ABEC LIV-ATP

Learn various aspects of getting and managing credit, using credit cards and debit cards responsibly, identity theft, and being wise consumers. Learn about the importance of having appropriate insurance coverage, insurance vocabulary, and various types of insurance and their benefits.  Other current consumer economic topics may be covered.

Students prepare for math skills needed in career and technical education or employment. Students receive individualized instruction based on their needs in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, numeration and whole numbers, ratios and proportions, basic geometry, word problems, percents, measurements and pre-algebra skills. Students’ work habits (work pace, perseverance, productivity, time on task) as compared to college-level rigors and expectations are evaluated.

Literacy for the Real World provides practical communication using topics that reinforce the vocabulary and language our students need in their daily lives.   Language skills taught are vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, and oral or signing communication.  The class teaches practical communication using high-interest topics that reinforce the vocabulary and language our students need in their daily lives.  Topics covered include real-life themes related to personal information, school, friends and family, health, the community, time, shopping, work, leisure, and daily living.  Literacy skills taught are vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, and oral or signing communication.

Designed to help students become aware of their personalities, healthy life habits, positive psychology, alternative health strategies/exercises, appreciation for differences in others, and developing empathy.  Students take online personal assessments, participate in several community outings to experience healthy exercise and awareness activities, and participate in classroom discussions and activities designed to build awareness of themselves, classmates, and a healthy environment.

The focus of this course is on the intermediate and advanced aspects of using various computer software and computer related external devices. Topics are tailored to student needs and may include (but not limited to) using software including iLife (iphoto, itunes, iMovie, iDVD), iWorks (Pages, Keynote), Inspiration, Snapz Pro. Using external computer related components that may include (but not limited to) a scanner, digital camera, digital camcorder, microphone, flash drive, black/white laser and color laser printer.

Students develop skills to locate informational resources for accessing the community safely.  Resources include the Internet, white and yellow pages, directories, and map reading. Students learn strategies to be a safe and how to protect themselves at home and in the community.  Students discover the importance of carrying personal identification; emergency information, telephone numbers and having a small amount of cash when out in the community.  Community destinations will include a county service center, library, bookstore, mall and other shopping areas, post office and other places of class interest.

Students improve their skills with a variety of money applications, telling time and choosing the correct mathematical application needed to solve a problem.  The following curriculum is introduced: counting combinations of coins and bills, counting by fives and tens, decimal placement, using a calculator, counting back change, concepts of having enough money not having enough money, pay to the next dollar system, choosing mathematical operation needed, tip and tax charts, pay to the next dollar and telling time using an analog or digital clock.

Student’s complete career and interest inventories, assess values, work with case manager to identify current skills, and record their employment experiences. Students tour some local businesses for exposure to a variety of jobs and work towards setting realistic goals for a possible career path.  Students will also work on skills to apply for jobs (basic concepts, interpreting job descriptions, pre-application skills, matching the description with actual skills and abilities) and knowledge of the interview process.  They will leave the class with in-depth research of careers and the ability to identify those careers that match their current set of skills.

This year-long course is designed to improve academic reading required at the post-secondary level.  It is intended for students who are below a college-ready reading level, but have a desire to attend college in the future.  Coursework focuses on increasing reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, and post-secondary student skills.

A semester class where students will learn the skills needed to run the student business; Common Grounds Coffee Shop at South Education Center. The first half of the semester will include the skills of basic business operation, safety and sanitation, customer service, making quality products, advertising, marketing, displays, inventory and working with vendors.  Students will then apply for a specific leadership position for one of the department leads for the second half of the semester.  As a department lead for Advertising/Displays, Products/Inventory, Finance/Pricing or Customer Service/Incentives they will work on projects in their department to improve and enhance the business, working in a team, building communication skills, leadership skills and participating and leading weekly board meetings. 

Students participate in discussions that provide a forum for peers to share life experiences and personal challenges, while employing problem solving processes and developing effective self-expression skills.  This class provides practical solutions for understanding unstated rules in social situations.  Through uses of role-playing, social stories, and group interaction the class focuses on continuing to build and strengthen the foundations of effective communication. Effective communication mechanics will be encouraged in a positive affirming atmosphere.  Students will learn the characteristics of passive, aggressive and assertive behaviors, and how to deal with life’s situations in a healthy way. They will also increase their skills in understanding body language and facial expressions, analyzing different social interactions and how they can be misinterpreted.  Students also learn to recognize and express feelings in positive ways and learn how to relax in today’s busy world using a variety of activities to increase vocabulary and verbal expressions.

This course is designed to enhance student’s existing computer skills through a variety of computer program projects tailored to the individual.  Students will focus on keyboarding skills, completing projects using Microsoft Office programs: Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.  This class will also cover internet safety, organization of email, and appropriate use of social networking. 

A constructive approach to conflict resolution: this class introduces general life coping strategies, as well as how to deal with difficult and challenging situations.  Students will learn six simple ways to stop a conflict. Students will identify what are anger triggers and identifying cues.  Students have a better understanding of anger styles and the consequences of angry behavior.  Students will also learn basic techniques of negotiation, how to compromise and how to effectively use the “I” statement.

This course is designed for the unique transition and self- advocacy skills needed for deaf and hard of hearing students. Topics include: interpreter referral services, effective communication in the community, assistive technology, social security, ADA, legal rights, and social skills in the workplace.  This course also includes guest speakers and field trips. At the completion of this course, students will have created their own resource guide for deaf services in their community.  

Students will prepare for the Minnesota Driver’s Permit Test.  Areas covered in classroom include the eight chapters in the Minnesota Driving manual. These areas include: getting your license to drive, your vehicle, traffic laws and vehicle operation, sharing the road, signs, signals and pavement markings, driving conditions, you driving privileges and impaired driving. When a student has successfully met the course requirements they will have the opportunity to take the permit test. Students will be responsible for bringing the required identification documents and paying the fee.

Though the instruction of soft skills associated with employment, students will gain an understanding of job management skills and building employee/employer relationships. Class includes: social media, interviews, pre-employment requirements, personal data sheet, resumes, cover letters, applications and other employment required forms.

Held at the VECTOR apartment and  in the community, this course focuses on applying the skills of meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, food storage and cleanup. Students use resources to locate a recipe, prepare a shopping list, purchase groceries while attending to ‘Sell by and Expiration Dates’ as well as best buy.  Students prepare and consume a variety of dishes based on individual tastes and skill level. Students learn cleaning, basic home maintenance, and  laundry skills.

This class is designed to introduce the student to basic office skills.  Each student will work on increasing keyboarding skills, informal and formal correspondence, electronic filing using Microsoft Excel, data entry, office documents using Microsoft Word, and ordering supplies online.  

Students will increase their awareness of mental health issues.  Topics include identifying chemical use and abuse as well as understanding the effects.  Students will also have a better understanding of how the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and caffeine can greatly affect a person’s health.   Students will learn how to identify signs of depression, suicide, mental illness and gambling additions.  Interventions, coping strategies and resources available are introduced and discussed.

This course is designed for students with high-functioning Autism or Aspergers to facilitate cognitive based social thinking to prepare them for post-secondary options, independent living and employment options in a social world.  Topics covered include: Acronyms, Why Am I Here/How Do I Get There, Impressions I Have of Myself/Impressions Others Have of Me, Social-Emotional Learning and Memories, My Mood and Trivial Things, Complaints from My Point of View or Can I Handle it, Shared Enjoyment and Social Networking.  The class provides a venue to address social issues through a guided discussion format and will also address ideas for topics generated by the students. 

Students in the VECTOR Men’s group will participate in selecting, organizing, and completing projects and activities involving community service and home living.  Examples of community service projects and activities may include projects at local parks, donating time and materials to animal humane societies, organizing clothing/book drives to support low-income groups, and activities to support deployed military personnel. Home living activities will include visits to local businesses, lessons in lumber and tool selection/use, kitchen safety, sanitation, and cooking. 

Students learn about the food pyramid, serving sizes, six essential nutrients, planning a well -balanced meal, reading food labels, and disease prevention through proper sanitation.  They will gain knowledge in the areas of preventative health care practices, health care providers, basic first aid, reading prescription labels and the importance of taking medications as directed.

This class is an independent living simulation “real life” which takes the independent living skills learned previously in prerequisite course material and put them into action.  Students are assigned a roommate and learn the advantages and disadvantages.  Curriculum covered during the this course include: apartment/independent living application processes, damage deposits, move in check list, signing a lease, ending a lease early and cost involved with moving.  Student’s grocery shop and prepare meal plans from a prerequisite class working within a daily budget.  Students demonstrate the skills needed and complete basic housekeeping and maintenance skills that are completed daily, weekly, monthly and yearly.  Students also learn how to respond to emergency situations.

This study skills course is a continuation of College Success I have additional study strategies critical for academic success.  Students will learn to increase their study skills in memorization, listening, and test taking.  In addition, students will develop a better understanding of the culture of college by learning how to interact with professors and peers in a postsecondary setting.

Students will gain reading proficiency through the use of group instruction, independent reading, and prescription software (Read 180)

This course discusses and addresses the needed elements to create and maintain healthy relationships. Students learn to identify skills that are required to be a good listener and to manage their anger. The course also assists students in recognizing their feelings and expressing them in an appropriate manner. Students learn to discriminate between appropriate and inappropriate dating behaviors. Students learn about responsibilities and ownership in creating healthy relationships and what it means to have a committed relationship. Students learn the warning signs of trouble and conflict and possible approaches for ending relationships. The curriculum also covers safety related to Internet dating.

School-Connect is a 40-lesson curriculum designed to improve students’ social, emotional, and academic skills and strengthen relationships among students and teachers.  The program consists of four modules, based on the Social and Emotional Learning Competencies identified by researchers as critical to success in school, the workplace, and life in general: social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.

Designed to help students become aware of their personalities, healthy life habits, positive psychology, alternative health strategies/exercises, appreciation for differences in others, and developing empathy.  Students take online personal assessments, participate in several community outings to experience healthy exercise and awareness activities, and participate in classroom discussions and activities designed to build awareness of themselves, classmates, and a healthy environment.

Students are taught specific strategy to use in resolving problems and focus on healthy decision-making. Students will have a better understanding of the roadblocks in decision-making and the processes of decisions making along with the implications of results.  Students will practice communicating their point of view effectively, accept criticism and give criticism in a constructive manner.

Students increase their independent living skills in this fast paced course that combines a multitude of subjects.  Student will develop a higher knowledge in pursuing a career path, identifying interests and the steps needed in obtaining employment. Also covered in this class are money management skills, adult health and becoming a better self-advocate.  Students also practice on improving their organizational skills.

This course provides instruction on basic mechanics of writing used in everyday life.  Students will improve sentence structure, word usage, and grammar to convey ideas effectively.  Emphasis on basic sentence writing skills to single paragraphs and longer writing assignments/topic sentences, transitions, paragraph development and writing a conclusion that summarizes or restates the topic/theme. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of writing activities that may include: paragraph writing, three paragraph essay, research essay, formal letter and /or five-paragraph essay.