Nationally, studies indicate that a high percentage of adults
who remain on welfare have learning disabilities and other barriers.
Clearly, this population has different learning needs; efforts
to address those needs previously were relatively unsuccessful.
However, key elements for what is effective have been identified.
Through work funded by Kansas SRS, we esigned and piloted curricular
materials and instructional strategies titled The
Road To Success. In addition to teaching these students
appropriate learning strategies, each student learned critical
job-readiness skills including goal-setting, self-advocacy,
identifying appropriate accommodations, and networking skills
all aimed at facilitating their self-sufficiency and securing
sustained employment. The content learned and learning strategies
practiced in this program were transfered to employment settings.
Our framework for collaborative action among agencies and schools
included the following elements:
- diagnostic assessment
- appropriate curricular materials
- appropriate validated instructional principles
- administrative guidelines for these target populations
- active links to case managers and contract service providers
Our aim was to make available classes taught by trained faculty
members at various community colleges. These instructors were
trained in The
Road to Success materials and critical instructional
strategies. The curriculum impleented as a six week long course
for four hours a day. Classes of ten to twelve students will
be recruited from the social service agencies specific to the
community, received supports such as tuition, childcare and
transportation payments to facilitate their success. Service
agencies actively participated in identifying and addressing
the individual students needs and in supporting their employment.
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