School-to-Career Services

Transition: School-to-Career Services       

WRSD meets all requirements for transition planning for all our students at age 14.For students who wish to pursue vocational studies, WRSD offers a comprehensive Transition: School-to-Career Services Program that begins with a job skills class and prevocational training at age 14. Students ages 16-22 have the opportunity to engage in formal, off-campus work-study internships throughout the community.

Transition: School-to-Career Services is also offered to students at our Partnership Campus in East Longmeadow High School. Willie Ross juniors and seniors at our Partnership High School Program, in East Longmeadow, who have completed most of their credits and want to complete their education in five years instead of four, can participate in the Transition: School-to-Career Services Program by doing half-day work-study internships. This extra year provides the High School students at the Partnership Campus the opportunity to round off their Willie Ross School education with practical skills and experience that, upon graduation, make them valuable candidates to prospective employers.

WRSD recognizes the value of preparing students for lives within the community and aims to provide a successful transition from academic to professional life.

How it Works:

Partnership Campus High School: Students focus on meeting all course requirements for graduation including passing MCAS. Services are provided to assist students prepare and apply to college. Students also have the opportunity to stay an extra year and participate in half- day, off-campus work-study internships in their career of interest. Students have a comprehensive Transition Plan, which is part of their IEP and directly influences counseling and communication services. All students have daily access to an on-site Adjustment Counselor/Transition Specialist who provides individual and group counseling for a wide range of adolescent, social, emotional, and behavioral issues, and adult life planning.

Longmeadow Campus High School: Students focus on meeting all requirements for graduation including passing MCAS and earning a High School diploma, or taking MCAS Alt and earning a Certificate of Completion. These students participate in a vocational assessment at age 15 and start participating in the Work-Study Program at age 16. Placements occur both on- and off-campus depending on the student’s strengths and interests. This pathway focuses on attaining job skills at a student’s ability level that will lead to gainful employment. Students participate in a weekly transition group taught by our Adjustment Counselor/Transition Specialist and the School-to-Career Coordinator. All students have daily access to our on-site Adjustment Counselor who also provides individual counseling for a wide range of adolescent, social, emotional, and behavioral issues and adult life planning.

Services offered at both campuses:

• Individual and group counseling
• Students develop a comprehensive transition portfolio
• Comprehensive vocational assessments
• Career exploration
• World of work including hard and soft skills
• Job seeking skills
• Community involvement
• Accessing community resources including vocational rehabilitation services (MRC)
• Self advocacy and assertiveness
• Resume and cover letter development
• Transportation – accessing the PVTA or getting a driver’s license
• Goal setting
• Problem solving
• Effective communication strategies
• Monthly guest speakers and/or field trips
• Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act

Student’s ages 14-22 years of age participate in a weekly job skills class taught by our Adjustment Counselor/Transition Specialist and the School-to-Career Coordinator. This class provides students with the chance to:

• Develop independent living skills
• Identify and explore career interests
• Research necessary skills for desired jobs
• Develop an online career profile
• Learn from guest speakers about educational, vocational, and career planning and transition
• Complete a yearly transition checklist