Occupational Course of Study (OCS)

What is the Future Ready "Occupational Course of Study" (FR-OCS)?

• Functional Academics
• Hands-On Community Based Training
• Vocational Skills

• NOT based on a specific disability 
• NOT appropriate for a student who is simply struggling in the Future Ready Course of Study 
• NOT automatic for a student who has failed
• NOT based solely on the preference of the student and his or her family

What are the Major Components of FR-OCS?

 The major components of FR-OCS are as follows.

• It is intended to meet the needs of a small group of students with disabilities who need a modified curriculum that focuses on post-school employment and independent living. However, the vast majority of students with disabilities will complete another course of study (as opposed to FR-OCS) with the use of accommodations, modifications, supplemental aids and services as needed.

• It is a modified standard course of study consisting of 15 courses in English, Mathematics, Science, History, and Occupational Preparation.
• Students are also required to complete career/technical education credits, and healthful living.
• Each student MUST complete 150 hours of school-based vocational training, 225 hours of community based vocational training, and 225 hours of paid/competitive employment (or paid vocational training if paid options have been exhausted) in order to receive a high school diploma.
• Each student must complete a career portfolio documenting completion of course of study requirements
• Each Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, which includes parents and the student, makes recommendations as to appropriateness of FR-OCS for a particular student based on his/her post-school transition needs and goals. After IEP recommendation, final selection of FR-OCS is student and parent choice.

Future Ready "Occupational Course of Study" (FR-OCS) Requirements for students entering high school.
 

Total of 22 Credits and 600 Work Hours for a High School Diploma

• English - 4 Credits [English I; II*, III; IV] *By grade 10

• Mathematics - 3 Credits [Introduction to Math I; Math I; Financial Management]

• Science - 2 Credits [Applied Science; Biology**] **By grade 11

• History - 2 Credits [American History I, American II]

• Health & Physical Education - 1 Credit [Health/Physical Educational] 

• Career/Technical - 4 Credits [Career/Technical Education Courses]

• Other Requirements - 6 Credits [Occupational Preparation I; II; III; IV***] ***Career Portfolio Required 

• Work Hours - 600 Work Hours Total
  • 150 School-Based;
  • 225 Community-Based;
  • 225 Paid/Competitive Employment (or unpaid vocational training if paid options exhausted)
• Arts Education (Dance, Music, Theatre & Visual Arts) - Recommended 1 credit