JOB-RELATED SOCIAL SKILLS INSTRUCTION THE WAGES CURRICULUM Presented by Michael Johnson to YTP Statewide Conference Hood River Best Western Inn February 19, 2015

Skills Employers Want % of Employers Looking for These Skills % Problem Solving/Critical Thinking 96% English Language 99% Work Ethic Employers want workers who can understand and find answers to problems Businesses and their employees thrive when people work well together. Most jobs require oral and written Communication in English Employers want honest, dependable and productive workers Information furnished by State of Oregon Employment Division 94% Interpersonal

2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 15% of Department of Human Services Funding supports transition age youths To Provide Pre-Employment Transition Services –Job Exploration Counseling –Work-based Learning Experiences –Post Secondary Education and Training Counseling –Social Skills Training for Employment and Independent Living –Instruction in Self Advocacy

Murray, C.J. and Doren, B. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin Aug 15, “The study was designed to evaluate the effects of the WAGES curriculum on the pre-employment and social skills of adolescents with disabilities. Findings are promising and suggest that exposure to the curriculum can improve students’ vocational and social skills.” Evidence-Based?

WHAT STUDENTS SAY -- “I never thought there would be a class like this in high school – that you could actually use. I haven’t been in the principal’s office in two months.” “I love this class – it has been the most impactive class – I don’t get mad at teachers and I learned how to listen and not react.”

“I liked the connection with horticulture. Teamwork and communication skills have helped a lot.” “The class taught me self-control and responsibility.”

Address real life social interactions Authentic assessment of SS Appropriate for all students Key elements of effective instruction Address career-related learning Guiding Principals

FOUNDATION SKILLS  LOCUS OF CONTROL  TEAMWORK  COMMUNICATION  PROBLEM-SOLVING

ATTITUDES  ENTHUSIASM  DEPENDABILITY  HONESTY

 Statement of Learning Outcomes  Review  Description of Required Materials  Vocabulary  Description of the Activity  Wrap-up/Homework

Let’s try some lessons…

 Each team has 2 minutes to solve problems  Each team member must solve a problem  First four questions are from each category  Can only ask for help from teammates  First round with 100 or 200 point problems

 This game will be played at each table  Teams of 2-3 members  Read the statement  Define whether “owning” or “moaning” (1 pt)  Provide the opposite example (2 pts)  Role play (3 pts)

 This activity is done at each table  Volunteer reads scenario  Define dependability in this scenario  Discuss and record RADD elements  Report to large group