Page 53 - DistanceLearning
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The Educational Services Commission of NJ visit. This week they were in
operates Pathways to Adult Living (PAL), a Philadelphia! PAL provides intensive com-
munity-based instruction to
program dedicated to providing young adults Community education and students who have complet-
recreation/leisure skills are
with the skills to function independently and components of communi- ed their high school aca-
contribute to their community. PAL provides inten- ty-based instruction. Now, demic requirements.
sive community-based instruction to students who have completed students shop online at Tar-
their high school academic requirements. The program, located in get & ShopRite ordering items and calculating costs to keep within
a storefront on Main Street in Sayreville, allows students to transi- their budget. Students are taught to furnish a future apartment
tion from their local high schools at the same time that their peers using online shopping resources. Weekly yoga classes are taught
are graduating. on ZOOM every Tuesday so students can enjoy a recreational
PAL, a program designed with a strong emphasis on communi- experience. Daily neighborhood walks are encouraged.
ty-based instruction, faced the challenge of recreating itself through Functional life skills include cooking simple meals. Marci Rubin,
distance learning. Staff created virtual learning experiences to ad- PAL teacher, started weekly IN THE KITCHEN WITH ________
dress employment, transportation and adult daily living skills. Using classes. Each student will take a turn and cook a basic meal. So
the Life Centered Education curriculum by the Council for Excep- far, PAL students learned to make grilled cheese & an egg sand-
tional Children as well as the 21st Century Life and Career goals wich. All recipes will be compiled in the PAL COOKBOOK.
as guidelines, students’ goals are now addressed through remote Community outreach and interactions with members continues
learning classes with PAL staff and community members. through online training. Highlights include the following:
PAL continues to provide real life vocational experiences for the • Weekly ARC’s MAPS (Making Action Plans for Life and Careers)
students. The staff created online interviewing, onboarding and on- classes with Mr. George Sangiovanni, Transition Navigator
site work experiences. Students participated in mock employment • Lessons on Voting and the American with Disabilities Act pre-
interviews with a person unknown to them simulating an actual hir- sented by Carole Tonkes & Luke Koppisch from the Alliance
ing process. Onboarding videos from prospective employers and Center for Independence.
informational interviews with employees in various jobs are now
incorporated in PAL’s vocational training. PAL students recently • Proper Brushing Skills presented by Middlesex County Dental
started their training for the ServSafe food handler certification, a Hygiene Students
training highly recommended for employment in restaurants, gro- Tips Learned for Successful ZOOM Meetings:
cery stores and food production facilities. • Schedule daily ZOOM classes at the same time every day.
Since transportation is often a detriment to employment, the PAL • Parental involvement is key to have students participate regularly.
program incorporates travel training on a regular basis. Students
had been trained to use local public transportation. Jeffrey Dennis, • Incorporate high interest activities and motivate students by
research program coordinator, and Louis Hoffman, manager at announcing upcoming events.
NJ TIPS @ Rutgers, were invited to conduct virtual travel training • Give students a choice for selecting topics of study aligned with
experiences. They present powerpoints on how to read train/ bus curriculum.
schedules, purchase train tickets using the kiosk and follow safety • Offer training that leads to certificates to add to resumes
tips while traveling. The students choose a destination, use a trip (ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate).
planner and board their virtual train to see the highlights of their
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