The Functional Curriculum Resources Review, BC CASE 2009-10
With the development of the BC School Completion Certificate in 2006, a need emerged to identify curriculum resources for locally developed BAA courses that focused on life skills and functional skill development, particularly for students within low incidence categories of funding. There was a sincere demand for more information on what resources were available, how best to use them, and for what audience they were intended.
Funded by the Ministry of Education in 2008 -2009, BC CASE undertook this curriculum resources review project to research, review, and report on available functional curriculum materials that would support BC students in achieving meaningful goals in the area of functional skills.
The Functional Curriculum Resources Review is a compilation of resources that were researched and reviewed by a team of 10 special education educators. Of more than 1000 resources researched, 250 were considered appropriate for review by the team and160 were included in the final Functional Curriculum Resources Review document. Familiar, relevant resources are listed along with many new resources that employ alternate formats, tackle subjects with fresh approaches, and provide materials for levels of learning considered too challenging in the past. Resources developed in BC to address transition planning, School Completion requirements, career preparation and personal planning, and social skill development are included as well as resources from the United States. Many more exciting resources are in the development phase.
Several themes were repeatedly encountered when undertaking the research and review:
- Nothing takes the place of real life experiences.
- Transition planning is the cornerstone to high school programming. Preparation for the future is an essential process through grades 10 to 12 and preferably begins much earlier.
- Opportunities for inclusion are becoming increasingly integrated in all aspects of school life. There is a desire for resources that are “all teachers” based to promote shared ownership and integration of regular curriculum process skills with functional and life skills curriculum.
- There is a growing movement to support the development of meaningful employment opportunities for all adults with special needs in BC. Students who have had some form of paid employment in high school are more likely to find employment in adulthood. Emphasis is now focused on training and coaching students in the workplace, rather than training them prior to seeking job placement.
It is hoped that this resource review will be of benefit to educators in BC and beyond as they assist students in high schools to meet their goals in preparing for full citizenship in adulthood. Pegg Davidson; Project Facilitator Functional Curriculum Resource Review
pdavidson@xplornet.com
Resources
Functional Curriculum Resources Review. This document provides information on resources for instruction in functional and life skills curriculum for BC students in grades 10 through 12.
Grad Transitions BC School Completion Certificate by Mission School District #75
My Future, My Plan; Transition Planning for Students with Special Needs. A Template for Teachers, Students, and Transition Planning Teams by Surrey School District #36
Performance Standards for Lifeskills Programming by Netchako SD # 91.
This document was developed to support teachers in assessing and planning for students in Lifeskills programs. The performance standards can be adapted for use with individual students with a variety of disabilities
Planning for Adulthood; a Transition Guide by Campbell River School District #72
School Completion Portfolio by Prince George School District #57 (Upon successful completion of the Portfolio Requirements, students are eligible for a British Columbia )
School Completion Portfolio Guidelines by Prince George School District #57
Your Future, Your Plan; Transition Planning for Students with Special Needs. A Guidebook for Teachers, Students, and Transition Planning Teams by Surrey School District #36