Wednesday, November 20, 2002
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Wednesday, November 20, 2002 |
Program helps students gain job skillsThe goal of the Fayette County School System is to give all of its students the life skills they need to live independent, productive lives after graduation. One program, with the cooperation of local businesses, is helping students with intellectual disabilities learn valuable job skills. The community-based vocational instruction program gives high school students with intellectual disabilities a hands-on opportunity to learn various jobs in an actual business environment. Students spend approximately four to five days a week, two to three hours each day, working at different businesses around Fayette including Target, Big Lots, Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby and Kroger to name a few. They learn a multitude of skills such as how to break down boxes, shred carrots, price items, dust and clean counters and return items to shelves with the objective being that they gain experience and job knowledge which can used after graduation to secure a job. "Our goal is to maximize their independence when they leave school," said program coordinator Clarice Howard. "There is life after high school for these students and we want to make sure that we give them the skills they need so they can make the most of it." Approximately 45 students are currently involved in the vocational program. Teachers, together with parents, assess each student's strengths and areas of interest to match them to a job. Before the students arrive at a job site, teachers go to the business to get trained in the area where their students will be working. Not only does this save time for store employees but it also helps the students by learning from someone they already know. "As teachers we get to learn how to do a lot of different jobs. Since we have been working with these students for many years, we know what they can and cannot do and the best way in which to deliver instruction to them," said Fayette County High School teacher Laurie Bailey, whose students work weekly at Target and Big Lots in Fayetteville. Not only do students receive instruction in job skills, but they also learn about time management, appropriate dress, and how to interact with others in a business setting. Students do not get paid for the work they do. The program simply provides them a chance to learn job skills. After high school, the program helps students create resumes and apply for jobs through the Georgia Department of Labor. Numerous Fayette County students have benefited from the vocational program and are currently working at various businesses in the metro Atlanta area. "As teachers, this program gives us hope for our students," said Bailey. "It is so exciting to know that they are capable of working. It makes the kids feel good about themselves knowing that they have a viable part in society. It is just a great program for everyone." The vocational instructional program is always looking for additional businesses that are willing to allow its students to learn job skills on site. Anyone interested in learning more about the program can contact Clarice Howard at 770-460-3990.
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