Preparing Students to Transition to Employment: Teacher Perspectives and Student Outcomes of the California Workability 1 Program

Abstract

Work experience helps develop skills necessary for life after high school. The California WorkAbility 1 (WA1) Program was developed to improve post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities by providing temporary employment to students. Teacher experiences and perspectives reveal benefits and challenges of the WA1 Program. Success of the program is measured by how many student participants are hired by the employer after internship hours are completed. Challenges include funding and development of an equitable process for student selection. This chapter discusses strategies and recommendations for developing an effective work-experience program, including, acquiring and appropriating funds, staff placement, collaboration, equitable access, and education of all stakeholders.

Citation

Johnson, T.A. (2022), "Preparing Students to Transition to Employment: Teacher Perspectives and Student Outcomes of the California Workability 1 Program", Scorgie, K. and Forlin, C. (Ed.) Transition Programs for Children and Youth with Diverse Needs (International Perspectives on Inclusive Education, Vol. 18), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 159-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-363620220000018012