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Occupational Course of Study

This program is designed to provide a sound foundation in preparation for adult living for students with disabilities. Through participation in a standards based curriculum with a vocational focus students learn skills necessary to enter the world of work, retain employment, and seek other employment throughout their adult lives. Students with disabilities who eligible for this course of study, are provided common core academics and relevant work experiences through a variety of training formats.

 

What is the Future Ready "Occupational Course of Study" (FR-OCS)?

It is one of 2 courses of study that lead to a high school diploma in North Carolina. 

In order to participate in the FR-OCS curriculum the student must have a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) and have a post school outcome goal of obtaining employment after high school graduation. 

The curriculum focus is on...

  • Functional Academics
  • Hands-On Community Based Training
  • Vocational Skills

Occupational Course of Study Course Requirements

Students must successfully complete the following courses:
 
4 English Credits: English I, II, III, and IV
3 Math Credits: Introduction to Mathematics, NC Math 1, and Financial Management
2 Science Credits: Applied Science and Biology
2 Social Studies Credits: Founding Principles, Civics, & Economics, and American History I or II
1 Health and Physical Education Credit
6 Occupational Preparation Credits: Prep I, II, III, and IV
 
In addition to the above classes students must complete the following:
CPR Instruction
Any required End-of-Course Assessments
Career Portfolio
Completion of IEP Goals
600 Work Hours:
       * 150 hours of School-Based Training
       * 225 hours of Community-Based Training
       * 225 hours of Paid Employment
 
Students with disabilities who graduate with a diploma following the Occupational Course of Study are not eligible to continue their education at a four-year university. Students who meet the graduation requirements for the Occupational Course of Study become eligible for the open enrollment process at local community colleges. Some programs require placement testing.

 

 Characteristics of students on the FR-OCS Pathway

The OCS Pathway is intended for students who function significantly below age and grade level expectations. The primary characteristics include a documented history that the student requires at least three of the following:

  • Intensive, explicit instruction throughout the school day and on a daily basis in order to address significant deficits in reading and math
  • Multiple and varied strategies to address significant deficits in language processing and/or communication
  • Direct instruction and repeated practice to address significant deficits in adaptive behavior skills (age-appropriate behaviors necessary to live independently and to function safely and appropriately in daily life), with at least one deficit noted within the following areas: social/interpersonal, self-care, home-living, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academics, work, leisure, safety and communication)
  • Multiple repetitions and opportunities for hands on instruction to address significant deficits in attention & short-term memory

 Students may also require the following:

  • Direct instruction in self-determination (such as decision making, goal setting , and self-advocacy)
  • Repetition and hands on instruction for skill development beyond that of typically developing peers
  • Explicit instruction to generalize skills taught across settings
  • Explicit and/or applied instruction to make relevant connections with classroom instruction
  • Accommodations for additional disabilities presenting in conjunction with a cognitive disability
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