Originally Written: Dec. 20 2024
First Appeared: Volume 22, Issue 1, published Jan. 13 2025
Last Updated: Jan. 13, 2025
Learning for Life is an educational program that caters towards students with developmental and cognitive disabilities. In a smaller and more structured class environment students learn skills that they are able to carry throughout their lives.
A typical day in the Learning for Life class starts off with an ELA class. For second block, the students go to different electives, centered around the arts and STEM. They then head to Unified PE for third block, and finish their day off with work study components. They incorporate subjects like Math, Science, and other topics which involve group and hands-on activities.
All students at UHS can be part of the unified sports programs, which occurs after school. Additionally students can take the Unified Physical Education class during third.
Josey Hines (Class of 2025), a PACEE student for the Learning for Life class sees herself pursuing a career in special education and has found the class profoundly helpful to her and her fellow students.
Commenting on students ability to balance the workload with being a PACEE for Learning for Life Hines said that, “It’s definitely hard but it’s something that I love doing and I’m passionate about so I don’t mind it… it’s something that I want to do after high school and love.”
Many students may also be wondering, “What comes after high school for students in the Learning for Life program?”
The answer is that it varies.
Some Learning for Life students remain at UHS until they are 21 years of age. Other students will finish their four years at UHS and continue onto the SUCCESS Program in Downtown Frederick.
Ms. Heather O’Brien explains that in the SUCCESS program, students, “Work on transitional work skills to get ready for the workforce.” With them learning skills for independent living and gaining experience in the work force.
Despite how much joy she gets from it, teaching the class can at times be difficult, as O’Brien explains it, “Trying to meet the very different needs of each individual student on a daily basis, and trying to make sure that everyone feels super safe and comfortable in the classroom everyday.” However, the most rewarding part of her job is the students, saying that, “Everyday they come in excited to be here, excited to learn and ready to be a part of whatever we have planned for the day,” which is something that the program strives for.
Looking towards the future O’Brien explained, “I think it’s going to continue to get bigger and bigger and expand. [I am] hopeful that it will continue to grow… and [students will] have more opportunities to go into the community for different work experiences.” Learning for Life represents an equal and fair opportunity for everyone to succeed and is made possible by the staff and students who help contribute to the program.
O’Brien also welcomes PACEE students. She welcomes all students who would like to come in and work with small groups or one on one with the students to help them with any types of skills that they may need throughout the day like filling out timesheets and other components of the program. Students are welcome to join the program by volunteering as well as just supporting these programs by attending their unified sporting events.
This Article Topic was Requested by student Maggie McKay
