LIFE SKILLS
The program consists of two different units, taught by Mrs. Heller and Mrs. Parker. Our students are grouped according to grade level and individual needs. We teach a diverse group of students at various ability levels.
Think of Life Skills as a class all students should take. We want our students to have the same opportunities to learn as their non-disabled peers. Aside from teaching core subject areas, we also teach specific and valuable life skills for all children.
Culinary skills, Social Emotional Learning, gardening, and vocational based projects are all a part of what our Life Skills units teach. What’s more, during the 2016/17 school year, STEM projects such as electric circuitry and engineering projects are now integrated into our curriculum. It is wonderful to see Dawson children creating and gaining confidence in their work.
Life Skills offers a continuum of services to include: small group instruction, inclusion settings, community based vocational instruction, and individual instruction -- all in the least restrictive setting appropriate for each student.
What learning disabilities does the Life Skills instruction include?
Instruction provides meaningful educational opportunities to meet the individual needs of each student. Life Skills students are an integral part of their school community. Through our mission and vision for each student, students increase their skills, improve their self-esteem, and experience a greater quality of life.
Who is eligible for Life Skills services?
Services are provided to students based on the unique needs of the individual. Through the Admissions Review and Dismissal (ARD) process, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is developed to address specific needs and goals.
Who is the staff for Life Skills?
Mrs. Heller (grades 1-3) and Mrs. Parker (grades 3-5), along with our wonderful assistants Mrs. Gonzales and Ms. Ramirez, work together with general education teachers at different grade levels to provide our students with superior interactive educational opportunities.
Do volunteers participate in Life Skills activities at Dawson?
Absolutely! We love to have members of our community interact with our students in meaningful ways. It also gives our students the opportunity to learn about different jobs and roles in our community. Interacting with members of our community promotes our goal of having our students become productive members of society. At the moment, we are looking for volunteers to teach a one-hour per week gardening class. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mrs. Heller at [email protected].
Is Life Skills instruction daily, weekly or continuous for an eligible child?
A student’s time in the Life Skills setting varies - from child to child. When a child qualifies for Life Skills services through an ARD, the ARD committee then decides what the Least Restrictive Setting is for the particular child. Least Restrictive Setting means that a child should be educated along with his or her non-disabled peers, to the maximum extent possible, and is something we always consider.
Where does Life Skills instruction take place at Dawson?
Our students learn in both a general education classroom, as well as a Life Skills classroom. We also engage in community-based learning opportunities, working with businesses within Austin, to provide meaningful project-based learning excursions.
Useful websites about children with disabilities:
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
Lots of resources for parents and children with disabilities: http://www.smartkidswithld.org/
Exceptional Lives
Offers free guides helping families navigate through the Special Ed process: http://exceptionallives.org/
Specially Designed Travel
Specialized travel planning for families and individuals with disabilities: www.speciallydesignedtravel.com
Autism Now
Latest News and resources for parents of children with Autism: http://autismnow.org/
Texas Parent to Parent
A non-profit statewide organization committed to improving the lives of Texas children with disabilities, chronic illness, and or special needs: http://www.txp2p.org