Major Concepts/Content: The independent living skills course is designed to provide a wide range of independent living skill experiences and competencies essential to a positive quality of life. Students examine the roles they will assume as adults, and synthesize the functions of these roles, as well as skills essential to fulfill future roles. Study includes skills in pursuing gainful employment, analyzing personal finance, development and management of a budget, investigating corporate structures, interpretation of global financial markets, and analysis of electronic commerce and marketing. Decision-making and problem solving strategies are emphasized.

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities include: laboratory work, seminars, cooperative learning, individual study, and a project-problem approach. This course is based on the needs of young adults. Students will explore interests and needs, clarify problems, and seek solutions. Students will plan, design, and construct content related projects; investigate content-related occupations, and perform library research. Students will present ideas and information in oral and written presentations. Course emphasis will be placed on development of self-concept, values clarification, problem solving, and decision-making.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students are evaluated on effectively completing projects, using materials and tools effectively, cooperative work, independent work, and solving problems. Written and oral reports are evaluated for content and form.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of this course students should be able to

• Synthesize employability skills
• Analyze personal financial management
• Develop and manage a budget
• Demonstrate knowledge of corporate structures
• Interpret global financial markets
• Synthesize decision making and problem solving strategies
• Apply computer technology to independent living skills
• Apply decision-making and problem-solving skills.