Introduction

The Occupational Course of Study is intended to meet the needs of a small group of students with disabilities who need a greatly modified curriculum that focuses on post-school employment and independent living. Students in this program are also required to complete career/technical education credits, healthful living and electives, as needed to complete local graduation requirements. Each student must complete 300 hours of school-based vocational training, 240 hours of community-based vocational training and 360 hours of paid employment. The teachers expressed their frustrations of not having enough options for the students to gain their 300 necessary school-based hours prior to graduation. It was a clear concern and even though most students eventually earn their hours, it was often problematic. After conducting a needs assessment and analysis, the results reflected that there was not a competitive arena for this product, yet there are twenty-six high schools in Guilford County. The Guildford County School System incorporated schools from Greensboro, High Point, Mcleansville, Colfax, Brown Summit, Liberty, Pleasant Garden, Sedalia, Stokesdale, Gibsonville and Jamestown NC, being the third largest school system in North Carolina. After collaborating with a number of OCS teachers, administers, and students I was led to believe that there was a clear need for instruction for the OCS teachers. My research has shown that there is not apparent an product.

Author: Serena Wiggins