Project Description:
Employment is the desired outcome for all people. Students with disabilities who have the opportunity to participate in work experiences are more likely to be employed and earn a living wage after graduating. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) reports 19.9% of people with disabilities were employed compared to 62.8% of their nondisabled peers, and data demonstrates that schools can improve employment outcomes for youth with disabilities through job readiness instruction (Park & Bouck, 2018). Since children and youth with disabilities spend between 15 and 18 years in special education programs, there is a rising expectation that these students should leave with employment (Certo et al., 2008; Rusch & Braddock, 204; Wehman, 2002).
The TAMU Work-Based Learning Project facilitates the implementation of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students with disabilities in Texas schools. Through a competitive application process, the Texas Workforce Commission and TAMU select schools to receive $10,000 in startup funds to develop a WBL project for students who receive 504 or special education services. Funding is available to public, private, and charter schools. The CDD staff supports schools through the application and implementation stages and provides ongoing training and technical assistance. Schools may implement one or a combination of WBL programs, emphasizing school-based enterprises, with the goal of students developing the necessary skills for transition to employment. Schools are supported throughout the first year of the project with evaluation of the current school program and goal setting using a Program Assessment developed by TransCen, Inc. Schools receive training and technical assistance, monthly check-in meetings, lunch and learn sessions, webinar series, and
PLCs.
TAMU's work-based learning project staff works to promote the importance of work-based learning by building relationships with transition educators and vocational rehabilitation counselors throughout the state. The WBL Project promotes collaboration between schools and vocational rehabilitation services to connect students with opportunities to learn and practice employment skills and access services provided through TWC. The project also promotes work-based learning by presenting at educational service centers and academic and practitioner conferences, including a keynote panel discussion at this year's Texas Transition Conference.
This contract was recently renewed through May 31, 2027.
Demographics:
110 projects in 63 school districts
Projects in all 6 TWC service regions
Projects in 19 of the Texas Education Agency's 20 service regions
2 projects in charter schools
Over 1,200 students served
Training Provided:
Three-part "Finding Your Why" webinar series to help project coordinators focus on their missions
Sponsored Texas Transition Conference attendance for 30 project participants
Monthly Lunch and Learn training series
Individualized self-assessment, goal setting, and technical assistance meetings each campus team
PLCs to facilitate communication and collaboration between projects
Individualized coaching during project development phase
Site visits to four school districts
110 projects have been funded over 4 years
Keyword(s):
Developmental Disabilities, transition, employment, pre-ETS
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
