COMMUNITY REFERENCED LEARNING

This methodology provides students with individualized academics, vocational, and life skill experiences in the home, neighborhood, and community in which they live. The community and its resources are used as instructional settings to reinforce academics and other skills taught in the classroom, allowing students to practice those skills in the community and work environment. Functional academics and life centered career education curriculum are used to address individual needs in the areas of community, domestic, recreation/leisure and vocational skill development. This methodology is used throughout the districts's high schools, alternative schools, and many middle and elementary schools for students with moderate to severe disabilities.

For more information contact either Donna Crockett at 855-9931 or Kim Nichols at 855-9924.

SUPERVISED WORK EXPERIENCE (WORK STUDY)

High school supervised work experience programs are designed to help students explore career options, engage in meaningful work experience, develop a good work ethic and transfer skills learned in high school to the work place. Work Study teachers provide instruction in employability skills, assist students with their job search and monitor student performance on the job. Work Study Educational Assistants support students by providing school-based services, job coaching and follow-along. Students receive work study credit upon successful completion of the program.     

For more information, please contact Kim Nichols at 855-9924.

DISTRICT JOB DEVELOPER

The District Job Developer consults with special education staff in the schools and helps to facilitate the connection with employers to locate job openings and leads for students in work experience programs. Ongoing training is offered in the Individualized or Customized Employment Process which consists of preparing a personalized employment profile, conducting an employment plan, and identifying marketing and job development strategies tailored to the needs and desires of the student.

For more information, please contact Jana Murphy at 855-9932.

TRANSITION SPECIALISTS

Transition Specialists are assigned to every high school and alternative school. Their major responsibilities include: coordinating the transition planning process for students at the high school and feeder middle schools; providing transition information and technical assistance to school staff, families and students, as well as coordinating with, and referring students to, appropriate adult service agencies.

For more information, please contact the High School Transition Specialist as listed below:

TRANSITION OUTCOMES PROGRAMS (TOP) FOR STUDENTS 18-22 YEARS OLD
(Located at 1730 University Blvd. SE)

The Transition Outcomes Programs For Studens 18-22 Years Old serve students who have completed the high school portion of their programs, yet continue to have transition needs in the areas of employment, post secondary education/training, independent living and community connections. The programs operate as a component of the APS Alternative Schools Cluster.

For more information, please contact Meg Connors, Principal at 872-6800 ext. 66804 or Sam Avritt, Head Teacher at 872-6800 ext. 66818.

ADULT CENTERED COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES (ACCESS)

ACCESS is a transition program for students aged 18-22 with moderate to severe disabilities. It is designed to provide education, identify supports, and make connections needed for successful employment, home and community participation. Transition Teachers and Community Support Liaisons support students through a variety of classroom and community activities: job development, placement and follow-along; self-determination/advocacy training; independent living; vocational skill development; and connection to appropriate adult service providers. Students receive a diploma from their home school upon successful completion of their IEP transition goals and outcomes.

COMMUNITY TRANSITION TO ADULT PROGRAM (CTAP)

CTAP is a transition program for students aged 18-22 with severe disabilities that provides a structured day program. Students are able to participate in a variety of work enclave experiences and visit vocational service providers in the community. Emphasis is on supported mployment, independent living and community participation. Students may transition to the ACCESS program or other appropriate adult service providers. Students will receive a diploma from their home school upon successful completion of their IEP transition goals and outcomes.

APS/CNM DUAL ENROLLMENT (DE) RESOURCE PROGRAM

High school juniors, seniors and 18-22 year old transition students are able to enroll in classes at Central New Mexico Community College while receiving special education support from district resource teachers. Students attend CNM classes four days a week and meet with their resource teacher for additional instruction and tutoring. Students receive heir high school diploma from their home school upon the successful completion of the program. In addition, the studens earn CNM credits toward a certificate or associate degree.

For more information, please contact Karla Paul at 681-3289, Sharon Starkey at 350-8895 or Marlene Brown at 288-0654.

Transtion Services Documents

Transition Manual (PDF)