Joshua Tree Transition Electives
Inclusion Student Service Model
Transition Elective Program: Inclusion students will choose from six Transition Electives throughout the school year. Each elective is offered as a 5-day intensive course designed to provide students with concentrated instruction and meaningful career exploration experiences. Electives may be completed through regular weekly or bi-weekly meetings, if desired.
Benefits of the Intensive Model
Academic Focus Minimizes disruption to regular academic schedules.
Deep Engagement Provides deeper immersion in specific career topics.
Efficient Path Allows students to complete an entire elective block in just one week.
Community Ties Increases opportunities for employers and local community partnerships.
Real Exposure Creates meaningful workplace exposure through targeted industry tours.
Weekly Elective Structure Overview
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom Instruction | Classroom Instruction | Classroom Instruction | Guest Speaker | Industry Tour |
Explore Our Transition Elective Courses
Click on any course rectangle card below to open its structural daily schedule, precise core objectives, and expected outcomes.
Elective #1
Develop financial knowledge and money management skills necessary for employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
5-Day Intensive Course Structure
| Day | Activity | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Classroom Instruction | Budgeting basics, needs vs. wants, setting financial goals. |
| Day 2 | Classroom Instruction | Understanding paychecks, taxes, direct deposit, and employee benefits. |
| Day 3 | Classroom Instruction | Banking services, checking and savings accounts, debit cards, credit, and avoiding financial scams (protecting personal information). |
| Day 4 | Guest Speaker | Local banker, financial advisor, or credit union representative discusses financial responsibility and real-world money management. |
| Day 5 | Industry Tour | Visit a local bank, credit union, or financial institution to learn about banking services, account management, loans, and career opportunities in finance. |
Learning Objectives
- Create a personal budget.
- Identify the difference between needs and wants.
- Understand how earnings, taxes, and deductions affect take-home pay.
- Demonstrate knowledge of banking products and services.
- Recognize the importance of saving and financial planning.
- Identify common financial scams and strategies to protect personal information.
- Explore careers within the banking and financial services industry.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of the Financial Literacy Transition Elective, students will have a stronger understanding of personal finance concepts and be better prepared to manage earnings, make informed financial decisions, and transition successfully into employment and adulthood.
Elective #2
Gain life-saving skills through CPR and First Aid training while exploring careers in healthcare, public safety, and emergency response fields.
5-Day Intensive Course Structure
| Day | Activity | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Classroom Instruction | Introduction to emergency response, recognizing emergencies, and activating EMS. |
| Day 2 | Classroom Instruction | CPR fundamentals, AED awareness, and hands-on skill practice. |
| Day 3 | Classroom Instruction | First Aid procedures for common injuries, choking response, and workplace safety. |
| Day 4 | Guest Speaker | EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, Firefighter, or Healthcare Professional discusses emergency response careers and real-world applications of CPR and First Aid. |
| Day 5 | Industry Tour / Certification | Visit a healthcare facility, fire department, EMS station, or complete CPR/First Aid Certification testing and practical assessments. |
Learning Objectives
- Recognize emergency situations and determine appropriate responses.
- Demonstrate basic CPR techniques and AED awareness.
- Apply First Aid procedures for common injuries and illnesses.
- Understand workplace safety practices and emergency preparedness.
- Develop confidence in responding during emergencies.
- Explore careers related to healthcare, emergency services, and public safety.
- Earn CPR/First Aid Certification when certification requirements are successfully met.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of the CPR/First Aid Certification Transition Elective, students will possess valuable emergency response skills that can be applied in everyday situations, future employment, and community settings. Students will also gain exposure to healthcare and public safety career pathways while developing skills that enhance employability and workplace readiness.
Elective #3
Develop critical skills to become a safe, responsible driver while exploring transportation careers and processing learner's permits or State IDs.
5-Day Intensive Course Structure
| Day | Activity | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Classroom Instruction | Georgia traffic laws, road signs, driver's responsibilities, and safe driving practices. |
| Day 2 | Classroom Instruction | Defensive driving techniques, distracted driving awareness, and decision-making behind the wheel. |
| Day 3 | Classroom Instruction | Driver preparedness, vehicle safety, insurance basics, and transportation planning for employment. |
| Day 4 | Classroom Instruction | Review of signs, laws, and safety concepts, decision-making as a driver, preparing for the permit test. |
| Day 5 | DMV Testing | Visit a local DMV for permit or State ID services and learn about licensing procedures, testing requirements, and transportation resources. |
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate knowledge of Georgia traffic laws and road signs.
- Identify safe driving practices and defensive driving techniques.
- Understand the responsibilities associated with operating a motor vehicle.
- Learn how transportation impacts employment opportunities and independence.
- Understand the process of obtaining a learner's permit, driver's license, or State ID.
- Develop transportation planning skills for work, school, and community activities.
- Explore careers within transportation, public safety, and logistics industries.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of the Driver's Education Transition Elective, students will have a stronger understanding of safe driving practices, transportation options, and the role transportation plays in employment and independent living. Eligible students will be prepared to pursue a learner's permit, while students not seeking a permit will gain valuable knowledge related to obtaining and using a State ID, transportation planning, and community access.
Elective #4
Gain the knowledge and confidence to smoothly transition from high school to technical college, university, or postsecondary training tracks.
5-Day Intensive Course Structure
| Day | Activity | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Classroom Instruction | Academic Planning – Graduation requirements, selecting courses aligned with career goals, dual enrollment opportunities, and developing an educational pathway plan. |
| Day 2 | Classroom Instruction | Application and Admissions Process – College applications, admissions requirements, entrance exams, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and admissions timelines. |
| Day 3 | Classroom Instruction | Financial Aid and Funding – FAFSA overview, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, HOPE Scholarship opportunities, and budgeting for college expenses. |
| Day 4 | Guest Speaker | College admissions representative, student services professional, financial aid counselor, or current college student shares insights and experiences. |
| Day 5 | College Visit | Visit a technical college, university, or training center to explore programs, campus resources, student life, and career pathways. |
Learning Objectives
- Identify postsecondary education and training opportunities aligned with their career goals.
- Understand college admissions requirements and application procedures.
- Learn about financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other funding resources.
- Develop skills for academic success, organization, and time management.
- Understand how to access disability support services and accommodations when applicable.
- Explore career pathways connected to various education and training options.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of the College Preparation Transition Elective, students will have a clear understanding of postsecondary options, admissions processes, financial aid opportunities, and the skills needed to successfully transition from high school to higher education or career training programs. Students will leave with a personalized plan for pursuing their educational and career goals after graduation.
Elective #5
Develop food safety knowledge and workplace skills while striving to earn a nationally recognized food safety credential.
5-Day Intensive Course Structure
| Day | Activity | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Classroom Instruction | Introduction to Food Safety – Foodborne illnesses, personal hygiene, workplace safety, and the importance of food safety regulations. |
| Day 2 | Classroom Instruction | Safe Food Handling – Time and temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, cleaning and sanitizing procedures. |
| Day 3 | Classroom Instruction | Food Service Operations – Receiving and storing food, preparing and serving food safely, customer service expectations, and review for certification assessment. |
| Day 4 | Guest Speaker | Restaurant manager, food service director, chef, health inspector, or hospitality professional discusses industry expectations, career pathways, and workplace experiences. |
| Day 5 | Industry Tour / Test | Visit a restaurant, commercial kitchen, school nutrition department, or hospitality operation and complete ServSafe certification testing. |
Learning Objectives
- Understand the causes and prevention of foodborne illnesses.
- Demonstrate knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and preparation procedures.
- Identify workplace sanitation and safety practices.
- Understand food service industry regulations and expectations.
- Develop customer service and workplace professionalism skills.
- Explore careers within the food service, hospitality, and culinary industries.
- Earn a ServSafe certification upon successful completion of certification requirements.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of the ServSafe Certification Transition Elective, students will possess industry-recognized food safety knowledge and practical workplace skills that can be immediately applied in food service and hospitality settings. Students who successfully meet certification requirements will earn a ServSafe credential, providing a competitive advantage when seeking employment and supporting successful transition into the workforce.
Elective #6
Build basic employability and soft skills needed to successfully navigate job-seeking, interview stages, and workplace environments.
5-Day Intensive Course Structure
| Day | Activity | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Classroom Instruction | Workplace Expectations – Employer expectations, attendance, punctuality, work ethic, teamwork, and professional behavior. |
| Day 2 | Classroom Instruction | Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Verbal and written communication, customer service, conflict resolution, teamwork, and workplace relationships. |
| Day 3 | Classroom Instruction | Job-Seeking Skills – Resume development, job applications, interview preparation, professional dress, and digital professionalism. |
| Day 4 | Guest Speaker | Human Resources professional, business manager, recruiter, or local employer discusses hiring practices, workplace expectations, and career advancement opportunities. |
| Day 5 | Industry Tour | Visit a local business, manufacturing facility, government agency, or other employment setting to observe workplace expectations and explore career opportunities. |
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of workplace expectations and professional behavior.
- Develop effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Complete a professional resume and job application.
- Practice interview skills and workplace etiquette.
- Understand employer expectations related to attendance, reliability, and productivity.
- Learn strategies for maintaining employment and advancing within a career.
- Explore a variety of career pathways and employment settings.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of the Workplace Readiness Transition Elective, students will possess the foundational employability skills necessary to enter the workforce with confidence. Students will have practical experience with resumes, applications, interviews, workplace communication, and professional expectations, preparing them for successful employment and long-term career growth.