Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re ready for something until you just do it. Take “adulting” for instance.
To prepare for the inevitable, young people go to schools for academic instruction. They get tested on what they learn in the classroom, but life as an adult takes more than academics. Students also need social and job skills.
But how do they demonstrate they have these skill sets, especially in a school setting?
At the High Road School of Delaware, students’ know-how is put to the test at the Transition Olympics, a relay competition to see which team could win at “life skills” challenges exhibiting the ability for independent living, job readiness and teamwork.
Hosted by the High Road School of Delaware, this annual event was attended by teams from the High Road School of Southern Delaware and several High Road Schools from Maryland. Students aged 14 to 22 competed in contests such as:
- Sorting clothes
- Finding expiration dates
- Bagging groceries
- Dressing for success
- Counting change
- Job interviewing
When students on the High Road School of Delaware team were asked what was their favorite part of the day’s competition the response was quick: Winning.
What is the High Road School of Delaware?
The High Road School of Delaware serves students in grades 3-12 with learning, intellectual and emotional disabilities, as well as those on the Autism spectrum. Michael Mertz, director of education for the High Road School of Delaware, said the High Road School also works with students who could not remain in public school due to classroom conduct.
With a network of more than 95 schools across the country, the school system’s programs offer students the required academic curriculum that meets state standards for graduation and extra support to inspire behavioral changes.
“We address the behaviors and positively encourage them to display more appropriate classroom behaviors,” Mertz said.
Next up: the real world
All students at High Road Schools have an individualized education program, or IEP, which charts a student’s goals and objectives. Their IEP also addresses plans for life and career after graduation.
Whether a post-secondary education, trade school or employment is part of the plan, the school works to position students so they can live independently rather than in a group home, assisted living facility or institution.
To develop skills used in the Transition Olympics, the High Road School of Delaware partnered with local restaurants, hospitals, daycares, and retail stores. This “training” exposed students to real-life work settings and social interactions to further their prospects for the future.
“We want to make sure that when they leave our doors, they are ready for whatever next step comes,” Mertz said.
Eventually, those next steps will lead to an adult life that will surely put these Transition Olympics life skills to use.
Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com with tips and story ideas. Become a subscriber to access more stories and the best in local reporting.
