Classroom & Student Expectations

 Transition to Self-Determination

In this class, students will learn how to understand themselves, make informed choices, communicate their needs, and take greater responsibility for their future.

Student Expectations

1. Know Yourself

   • Identify your strengths, interests, needs, and areas for growth.

   • Be honest when completing self-assessments and reflections.

   • Recognize that everyone has different abilities and goals.

2. Use Your Voice

   • Practice speaking up respectfully for yourself.

   • Ask questions when you do not understand.

   • Communicate the help, accommodations, or support you need.

3. Make Responsible Choices

   • Consider the possible consequences before making decisions.

   • Accept responsibility for your choices and actions.

   • Learn from mistakes instead of making excuses.

4. Set Meaningful Goals

   • Create realistic short-term and long-term goals.

   • Participate in developing your transition and Individualized Education Program goals.

   • Complete the steps needed to make progress toward your goals.

5. Participate Actively

   • Arrive on time and prepared to learn.

   • Participate in discussions, activities, role-playing, and presentations.

   • Complete assignments to the best of your ability.

6. Show Respect

   • Listen when others are speaking.

   • Respect different opinions, experiences, abilities, and goals.

   • Use appropriate language, behavior, and technology.

7. Build Independence

   • Attempt tasks before asking someone else to complete them.

   • Use available resources and problem-solving strategies.

   • Accept feedback and use it to improve.

Transition to Postsecondary Education and Training

In this class, students will prepare for education, training, certification, or career-development opportunities after high school.

Student Expectations

1. Explore Your Options

   • Research colleges, technical schools, training programs, apprenticeships, and certification opportunities.

   • Compare programs based on admission requirements, cost, location, available support, and career goals.

   • Remain open to different pathways to success.

2. Take Ownership of Your Future

   • Keep track of applications, forms, passwords, deadlines, and required documents.

   • Ask for assistance before a deadline has passed.

   • Complete as much of the application process independently as possible.

3. Practice Postsecondary Skills

   • Use email, online learning platforms, calendars, and digital documents appropriately.

   • Practice taking notes, studying, organizing materials, and managing assignments.

   • Follow written and verbal directions carefully.

4. Communicate Professionally

   • Write appropriate emails and messages.

   • Practice speaking with instructors, advisors, admissions representatives, and support personnel.

   • Ask clear questions and respond respectfully.

5. Use Time Wisely

   • Begin assignments promptly and remain on task.

   • Meet classroom and application deadlines.

   • Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

6. Advocate for Support

   • Understand the differences between high school services and postsecondary accommodations.

   • Learn how to request accommodations and provide required documentation.

   • Communicate your needs without expecting others to speak for you.

7. Prepare Financially

   • Learn about tuition, fees, scholarships, financial aid, transportation, supplies, and living expenses.

   • Complete financial-planning activities honestly and carefully.

   • Recognize the importance of responsible borrowing and budgeting.

8. Demonstrate Academic Integrity

   • Submit your own work.

   • Give credit when using another person’s ideas or information.

   • Use artificial intelligence and online resources only as directed by the teacher.

Transition to Adulthood

In this class, students will develop the practical, social, financial, employment, and independent-living skills needed for adult life.

Student Expectations

1. Act Responsibly

   • Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to work.

   • Follow classroom, school, workplace, and community rules.

   • Take responsibility for your actions, belongings, and assignments.

2. Practice Independent-Living Skills

   • Participate in activities involving cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, transportation, personal care, and home safety.

   • Follow safety procedures when using appliances, tools, or equipment.

   • Complete tasks carefully and clean your work area when finished.

3. Develop Employability Skills

   • Practice completing applications, creating résumés, interviewing, and communicating with employers.

   • Follow directions and complete assigned tasks.

   • Demonstrate reliability, cooperation, appropriate dress, and a positive attitude.

4. Manage Money Responsibly

   • Participate in budgeting, banking, purchasing, and comparison-shopping activities.

   • Learn the difference between needs and wants.

   • Protect personal and financial information.

5. Use Appropriate Social Skills

   • Communicate respectfully with classmates, teachers, supervisors, customers, and community members.

   • Respect personal space, boundaries, and confidentiality.

   • Handle disagreements calmly and appropriately.

6. Solve Problems

   • Pause, identify the problem, consider possible solutions, and choose a safe response.

   • Ask for help when a situation is unsafe or beyond your ability.

   • Accept correction and make appropriate changes.

7. Practice Community Safety

   • Follow pedestrian, transportation, workplace, and public-safety rules.

   • Stay with the group during community-based instruction unless given permission otherwise.

   • Represent yourself and Smith County High School appropriately in the community.

8. Build Independence

   • Attempt tasks before relying on others.

   • Use checklists, schedules, reminders, and other supports appropriately.

   • Work toward completing everyday responsibilities with less assistance.