student will practice stating their needs in a mock meeting scenario.
Step 7 – Take Responsibility for Decisions
Step 7 – Take Responsibility for Decisions
Description: Learn to accept both positive and negative outcomes of decisions.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Discuss examples where people learned from mistakes and grew.
Student Outcome: Student will reflect on one decision they made and describe the outcome.
Step 8 – Monitor Progress Toward Goals
Step 8 – Monitor Progress Toward Goals
Description: Regularly check and adjust steps toward goal achievement.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use progress-tracking charts or journals.
Student Outcome: Student will update their goal tracker and make one adjustment if needed.
Step 9 – Learn Problem-Solving Skills
Step 9 – Learn Problem-Solving Skills
Description: Practice identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, and choosing the best option.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Present real-life problems and guide students through problem-solving steps.
Student Outcome: Student will list two solutions to a given problem and choose one to try.
Step 10 – Demonstrate Self-Determination in Real Life
Step 10 – Demonstrate Self-Determination in Real Life
Description: Apply self-determination skills to make independent choices in real-world settings.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Provide opportunities for students to make real decisions about their learning, schedule, or activities.
Student Outcome: Student will independently make a choice that impacts their school, work, or community involvement and share the result.
Self-Awareness – Postsecondary Goal: Recognize personal strengths, needs, interests, preferences, and values in order to make informed decisions and plan for the future.
Self-Awareness – Postsecondary Goal: Recognize personal strengths, needs, interests, preferences, and values in order to make informed decisions and plan for the future.
Step 1 – Understand What Self-Awareness Means
Step 1 – Understand What Self-Awareness Means
Description: Learn that self-awareness is knowing who you are and how you relate to the world around you.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a simple analogy like “Your personal GPS — knowing where you are helps you know where to go.”
Student Outcome: Student will explain self-awareness in their own words.
Step 2 – Identify Strengths
Step 2 – Identify Strengths
Description: List abilities, talents, and positive qualities.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use peer and teacher feedback to help students identify strengths they might not recognize themselves.
Student Outcome: Student will list three personal strengths.
Step 3 – Identify Needs/Areas for Growth
Step 3 – Identify Needs/Areas for Growth
Description: Recognize areas where support, practice, or learning is needed.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use reflective questions to help students identify challenges.
Student Outcome: Student will list two areas where they need improvement or support.
Step 4 – Identify Interests
Step 4 – Identify Interests
Description: Explore activities, subjects, and topics the student enjoys.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use interest inventories and hands-on experiences.
Student Outcome: Student will list three personal interests.
Step 5 – Identify Preferences
Step 5 – Identify Preferences
Description: Recognize likes and dislikes in learning, working, and living environments.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Provide “this or that” choice activities to help students explore preferences.
Student Outcome: Student will identify two preferences for work or learning environments.
Step 6 – Recognize Values
Step 6 – Recognize Values
Description: Identify what is important to them (e.g., honesty, teamwork, creativity).
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use a values ranking activity or card sort.
Student Outcome: Student will name their top three personal values.
Step 7 – Explore How Strengths and Needs Affect Goals
Step 7 – Explore How Strengths and Needs Affect Goals
Description: Understand how self-knowledge shapes career, education, and life goals.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Show examples of how strengths can help overcome needs.
Student Outcome: Student will match one strength to a future goal.
Step 8 – Share Self-Awareness with Others
Step 8 – Share Self-Awareness with Others
Description: Learn how to communicate strengths, needs, and preferences in a clear way.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Have students practice sharing their SPIN with a partner.
Student Outcome: Student will present their strengths and needs to a peer or teacher.
Step 9 – Reflect on Personal Growth
Step 9 – Reflect on Personal Growth
Description: Review changes in strengths, needs, and preferences over time.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use a yearly “All About Me” update to track growth.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one change in their strengths or needs over the past year.
Step 10 – Apply Self-Awareness to Decision-Making
Step 10 – Apply Self-Awareness to Decision-Making
Description: Use personal knowledge to make informed choices about education, work, and life.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Present real-life scenarios where self-awareness guides choices.
Student Outcome: Student will make a choice based on their strengths, needs, and preferences.
Self-Advocacy – Postsecondary Goal: Communicate needs, preferences, and rights effectively to access supports, make informed decisions, and actively participate in school, work, and community life.
Self-Advocacy – Postsecondary Goal: Communicate needs, preferences, and rights effectively to access supports, make informed decisions, and actively participate in school, work, and community life.
Step 1 – Understand What Self-Advocacy Means
Step 1 – Understand What Self-Advocacy Means
Description: Learn that self-advocacy is speaking up for yourself and asking for what you need.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use role models or videos showing people advocating for themselves.
Student Outcome: Student will define self-advocacy in their own words.
Step 2 – Know Your Rights
Step 2 – Know Your Rights
Description: Learn basic rights in school, work, and the community.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Provide a “Rights at a Glance” chart for quick reference.
Student Outcome: Student will list one right they have in school and one in the workplace.
Step 3 – Know Your Responsibilities
Step 3 – Know Your Responsibilities
Description: Understand personal responsibilities that come with rights.
Category: Instruction / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Discuss examples such as meeting deadlines, being prepared, and following rules.
Student Outcome: Student will name one personal responsibility in school or work.
Step 4 – Identify and Communicate Needs
Step 4 – Identify and Communicate Needs
Description: Learn to clearly explain areas where support or accommodations are needed.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use sentence starters like “I need…” or “It helps me when…”
Student Outcome: Student will state one need and suggest a support to meet it.
Step 5 – Practice Asking for Help
Step 5 – Practice Asking for Help
Description: Role-play situations in which students ask for assistance.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Model how to ask for help in different settings (classroom, store, workplace).
Student Outcome: Student will ask for help in a practice scenario using respectful language.
Step 6 – Learn About Accommodations and Modifications
Step 6 – Learn About Accommodations and Modifications
Description: Understand the difference between accommodations and modifications and how to request them.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use real examples from students’ IEPs or 504 plans.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one accommodation they use and explain why it helps.
Step 7 – Participate in IEP or Planning Meetings
Step 7 – Participate in IEP or Planning Meetings
Description: Practice speaking during meetings to share input on goals and services.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Give students an agenda and practice script for the meeting.
Student Outcome: Student will share at least one strength and one goal during an IEP meeting.
Step 8 – Handle Disagreements Respectfully
Step 8 – Handle Disagreements Respectfully
Description: Learn strategies for resolving conflicts while staying calm and respectful.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Role-play disagreeing with a teacher or employer in a productive way.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate one strategy for resolving a disagreement respectfully.
Step 9 – Practice Real-World Self-Advocacy
Step 9 – Practice Real-World Self-Advocacy
Description: Apply self-advocacy skills in community, work, or postsecondary settings.
Category: Community Experience / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Arrange a practice experience where the student requests an accommodation in a public setting.
Student Outcome: Student will request a needed support in a real-world environment.
Step 10 – Reflect and Improve Self-Advocacy Skills
Step 10 – Reflect and Improve Self-Advocacy Skills
Description: Evaluate past advocacy experiences and make a plan for improvement.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Use reflection questions like “What worked well?” and “What can I do differently?”
Student Outcome: Student will identify one strength and one area for growth in their self-advocacy skills.
Goal Setting & Attainment - Postsecondary Goal: Learn to set realistic goals, create action plans, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to achieve personal, academic, and career success.
Goal Setting & Attainment - Postsecondary Goal: Learn to set realistic goals, create action plans, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to achieve personal, academic, and career success.
Step 1 – Understand What a Goal Is
Step 1 – Understand What a Goal Is
Description: Learn that a goal is something you want to achieve and requires effort and planning.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Share short, simple examples like “I want to save $20” or “I want to pass my driving test.”
Student Outcome: Student will explain what a goal is in their own words.
Step 2 – Identify Personal Goals
Step 2 – Identify Personal Goals
Description: Think about things you want to accomplish in school, work, and life.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use prompts like “What do you want to learn?” or “What do you want to get better at?”
Student Outcome: Student will list at least one personal, one academic, and one career goal.
Step 3 – Learn the SMART Goal Method
Step 3 – Learn the SMART Goal Method
Description: Understand how to make goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Model turning a vague goal (“Get better at math”) into a SMART goal (“Increase my math test scores by 10% in the next 8 weeks”).
Student Outcome: Student will write one SMART goal.
Step 4 – Break Goals into Action Steps
Step 4 – Break Goals into Action Steps
Description: Divide goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Create a visual checklist or timeline for students.
Student Outcome: Student will list at least three steps needed to reach their goal.
Step 5 – Identify Resources and Supports
Step 5 – Identify Resources and Supports
Description: Learn to find people, tools, and opportunities that help you reach a goal.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Help students make a “support map” of people and resources.
Student Outcome: Student will name at least two resources that could help them reach a goal.
Step 6 – Start Working Toward the Goal
Step 6 – Start Working Toward the Goal
Description: Take the first step toward achieving the goal.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Provide opportunities to act on goals during class or work-based learning.
Student Outcome: Student will complete the first action step toward their goal.
Step 7 – Monitor Progress
Step 7 – Monitor Progress
Description: Keep track of how you’re doing and notice changes over time.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use progress trackers, journals, or goal check-ins.
Student Outcome: Student will update their goal progress at least once a week.
Step 8 – Adjust the Plan if Needed
Step 8 – Adjust the Plan if Needed
Description: Learn how to change your steps or timeline when something isn’t working.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Teach “Plan B” thinking — ask “What else could I try?”
Student Outcome: Student will make one change to their plan when a challenge arises.
Step 9 – Achieve the Goal and Celebrate
Step 9 – Achieve the Goal and Celebrate
Description: Recognize the success and reflect on the work it took to get there.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Create a celebration ritual like a certificate, verbal recognition, or a showcase.
Student Outcome: Student will share how they achieved their goal and what they learned.
Step 10 – Set a New Goal
Step 10 – Set a New Goal
Description: Use what you’ve learned to create a new goal and repeat the process.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to challenge themselves with a slightly bigger goal next time.
Student Outcome: Student will write one new SMART goal based on previous success.
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