Managing Life
Life Skills Syllabi
Grades 9 to 12
Developed by Special Education Directors and Teachers
For use with the AAS
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Developed December 12, 2013
Development Team:
Lee Anne Petty
Claudia Askew
Lana Tew
Paige Michael
Angela Biggs
Rachel Armstrong
Sundra Sabine
Tara Bachus
Richard Templeton
Donna Flanagan
Jessica Lynn
Kerri Black
Laurie Tant
Teresa Chaney
Wade Turberville
Marsha Ricks
Stacey Ziegenbein
Alyssa Minshew
Jackie Carter
Beth Long
Christie Bostick
This document is to be used as a guide to ensure that students with special needs are receiving
Life Skills instruction on an individualized instructional level. All standards and suggested
activities are subject to be changed based on the individualized need of the student.
Transition Service Areas
Vocational Evaluation (VE)
Employment Development (ED)
Postsecondary Education (PE)
Financial Management (FM)
Personal Management (PM)
Transportation (T)
Community Experiences (CE)
Living Arrangements (LA)
Advocacy/Guardianship (AG)
Medical (M)
Linkages to Agencies (LTA)
Functional Vocational Evaluation (FVE)
Transition Strands
Academic/Training (AT)
Occupations/Careers (OC)
Personal/Social (PS)
Daily Living (DL)
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Table of Contents
9th Grade
4
10th Grade
10
11th Grade
16
12th Grade
22
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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9th Grade Life Skills Syllabus
Vocational Evaluation (VE)
TSOC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
Students will participate in the KUDER assessment
Employment Development (ED)
TS.OC9.2.C
habits or behaviors.
Identify the importance of exhibiting work-appropriate
Suggested Activities:
Telling Time, Following a Schedule (picture, bell,
transition times), Transportation Schedules, Two Step Directions
Postsecondary Education (PE)
TS.AT.9.1.A
Identify at least one benefit of, or reason for,
postsecondary education or training.
Suggested Activities:
Attend Field Trips to Restaurants, etc to see how the
business works (go to pizza place and make your own pizza), Job Shadowing for
purpose of personal interest and later employment, Discussion of pros and cons
of certain jobs and how the students personal skills, interests, strengths, and
weaknesses would relate to that job.
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Financial Management (FM)
TS.PET.9.4.B
Identify personal needs for, and at least one source of,
financial assistance for a projected postsecondary learning program.
TS.AT.9.5.B
assistance.
Identify at least one strategy for obtaining financial
TS.OC.9.1.B
Identify the general impact of receiving wages (e.g.,
ability to pay bills and purchase necessary goods).
TS.OC.9.3.B
Identify how and when wages are paid.
TS.DL.9.2.B
Discuss and illustrate wants/needs in relation to income
and living arrangements.
TS.DL.9.2.C
budget, and care.
Identify appropriate clothing options based on weather,
Suggested Activities:
Discuss pay schedules, types of bills, purchasing items;
distinguish between wants and needs
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Personal Management (PM)
TS.OC.9.2.B
Identify at least one general way in which employment
affects personal needs and wants (e.g., the effect of wages on having a place to
live).
TS.PS.9.1.A
Identify strengths and weaknesses through selfexploration and assessment of prior successes, failures, and other personal
learning experiences.
TS.PS.9.1.B
Identify personal management skills (e.g., behavioral
self-control, personal space, social norms) to manage oneself in various
environments (home/work/community).
TS.PS.9.1.C
Identify personal responsibilities across settings (e.g.,
academic or employment requirements, paying bills, and upkeep of living
arrangements).
TS.PS.9.2.C
authority figures.
Identify the values and beliefs held by parents or
TS.DL.9.3.A
Examine interests in leisure and recreational activities
available in the school and community.
TS.DL.9.3.C
Identify appropriate hygiene, grooming, and dress
routines for a variety of settings (school, community, and work).
Suggested Activities:
Compare and Contrast values and beliefs; list leisure and
recreational activities; discuss personal hygiene and dress; personal
responsibilities (cleaning room, washing clothes); personal strengths and
weaknesses
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Transportation (T)
TS.DL.9.1.E
Discuss transportation and/or mobility issues (e.g.,
transportation to/from school, home, within community, associated costs, routes,
and schedules) and positive/negative aspects of use
Suggested Activities:
Discuss how you go places (school, stores, etc.);
Compare and contrast modes of transportation
Living Arrangements (LA)
TS.DL.9.1.C
Identify general safety issues and procedures applicable
to home and community environments, including fire safety and severe weather
drills.
Suggested Activities:
Participate in identifying living options (Parents, group
home, nursing facility, independent living); Demonstrate knowledge of the skills
necessary for various living arrangements and lifestyles; Participate in
identification of natural supports for ongoing assistance in living arrangements;
Independence of management of personal care; Independently manage finances
Advocacy/Guardianship (AG)
TS.PS.9.3.A
Discuss types of socially responsible behavior across
various environments (e.g., identify assertive, passive, and aggressive behavior in
written scenarios).
Suggested Activities:
Participate in IEP planning; Demonstrate appropriate
assertiveness; Express desires appropriately; Make choices/decisions;
Communicate appropriately with peers and adults; Identify ongoing advocacy or
legal services; if needed
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Community Experiences (CE)
TS.DL.9.2.A
Identify community resources and individuals associated
with providing services.
Suggested Activities:
Independently move about the school environment;
Move about the community with supervision; Participate in community activities;
Locate and utilize community business (post office, movie, grocery store,
restaurants, and library)
TS.DL.9.3.A
Examine interests in leisure and recreational activities
available in the school and community.
Suggested Activities:
Participate in community sports activities; Participate in
youth groups; Identify leisure interests; Know how to find out about leisure
activities; Participate in school extracurricular activities; Participate in both
individual and group leisure/recreational activities
Medical (M)
TS.DL9.1.D
Discuss healthcare needs and examine approaches to
addressing those needs through available resources (e.g., emergency needs,
doctor visits, and pharmacy care).
Suggested Activities:
Student will identify 911 as phone number for
emergencies (demonstrate dialing; vocalize to do dial 911; eye gaze 911 or
communicate in another way?); Independently take medication (vocalize the
reason/purpose for medication; student will demonstrate understanding of
correct time and correct dosage of needed medication; demonstrate knowledge
of appropriate time for medication(s)); Describe family history and any allergies to
medication (students will identify allergies.)
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Linkages to Agencies (LTA)
TS.DL9.2.A
Identify community resources and individuals associated
with providing services.
Suggested Activities:
Discuss programs offered to parents and students; Place
student name on agencies watch list; Provide information on programs available
Functional Vocational Evaluation (FVE)
TS.OC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
Students will participate in the KUDER assessment
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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10th Grade Life Skills Syllabus
Vocational Evaluation (VE)
TSOC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
UNIACT/interest Inventory (PLAN)
Employment Development (ED)
TS.OC10.1.C
Identify and demonstrate self-discipline, self-worth,
positive attitudes, and integrity in school and work settings.
Suggested Activities:
Role Play Appropriate Reactions and Attitudes According
to Different Settings and Situations, Discuss Emotions, and use Social Stories
Postsecondary Education (PE)
TS.AT. 10.2.C
Learn and practice multiple information technologies to
support and/or supplement secondary learning.
Suggested Activities:
Demonstrating proper texting communication i.e. not
sending inappropriate messages and pictures
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Financial Management (FM)
TS.PET.10.4.B
Compare at least three sources of financial assistance
relevant to individual postsecondary learning plans and future financial status.
TS.OC.10.1.B
Describe the short-term impact of receiving wages and
other benefits (e.g., having money for a concert or movie or vacation days).
TS.OC.10.3.B
basic expenses.
Develop a monthly budget with imaginary wages and
TS.DL.10.2.B
Diagram budget according to necessities, utilities, and
rent and identify possible living arrangements.
TS.DL.10.2.C
Determine personal clothing options based on size,
preference, and season.
Suggested Activities:
making purchases
discuss sources of financial assistance; budgeting (daily;
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Personal Management (PM)
TS.OC.10.2.B
List specific personal needs and wants and multiple ways
in which employment would affect those needs and wants.
TS.PS.10.1.A
Distinguish between positive and negative social
influences (e.g., peers, family members, mentors, and role models) and manage
feedback received about the self from others.
TS.PS.10.1.B
Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate
behaviors across various environments (home/work/community).
TS.PS.10.1.C
Discuss personal responsibilities and expectations of
others (e.g., parents, administrators, or others may provide assistance but are
ultimately not responsible for success).
TS.PS.10.2.C
Analyze the values and beliefs held by others in society
and how these compare with those of parents or authority figures, understanding
that different perspectives can be held by different people.
TS.DL.10.3.A
Self-evaluate to determine specific interests in leisure
and recreational activities.
TS.DL.10.3.C
Investigate the importance and possible results of
dressing appropriately/inappropriately for differing environments (e.g.,
interviews, school, and community).
Suggested Activities:
Compare and Contrast values and beliefs; list leisure and
recreational activities; discuss personal hygiene and dress; personal
responsibilities (cleaning room, washing clothes); personal strengths and
weaknesses; Compare and contrast social influences and appropriate behavior
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Transportation (T)
TS.DL.10.1.E
Assess personal transportation services and/or mobility
issues, develop strategies for obtaining, using, and maintaining transportation
(e.g., public or private transportation), and examine related rules and regulations.
Suggested Activities:
Discuss how you go places (school, stores, etc.);
Compare and contrast modes of transportation; Discuss rules for safety, boarding,
walking, etc.
Living Arrangements (LA)
TS.DL.10.1.C
Demonstrate appropriate protocol via role play for
various emergency situations (e.g., fire in home, heart attack, flooded pipes, and
severe weather).
Suggested Activities:
Participate in identifying living options (Parents, group
home, nursing facility, independent living); Demonstrate knowledge of the skills
necessary for various living arrangements and lifestyles; Participate in
identification of natural supports for ongoing assistance in living arrangements;
Independence of management of personal care; Independently manage finances
Advocacy/Guardianship (AG)
TS.PS.10.3.A
Investigate self-advocacy as it relates to attainment of
postsecondary goals (e.g., self-knowledge of interests, list of strengths, and areas
of need).
Suggested Activities:
Participate in IEP planning; Demonstrate appropriate
assertiveness; Express desires appropriately; Make choices/decisions;
Communicate appropriately with peers and adults; Identify ongoing advocacy or
legal services; if needed
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Community Experiences (CE)
TS.DL.10.2.A
Differentiate individual needs for specific community
resources and services.
Suggested Activities:
Independently move about the school environment;
Move about the community with supervision; Participate in community activities;
Locate and utilize community business (post office, movie, grocery store,
restaurants, and library)
TS.DL.10.3.A
Self-evaluate to determine specific interests in leisure
and recreational activities.
Suggested Activities:
Participate in community sports activities; Participate in
youth groups; Identify leisure interests; Know how to find out about leisure
activities; Participate in school extracurricular activities; Participate in both
individual and group leisure/recreational activities
Medical (M)
TS.DL10.1.D
address those needs.
Assess personal healthcare needs and list resources to
Suggested Activities:
Identify when to go to the doctor or hospital (identify
the correct response to degree of injury/illness)
TS.DL10.2.D
Assess steps to work toward personal wellness needs
and list resources to address those needs.
Suggested Activities:
Identify the closest emergency room (identify “H” for
hospital sign; verbally explain location of hospital)
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Linkages to Agencies (LTA)
TS.DL10.2.A
Differentiate individual needs for specific
community resources and services.
Suggested Activities:
Identify agencies that will be invited to IEP meeting
Functional Vocational Evaluation (FVE)
TS.OC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
UNIACT/interest Inventory (PLAN)
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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11th Grade Life Skills Syllabus
Vocational Evaluation (VE)
TSOC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
Review and explore career clusters
Employment Development (ED)
TS.OC11.4.C
Apply rules, policies, and procedures of the workplace
(e.g., pre-employment, test and/or screening, dress and grooming, time
management, attendance, and sexual harassment policies).
Suggested Activities:
Give Classroom Jobs, School Based Jobs (help in
lunchroom, custodial staff), Keeping a School Planner/Calendar, Follow Teacher
Rubric or Picture Schedule for Task Completion
Postsecondary Education (PE)
TS.AT11.3.A
Analyze five specific postsecondary education or training
sources relevant to individual post-school goals and the positive and negative
aspects of each.
Suggested Activities:
Visit and Discuss Career Tech Facilities, Participate in
Virtual Field Trips, Bring in guest speakers to discuss appropriate on the job
responsibilities, Participate in Career Fairs
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Financial Management (FM)
TS.OC.11.1.B
Describe the long-term impact of receiving wages and
other benefits (e.g., ability to save for college or a home, health insurance in case
of injury or illness).
TS.OC.11.3.B
and basic expenses.
Create an annual budget with real or imaginary wages
TS.OC.11.5.B
Use personal annual budget to project savings to pay for
continuing and/or furthering education.
TS.DL.11.2.B
Design a plan addressing living arrangements and
wants/needs (e.g., independent living, school dorm, and transitional living).
TS.DL.11.2.C
purchases.
Assess personal needs to make appropriate clothing
Suggested Activities:
Discuss pay schedules, types of bills, purchasing items;
distinguish between wants and needs; discuss sources of financial assistance;
budgeting (daily, monthly, annually); making purchases
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Personal Management (PM)
TS.OC.11.1.A
Express at least one specific occupational interest.
TS.OC.11.2.B
Exhibit a broad understanding of how employment
allows an individual to meet personal needs and wants, as well as the specific
impact of part-time and full-time employment or volunteer work.
TS.PS.11.1.B
Engage in appropriate social interactions in multiple
environments (home/work/community).
TS.PS.11.1.C
Analyze the consequences associated with completing or
not completing personal responsibilities (e.g., effort put into academics affecting
the likelihood of attending college).
TS.PS.11.2.C
Distinguish between personal values and beliefs and
those of parents, authority figures, and others in society.
TS.DL.11.3.A
Report on a specific school or community activity (e.g.,
school, band, civic club, YMCA, camp) and how it aligns with personal interests
TS.DL.11.3.C
Select and discuss choice of grooming and dress as it
relates to various environments (e.g., school, community, and work).
Suggested Activities:
Compare and Contrast values and beliefs; list leisure and
recreational activities; discuss personal hygiene and dress; personal
responsibilities (cleaning room, washing clothes); personal strengths and
weaknesses; Compare and contrast social influences and appropriate behavior
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Transportation (T)
TS.DL.11.1.E
Develop a plan that utilizes private or public
transportation services, following related rules and regulations (e.g., driver’s
education, bus costs, routes, and schedule, local resources such as taxi or door-todoor pickup).
Suggested Activities:
Discuss how you go places (school, stores, etc.);
Compare and contrast modes of transportation; transportation schedules, cost;
rules (driving, walking, etc.)
Living Arrangements (LA)
TS.DL.11.1.C
Generate a plan for monthly household repairs and
maintenance and determine appropriate resources to resolve current safety
issues.
Suggested Activities:
Participate in identifying living options (Parents, group
home, nursing facility, independent living); Demonstrate knowledge of the skills
necessary for various living arrangements and lifestyles; Participate in
identification of natural supports for ongoing assistance in living arrangements;
Independence of management of personal care; Independently manage finances
Advocacy/Guardianship (AG)
TS.PS.11.3.A
Analyze postsecondary options and openly discuss
concerns and preferences, asking questions when needed (e.g., actively
participate in IEP planning/evaluation).
Suggested Activities:
Participate in IEP planning; Demonstrate appropriate
assertiveness; Express desires appropriately; Make choices/decisions;
Communicate appropriately with peers and adults; Identify ongoing advocacy or
legal services; if needed
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Community Experiences (CE)
TS.DL.11.2.A
services when needed.
Contrast specific community resources and
Suggested Activities:
Participate in community sports activities; Participate in
youth groups; Identify leisure interests; Know how to find out about leisure
activities; Participate in school extracurricular activities; Participate in both
individual and group leisure/recreational activities
TS.DL.11.3.A
Report on a specific school or community activity
(e.g., school, band, civic club, YMCA, camp) and how it aligns with personal
interests
Suggested Activities:
Independently move about the school environment;
Move about the community with supervision; Participate in community activities;
Locate and utilize community business (post office, movie, grocery store,
restaurants, and library)
Medical (M)
TS.DL.11.1.D
Develop a personal healthcare plan which includes goals
related to specific medical needs as identified by prior assessment.
Suggested Activities:
Students will role-play making appointments
(phone/look up information online; in office)
TS.DL11.2.D
Develop a personal wellness plan that includes
goals related to specific wellness needs as identified by prior assessment.
Suggested Activities:
Explain medical needs to medical personnel (students
will role play at their ability level)
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Linkages to Agencies (LTA)
TS.DL12.2.A
when needed.
Formulate specific community resources and services
Suggested Activities:
Complete an application for needed services
Functional Vocational Evaluation (FVE)
TS.OC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
Review and explore career clusters
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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12th Grade Life Skills Syllabus
Vocational Evaluation (VE)
TS.OC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
Further assessments from other agencies (vocational
assessment with ADRS)
Employment Development (ED)
TS.OC12.5.D
Demonstrate use of multiple job-seeking behaviors
during the application process and self-assess individual performance on those
behaviors.
Suggested Activities:
Practice Maintaining Eye Contact, Role Play Tone of
Voice, Staying on Topic Activities, Waiting Your Turn in Conversation Role Playing,
Internet Safety and Usage Activities
Postsecondary Education (PE)
TS.AT12.3.A
Choose two sources of postsecondary education or
training opportunities and assess their benefits related to career and life plans.
Suggested Activities:
Visit and Discuss Career Tech Facilities, Participate in
Virtual Field Trips, Bring in guest speakers to discuss appropriate on the job
responsibilities, Participate in Career Fairs
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Financial Management (FM)
TS.OC.12.1.B
Analyze both the short-term and long-term impacts of
receiving wages and other benefits and explain the need to plan for employment
with this impact in mind (e.g., identifying careers with greater and lesser impact
of wages and benefits).
TS.DL.12.2.B
Appraise appropriateness of identified living
arrangements (e.g., size, distance to employment, family, relation to budget, and
utilities).
TS.DL.12.2.C
Prepare appropriate wardrobe (e.g., laundry, ironing,
and purchasing articles of clothing as needed).
Suggested Activities:
Discuss pay schedules, types of bills, purchasing items;
distinguish between wants and needs; discuss sources of financial assistance;
budgeting (daily, monthly, annually); making purchases
Personal Management (PM)
TS.OC.12.1.A
Identify the future career goal of greatest interest.
TS.PS.12.1.B
Apply appropriate skills for interpersonal relationships,
including teamwork/collaboration, active/passive listening, and respect for self
and others.
TS.PS.12.1.C
Demonstrate acceptance of personal responsibility by
fulfilling responsibilities and/or accepting consequences of not fulfilling
responsibilities.
TS.PS.12.2.C
Demonstrate an ability to make decisions that are
informed by personal values and beliefs (e.g., personal valuing of higher
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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education informing the decision to apply to college, rather than pursuing college
only due to suggestions of others).
TS.DL.12.3.A
Arrange requirements and expectations for participation
in the chosen school or community recreational activities (e.g., rules, associated
fees, and time commitment).
TS.DL.12.3.C
Apply proper hygiene and grooming based on
understanding of requirements in various environments (e.g., interview setting,
job setting, school setting, and social setting).
Suggested Activities:
Compare and Contrast values and beliefs; list leisure and
recreational activities and rules for participation; discuss personal hygiene and
dress; personal responsibilities; personal strengths and weaknesses; Compare and
contrast social influences and appropriate behavior
Transportation (T)
TS.DL.12.1.E
Utilize identified method of transportation to reach a
desired location while obeying related laws and regulations (e.g., using a bus pass,
wearing a seat belt, using a helmet when biking, and using crosswalks).
Suggested Activities:
Activity that would require the student to chose mode of
transportation, purchase, schedule, and obey laws and regulations (may use role
play)
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Living Arrangements (LA)
TS.DL.12.1.C
Assess repairs or safety issues according to current plan
(e.g., making a purchase, and calling for services).
Suggested Activities:
Participate in identifying living options (Parents, group
home, nursing facility, independent living); Demonstrate knowledge of the skills
necessary for various living arrangements and lifestyles; Participate in
identification of natural supports for ongoing assistance in living arrangements;
Independence of management of personal care; Independently manage finances
Advocacy/Guardianship (AG)
TS.PS.12.3.A
Demonstrate self-advocacy by applying effective
skills in preparation for transition to postsecondary environment (e.g., call and
request information about a needed service for transition from school to
community, postsecondary education, or workforce).
Suggested Activities:
Participate in IEP planning; Demonstrate appropriate
assertiveness; Express desires appropriately; Make choices/decisions;
Communicate appropriately with peers and adults; Identify ongoing advocacy or
legal services; if needed
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
Page 26 of 27
Community Experiences (CE)
TS.DL.12.2.A
services when needed.
Formulate specific community resources and
Suggested Activities:
Independently move about the school environment;
Move about the community with supervision; Participate in community activities;
Locate and utilize community business (post office, movie, grocery store,
restaurants, and library)
TS.DL.12.3.A
Arrange requirements and expectations for
participation in the chosen school or community recreational activities (e.g., rules,
associated fees, and time commitment).
Suggested Activities:
Participate in community sports activities; Participate in
youth groups; Identify leisure interests; Know how to find out about leisure
activities; Participate in school extracurricular activities; Participate in both
individual and group leisure/recreational activities
Medical (M)
TS.DL.12.1.D
Implement and evaluate an individualized plan which
addresses healthcare needs such as regular doctor visits, prescription
maintenance, and emergencies.
Suggested Activities:
specific need
Identify co-pay purpose; identify specific physician for
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013
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Linkages to Agencies (LTA)
TS.DL12.2.A
services when needed.
Formulate specific community resources and
Suggested Activities:
Demonstrate ability to access community services
(identify job coach and the purpose of the job coach); Summarize local service
agencies and appropriate ways to contact agencies
Functional Vocational Evaluation (FVE)
TS.OC10.2.A
Describe results of transition assessments that highlight
career-related aptitudes and motivations.
Suggested Activities:
Further assessments from other agencies (vocational
assessment with ADRS)
Life Skills Syllabi, 2013