Statement of Understanding for Enrollment in the

Occupational Course of Study (OCS)

I understand that successful completion of the Occupational Course of Study requires that the following expectations be met:

Ø      Passing grades in all required OCS coursework

§         Occupational English I – II – III – IV

§         Occupational Math I – II – III

§         Occupational Preparation I – II – III – IV

§         Life Skills Science I – II

§         Social Studies I – II

Ø      Passing grades in four Career Technical Education courses

Ø      Passing grade in Health/Physical Education

Ø      300 hours of successful school-based vocational training hours

Ø      240 hours of successful work-based vocational training hours

Ø      360 hours of successful competitive employment hours

Ø      Completion of a Career Portfolio containing all required components

Ø      Completion of Individual Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives

Ø      Completion of the computer skills proficiency requirement established by the IEP

Ø      Any other local requirements

I understand that in order for competitive employment hours to be counted toward meeting the requirements for the OCS, the placement must meet the following guidelines:

Ø      All employment placements must have prior approval from the Occupational Preparation teacher if the hours are going to count toward graduation

Ø      All employment placements must be in an integrated setting within the community

Ø      Student must be paid at or above minimum wage for all work performed

Ø      The employment placement must meet Child Labor regulations under the FLSA

Ø      The employment placement must be open to evaluation of student performance by the teacher or employer.

Ø      Employment placements should/may be in alignment with the student’s chosen career pathway and post-school employment goal

Ø      Students may receive supported employment or work adjustment job coaching if needed

Ø      To be counted as “successful” competitive employment the student must receive average or above average evaluations on job performance and the required hours must be completed at no more than two different job sites

I understand that the vocational training requirements for the OCS are expected to be completed in a manner that involves moving from school-based training to work-based training culminating in competitive employment during the last two years of high school.

I understand that students and their family members are expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively with school personnel in obtaining and maintaining a competitive employment placement.  This may involve but not be limited to:  participation in transition planning meetings, follow-up on referrals to outside agencies, provision of transportation, and completion of all required paperwork for the school and service providers.

I understand that obtaining a competitive employment placement may require collaboration with the following agencies:

Ø      Social Security Administration if SSI or SSDI payments are being received

Ø      Vocational Rehabilitation if supported employment, community-based work adjustment, or any other service related to competitive employment is needed

Ø      Mental Health if case management is needed

Ø      Department of Social Services

I understand that in order to obtain competitive employment a valid social security number or appropriate work permits from US Immigration will be required.

I understand that a work permit from the Department of Social Services will be required if employment is being obtained for a student under the age of 18.

I understand that insurance coverage through the school insurance program will be required prior to participation in work-based vocational training.

I understand that successful completion of the OCS will result in the awarding of a high school diploma that is based on the completion of an adapted course of study.  The Occupational Course of Study is designed to prepare students for employment and is not considered appropriate for any student who plans to enroll in a curriculum major at a community college or four-year university.  However, students may still be eligible for other non-curriculum programs at community colleges such as compensatory education, continuing education, and adult basic education classes.

I understand that successful completion of the requirements for the Occupational Course of Study may require enrollment in school longer than the traditional four years.

The above information was explained by _________________________________

on_____________________________ and all parties have indicated their understanding.

Student Signature:                                 ___________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:                    ___________________________________

Teacher Signature:                                ____________________________________