EmpowerEd SpEd Resources

In this lesson, students will learn the difference between majors and minors in college. There is a printable graphic organizer to take notes on the information. Then students will spend time exploring college websites they may be interested in to better understand the majors and minors offered. Students will then do an activity from a set course catalog (printable slides) and four student profiles to determine what they believe the best fit is for each student. Lesson includes an opener and exi

This lesson supports students to create their first resume based on any experience that they have had, they do not need an employment history as most first resumes won't. The lesson includes an opener, lesson about each of the parts of a resume and includes a printable note page the accompany the text, time for students to begin their draft resume and a closing connection. Students should have one-to-one technology access to begin working on their own resumes. Lesson is ideal for transition age

This lesson is to be used in class among students in order to deepen their knowledge and experience with resumes. They should have a draft resume printed in preparation for this lesson. During the lesson, students will review some example resumes to evaluate what makes a "good/bad" resume. Students will then go through a structured feedback session where they exchange resumes with their peers to get feedback on specific mechanics and skills during each of the three rounds. Lastly, students get t

In this lesson, students will learn the difference that can occur for in-state vs. out-of-state tuition as well as factors that can help reduce out-of-state costs. During the exploration activity, students will pair up and draw the name of a public university to research to cost difference of. There is a printable slide/worksheet that scaffolds for students how to determine the four-year tuition difference. Student will close by reflecting on some scenarios and determining if they think the best

This lesson supports social and emotional needs for students and their understanding of consent and personal safety. Secondary age students, will learn different models to understand consent and then apply it through matching scenarios with red / yellow / green stoplight colors. Ideal to support students' social skills and relationship skills needs. Includes printable visual with scenario cards.

This lesson is designed to support in teaching students about what IEP accommodations are as well as explore what their own IEP lists as their accommodations. It increases familiarity with IEP terms and concepts like "assistive technology" and "self-advocacy." This lesson is ideal for students that are beginning to learn about their own IEP or are of transition age. Students will need access to their most recent IEP in order to complete the activity within this lesson. Lesson includes an opener

This lesson is designed for students to explore and compare three different colleges or universities through virtual tours. Students will use the printable/PDF slide pages where they can document the information about the three schools and then complete the comparison reflection. Students will need one-to-one device and internet access to complete this activity. Lesson supports students' transition post-secondary IEP goals for students exploring higher education options. Lesson is also a fit for

These slides guide you and students through a two day lesson to learn about ethics, morals and values and the difference between each. This is used as students are learning about civic engagement and being responsible citizens as they become more independent. During the lesson, students will create their own personal collage to demonstrate their own morals and values. There is included a rubric that you can use if you want this as a graded assignment and includes skill areas for public speaking

This lesson slide deck will pre-teach the basics and differences of scholarships and grants, including key vocabulary. From there you will model and students will explore three primary web sources for scholarships and grants. Students can use the printable "Opportunity Tracker" that is included to record information about scholarship and grant opportunities. The lesson concludes with an exit ticket related to scholarships and grants. There is a homework extension slide included where students c

This student employment portfolio is to be used with students to guide their beginning steps towards employment. This can be used as part of advisory, vocational courses, or IEP employment goals and objectives. Portfolio includes, templates, tools and tips to support students to create items more independently. PDF slides can be saved into a Google Slide format or shared with students to use with a PDF writer and interact for responses. Students should create items digitally to be kept and revis

Students will learn about concepts related to housing and living independently. Students will learn about specific housing-related vocabulary and then create their own ideal housing plan. Students will also learn about roommate ads and critically review one. At the end of the lesson, students will share with small groups what their ideal housing would include. Ideal for students in the upper grades addressing transition related IEP goals.

This lesson is designed for transition age students working to expand their employment skills. Students will learn the basics about networking and informational interviewing. Students will also map out their own personal networks in different areas of their daily life. Bonus Networking Bingo is included and can be given as an expansion of the lesson.

This lesson teaches the basics of different travel options and some safety tips related to them. Topics covered include the use of rideshare, public transportation, and getting your permit and license. Slides lead a lesson with check in points, then have students explore internet resources and develop their own independent travel plan. This lesson is ideal for students that are in the transition age and working on independent living goals.

This slide deck can be used as a guide with students prior to their IEP meeting where they can prepare and give input on their IEP's present levels and ideas for the year ahead. Pages follow the main components of the IEP for a transition age student. Student can then use these pages as notes when they are in the meeting to help guide the discussion and allow them to be an active team member. Ideal for transition age students with an IEP.

This lesson is for students that are in the exploring phase of college or training programs. Students will learn the basics about admission requirements and then will take time to research and compare 2-3 schools or programs given the printable template within the slides. Students will close with reflecting on their learning. Students will need one-to-one device access to complete this lesson / activity. Ideal for students that are planning to pursue higher education or training programs post-hi

These slides are designed to have select slides printed and be used along with the students to guide them in understanding their high school transcripts. Students will need access to a copy of their most recent transcript to do the activity, which most can be pulled from your school's student information system (ie. Infinite Campus, AccuClass, SchoolPass, Orah, etc.). This is ideal to do with your Advisory, AVID class, caseload, or complete as a counselor. The students will go through prompts t

Slides will walk students through a lesson created for them to better understand gross and net incomes. Students will compare two different gross and net income rates, as well as use a basic budget graphic organizer to determine what hourly rate might be needed for them to live independently in their area. Lesson can be done by students individually or works well in a pairing. Slides include visual directions to support working through the math as well as teacher answer keys.

These lesson slides are designed to present as a whole group along with printable slides where students can complete their own medical information to keep as part of their own transition portfolio or plan. Slides cover medical insurance term basics, reading and understanding a medical insurance card, documenting your own medical care team, and finish with a short self reflection. Lesson is ideal for students that are working towards independence and will become their own guardian.

This lesson works great in a health or life skills setting as an independent work packet with a Guest/Sub teacher. Topics covered include general relationship red/green flags, healthy relationships, healthy communication strategies, and responding to situations. Pages have space for built in student responses and answer keys for specific pages are included. Can be shared with students to complete in printed/written format or via PDF-writer program such as Notability.

This student PDF slide deck can be shared for them to complete as a class activity when determining post-secondary options to pursue. This can also be structured to be used in a Life Skills class or with a Guest Teacher as a stand alone packet to complete during your absence. Students will choose two college or training programs to compare. They will use the school or organization's website to answer question prompts related to location, application process, program offerings, cost, and end wit