Overview
This unique and innovative program is based on the concept
that there is no occupational training that can compare with
authentic work experience. When involved in actual work
tasks that require accountability, students can learn at an
optimum level. First Job Experience simulates a realistic
work site that is compatible with typical school schedules.
The program consists of two components: Students Working and
Training (S.W.A.T.) and Target Skills. This program is
perfect for School-to-Work classrooms, JPTA, and other
vocational settings. It features a complete set of
reproducibles that cover everything from Job Requests to Job
Assignments. Detailed instructions that offer step-by-step
guidelines for every aspect of the program make this a
valuable and exciting experience for both teachers and
students.
Components
S.W.A.T. Module
This module presents a format for providing actual work
experience in the classroom. Guidelines are given for
in-house jobs (jobs students perform for the school) and
outside jobs (jobs students perform for local employers).
Students are held accountable for their work and must
maintain realistic job performance levels. Teachers closely
monitor students as they perform their tasks.
Most schools and training facilities have many tasks that
can be performed by students. Selected tasks must meet the
following criteria: little or no learning curve, quality of
work can be monitored, and realistic deadlines (participants
might work more slowly than typical adult employees).
Possible in-house jobs include: alphabetizing, cleaning,
creating a class newsletter, doing errands, doing research,
filing, hole punching, making photocopies, sorting mail,
taking attendance, working on bulletin boards, and many
more. These classroom jobs are a logical first step for
students who are likely to experience difficulty in the
workforce.
Target Skills Module.
This module consists of 36 Target Skill Guidelines with
accompanying Discussion Starters for the teacher, and 36
Target Skill reproducibles for the student. One Target Skill
is highlighted each day prior to students starting their
classroom jobs. In doing this, students practice becoming
quality employees.
Target Skills Contents
Keep Your Work Area Clean, Listen
Carefully to Directions, Take Notes to Help You Remember,
Keep Chatting to a Minimum, Remember that Your Dress is Your
Signature, Be a Dependable Employee, and many more.
Each Target Skill reproducible features a simple, whimsical
illustration, easy-to-read bulleted information, and a space
for notes. Teacher guidelines includes discussion pointers
and teaching suggestions for each of the 36 Target Skills.
The objectives of the first job experience program are the same,
whether students confine their jobs to the classroom or
expand into the community as volunteer or paid workers.
Objectives of the First Job Experience Program
- Given a job on a regular basis, each participant will
report for work and begin working on schedule.
- Given instructions from a work supervisor, each participant
will follow the supervisor's directives.
- Given a specific task to perform, regardless of personal
opinions and preferences, each participant will complete the
task as requested.
- Given confusing information while performing a task, each
participant will ask questions of the supervisor to complete
the task correctly.
- Given a Target Skill, each participant will attempt to
implement the skill while working.
Specifications
- Product Type: Binder
- Number of Pages: 85 pages
- Reproducible: Yes
- Reading Level: 5.0+
- Age Appropriate Level: Secondary, Adult Education
- Copyright: 1998
About the Author
Ellen McPeek Glisan has an M.S. in learning disabilities and
started teaching in a cross-categorical classroom in a small
rural Northern Illinois junior-senior high school. Writing
complete programs that had a clear purpose in the lives of
her students became her passion. She has created an entire
line of School-to-Work materials for both regular and
special education classrooms for children and adults.
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