This year, West Plains Schools implemented a new project, S.W.A.T. (Students Working at Transition). S.W.A.T. provides a community-based instructional program for high school students enrolled in special services, 16 years and older, who are transitioning to a vocational situation. Students who participate in this project job shadow employees to develop career awareness, learn and practice job tasks, and model positive skills.

A classroom is located at Ozarks Medical Center, thanks to an agreement between the West Plains R-7 Board of Directors and OMC. Ten students have been selected to participate during this trial year.

The students' day will focus on academic and study skills for half of the day, and the remainder of the day would consist of vocational experiences at the work site. Students are under the supervision of a special needs educator, Mr. Joe Davis, and one assistant, Mr. Kenneth Martin, for both the classroom and work portion of the day. In addition, the student will have a supervisor who will be in charge of the area to which the student is assigned. The students will not receive money for these services.

A typical day in the program includes a classroom and work component. The classroom component consists of approximately three hours of academic study including pre-employment training, post-secondary educational/training options, daily living skills occupational guidance, practical math and reading, social skills, and students' IEP goals. It will include the development of their understanding of a sense of personal responsibility. Students will gain tools to help them follow their commitments, relate to others in ways that promote cooperation, resolve issues productively, and cope with real world choices. The work component will allow the student to job shadow for approximately three hours per day.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to access the skills they need to make a successful transition to the real world of work. Look for updates and photographs of this project.

Visit the S.W.A.T. classroom online here !