QUESTION

What are two transitional IEP goals for the following student before they go to college:

Jack is 17 years old and has mild cognitive disabilities. He plans to go to college until he is 21. Jack’s mother is concerned because he is talkative, and because of this he may talk to strangers on the bus. After he graduates he wants to go to college and work at a department store. His special education teacher has expressed concerns that Jack’s hygiene skills are not adequate for a food service environment. He frequently touches his hair and face during the day, although he always appears clean.

ANSWER

Transitional IEP Goals for Jack: Preparing for College and Employment

Introduction

Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals are essential for students with disabilities to ensure they receive the necessary support and preparation for their transition to college and employment. In the case of Jack, a 17-year-old student with mild cognitive disabilities, his IEP goals should focus on enhancing his social skills to ensure safety and success in a college setting and improving his hygiene skills to meet the requirements of a food service work environment.

Transitional IEP Goal 1: Social Skills and Stranger Awareness

Objective: By the time Jack graduates, he will demonstrate improved social skills and increased awareness of interacting with strangers on the bus.

Rationale: Jack’s talkative nature and lack of stranger awareness could pose safety risks in unfamiliar settings, such as college campuses or public transportation. Enhancing his social skills and teaching him to recognize appropriate boundaries with strangers will help him navigate social situations independently.

Intervention

Jack will participate in social skills training sessions to learn appropriate conversational skills, including starting and ending conversations, active listening, and maintaining eye contact.
Jack will engage in role-play scenarios to practice recognizing and responding to potential dangers when interacting with strangers.
Jack will attend safety workshops to understand the importance of setting boundaries and seeking help when needed.

Transitional IEP Goal 2: Hygiene Skills for Employment

Objective: By the time Jack graduates, he will demonstrate improved hygiene skills appropriate for employment in a food service environment.

Rationale: Jack’s aspiration to work at a department store in the future requires adequate hygiene skills, as cleanliness is crucial in food service settings. Strengthening his hygiene habits will enhance his employability and confidence in his future job.

Intervention

Jack will receive personalized instruction on proper hygiene practices, including handwashing, grooming, and the importance of maintaining a neat appearance.
Jack will participate in simulated work scenarios to practice appropriate hygiene behaviors in a food service context.
Jack will receive feedback and guidance from his special education teacher and occupational therapist to reinforce positive hygiene habits.

Conclusion

The transitional IEP goals for Jack aim to support his successful transition to college and employment. Improving his social skills and stranger awareness will help him navigate social situations safely, while enhancing his hygiene skills will prepare him for future employment in a food service environment. With personalized interventions and consistent support from his educators and therapists, Jack will be better equipped to achieve his goals and lead a fulfilling and independent life beyond high school.