Job Skills & Workplace Readiness Unit|Special Ed Life Skills Transition |Gr 9-12

Preparing students for life after high school just got easier!

This comprehensive **Job Skills & Workplace Readiness Unit** is designed specifically for **high school special education and transition programs**. Moving from the classroom to the workplace requires soft skills, functional academics, and vocational knowledge. This resource breaks workplace expectations into accessible, easy-to-teach lessons for students in **Grades 9–12**.

Students move through the employment process from identifying job interests and searching for work to completing applications, preparing for interviews, communicating professionally, managing time, and understanding a pay stub. Activities are differentiated and visually supported for students with learning disabilities, autism, or other mild to moderate support needs preparing for competitive or supported employment.

## 📋 WHAT'S INCLUDED — 120+ PAGES

### 1. 12 Detailed Lesson Plans

Each lesson includes **objectives, materials, key vocabulary, introduction, direct instruction, guided/independent practice, closure, assessment, and differentiation/adaptations**.

**Lesson 1:** Introduction to Workplace Readiness **Lesson 2:** Identifying Job Interests and Skills **Lesson 3:** Job Search Strategies **Lesson 4:** Completing Job Applications **Lesson 5:** Resume Basics for Beginners **Lesson 6:** Interview Preparation **Lesson 7:** Mock Interview Practice **Lesson 8:** Workplace Communication **Lesson 9:** Following Directions at Work **Lesson 10:** Professional Behavior and Ethics **Lesson 11:** Time Management on the Job **Lesson 12:** Understanding Your Pay Stub

### 2. Job Application Practice Set

A realistic, accessible job application covering:

* Personal information * Education * Volunteer/employment history * References * Skills checklists

The application includes **clear boundaries and N/A guidance for SPED students**.

### 3. 30 Mock Interview Role-Play Cards

Entry-level job scenarios across:

**Retail** **Food Service** **Custodial** **Office**

Each card contains **3 tailored interview questions** and a specific **Candidate Tip** focused on body language or interview strategy.

### 4. 20 Workplace Communication Scenarios

Real-world workplace situations such as:

* Reporting hazards * Admitting mistakes * Asking for clarification

Each scenario has a specific communication focus for practicing **active listening and professional tone**.

### 5. Dress Code Comparison Activity

Includes:

**Interview vs. Daily Wear Chart**

Industry-specific attire examples for:

* Office / Retail * Food Service * Trades

Also includes a **10-item sorting worksheet** and open-ended scenario practice.

### 6. Pay Stub Analysis Worksheet

A visual sample pay stub with:

* Guided highlighting * 10 comprehension/calculation questions * A challenge question involving overtime

### 7. Employer Expectations Poster Set

Five classroom posters:

**Be On Time** **Dress for Success** **Work Together** **Stay Positive** **Follow Instructions**

## 🎯 SKILLS COVERED

Vocational & Career Readiness Functional Reading — job postings, pay stubs, applications Functional Math — gross/net pay and shift hours Social Skills & Professional Communication Self-Advocacy — asking for clarification Executive Functioning — time management and prioritization

## 💡 HOW TO USE

Use the resource as a **semester-long transition curriculum**, a **daily life-skills bell-ringer**, or select individual activities for targeted small-group instruction.

The **role-play cards and workplace communication scenarios** can also support co-teaching environments or instruction with speech-language pathologists.

## 👥 GRADE SUITABILITY

Designed for **Grades 9–12 Special Education, Life Skills, and Transition Programs**.

Also appropriate for **adult transition programs (18–22)** and **alternative education settings**.

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