The Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions - (MCST) has published a series of How To Guides to increase work-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities. MCST is located at Keene State College, 229 Main St. Keene, NH 03431

Create Approved Work-Based Learning Experiences, which includes NH Dept. of Labor Requirements for Job Shadows, Internships, and More. This handbook is approved by the NH Dept. of Labor and the NH Dept. of Education.

Build Partnerships for Career Exploration- It is a guide for partnering with an employer and offering a Job Shadow Day for students.

Exploring a World of Transition Resources- a quick start guide using a free tool, Delicious, to explore an online library of transition resources.

Work Experience and Career Awareness Program.

Much of the material on this website would also be appropriate for the average student preparing to transition to work. Some of the links would need to be modified for specific learning needs.

Most bottom line issues between success and failure in vocational life is social skills- or how well you interact with their supervisors, co-workers, customers, who ever you interact with on the job. Another important aspect is the students awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. Do they capitalize on their strengths and compensate for their limitations? Even in the non-disabled population poor social relationships at work account for 75% of job loss. One survey of employers who hire workers with disabilities say that they want workers who are:

1. Punctual
2. Dependable
3. Can follow basic instructions
4. Get along with co-workers

There are 10 core units in the School to Work Curriculum. The topic areas address interpersonal skills and functional academics related to employment and independent living. Visit these pages for activities and information on how to integrate these areas of study into the students school program. Specific organization and teaching strategies are presented with each unit.

"School-to-Work is an umbrella term for many activities, experiences and opportunities that prepare students for the world of work.

• Among the many opportunities to link school and work are:
• Internships - Paid or unpaid work experience for students that is structured to help demonstrate practical applications for academic learning.
• Job Shadowing - Generally a one-day visit to a workplace designed so students can observe someone at work in a specific career field. Students do not perform any work during a job shadowing experience.
• Mentoring - A student is paired with an adult "role model" who can help him/her with educational and career decisions. Some of the roles and responsibilities of a mentor include: informing the student about workplace norms and customs; providing caring, consistent support and guidance; and setting high expectations and regularly reviewing progress.
• Co-ops - A program that combines career and technical coursework with part-time work experience during the school year. Training agreements are used to outline what students are expected to learn and what employers are expected to provide.
• Career Days - An opportunity for local community members to visit a school to share career experiences with an interested group of students.
• Teachers in the Workplace - A paid or unpaid opportunity for teachers to experience the workplace and better understand the academic requirements and skills needed for today's jobs.
• Clinical's
• Apprenticeships
• On-the-job-training
• Field trips
• Class speakers
• School-sponsored enterprise

many of the above listed activities can be made available to special needs students with modifications and supports.

Introduction to Work and Why People Work