I have a daughter that will be going to WJHS this coming fall. She'll be on the vocational track versus the academic track. From my understanding she'll have to pick a career path and work on that from 9th grade on. Anyone know how this works? This will be my first experience w/ high school and special needs. I've done it all the way through so far--LOL. Just need to know more specifics on how this works for the high schoolers. And, from what I hear, there is no more self-contained classrooms once in high school. How does this work if the child is not on high school level? Again, I'm new to this aspect so forgive me for what I don't know. She is very nervous about going but excited at the same time. I've only homeschooled her for the last year but will send her to WJHS in the fall to start. Her friend that was in her class last year has started dating. OMG-- I don't think I can handle the dating aspect of teen years.--LOL. I currently have 3 teenagers. You think they'll all rebel at the same time? Thanks in advance for any tips on vocational ed track. And, any miscellaneous tips on raising teens. Sometimes they say I'm the meanest mom ever. --that's when I know I must be doing something right--LOL. stephanie--mom to 7
Are you talking about the Occupational Course OF Study. This is the 4th diploma track that was added to NC schools in 2001. I have worked with OCS students in all of the high schools. They will start to work on hours of work that are done on school campus in the 9th grade, they have all 4 years to complete the required 300 hours. In the 10th grade, they will go out with a jobcoach in the community and complete the 240 required hours. This hours will be completed by working along side the job coach at a variety of jobs in the community. The job coach drives a van and takes the students to the jobs and then back to school. They have one semester of this and unless they miss a lot of school days, can complete the 240 in that one semester. They are graded as well on behavior, work ethic, cooperation, etc. The last requirement of hours is 360 competetive employment. They must complete all hours as well as all the required course work, which has been modified for the OCS program. Some of the students will get a job in the 11th grade and start to work on the hours. The students will be offered the services of Vocational Rehabiliation when in the 11th grade. They can be referred to receive job coaching services an/or vocational evaluation at this time. If needed, they can get a job coach to help them find a job and go with them to work for a while to help them learn their job duties and follow-up to help them be more successful. The VR services and the jobcoaching services are no cost to the student or family. VR is a federal program and the job coaching is a contracted services that VR pays for. I am a placement specialist/job coach and have worked with 10th, 11th and 12th grade OCS students. This programs gives the student that would have otherwise graduated with a certificate, a chance to get a high school diploma. If you need any more information, let me know and I will be more than glad to answer any questions. I think the program is wonderful.
Thanks so much for explaining it to me a little more in depth! I know she will be unable to receive a diploma. They give them a certificate of attendance. --Don't agree w/ this one b/c she did WAY more than just attend. She's beyond a hard worker and tries so dog gone hard. One of htemost motivated, well-behaved children I have ever met. And not just b/c I'm her mom either--LOL. I think the program sounds excellent. Any suggestions, let me know. Will I have to fight as hard as I've had to fight on the IEP's in high school & the job program that I've had to do in elementary & middle school years? I want this to be a great learning experience for her and am wondering how much garbage I'll have to contend with regarding it. Want an honest answer. I've done the "fighting" bit for over 10 years now. I'm hoping high school will be different in how they view the children as they are preparing them for the real world work force. Hoping they see the kids as more productive members of society, willing to work and willing to work hard. Do you know how much assistance is given once they graduate high school in finding a job? Is there a transition team or does the ARC handle that type of stuff? Sorry for all the questions but really am trying to educate myself before the next IEP that I call for her to prepare for high school. Want to tell her what to expect. Thanks for taking the time to answer. stephanie-mom to 7
Sounds like a good program! Do they have a broad choice of vocations? It's a shame that we don't have full time vocational tech schools in NC like they have in other states. You do 60 hours per month in your trade training and 60 hours per month in high school. One week in shop, next week in school is the cycle. It's a great program for kids who want to learn a trade in lieu of college. You earn a high school diploma with an extensive education in a trade. Some kids know they either don’t want college or know they can’t afford it. These types of schools give them a career base to earn a living right out of school, or, while they decide if college is the right choice for them. And I can tell you this, from 30 years in construction; there is no ‘skilled’ tradesman anymore. I'm a tech graduate. We built a home every year and it was done almost exclusively with hand tools only. Attention to detail, pride in your work, and a comprehensive knowledge of the trade is non-existent these days. Americans aren’t building America, Mexicans are, and their skills are very limited. They did a national high school survey a few years ago. When students were asked to rate 500 professions, construction / tradesman was rated at #499. The only profession it beat was cowboy.
The OCS program is for students who read around a 4th-5th grade level when in the 9th grade. It is an EC program, but is between the Lifeskills program and regular ed. Stephanie, always be very involved with the IEPs. The teachers that I have met at WJHS are very nice. The students will be working with VR and will be referred for placement and job coaching if they need and want the service. I am employed with JCI in Selma and we contract with Jo Co Schools to provide the community based vocational training (10th grade) and also contract with VR to privide the vocational evaluation and placement/job coaching services (end of 11th grade and 12th grade). All of the requirements must be met in order for the student to earn the diploma. As far as when they get out of school, they can receive VR services then too. PM me and I will give you my number, so you can call me with other questions. I will help all I can.
