Courses
About Our Courses
Course Table of Contents
- Learning and Study Skills
- Assistive Technology in the Workplace
- Keyboarding
- Introduction to Computers
- Advanced Computers
- Reading Communication Skills
- Written Communication Skills
- Math Training
- Basic Business Communications
- Basic Office Equipment
- Dress for Success
- Business Etiquette and Career Awareness
- Employer Expectations and Employee Rights
- Taking the Next Step
Learning and Study Skills
The goal of this course is to teach you how to take skills you already have and use them to learn new subjects quickly. Once you learn how to apply your skills to one subject, you will be able to apply your skills to many new subjects.
This course teaches you how to educate yourself. Studying is not about obtaining a grade or passing a test, but gaining knowledge as a continual life process.
You will receive instruction as to how to promote and maintain good study habits and what employers and schools expect from you regarding personal on-going training. In addition, an introduction to the basic programs and concepts you will use throughout your student and work career is provided.
Assistive Technology in the Workplace
The goal of this course is to learn mainstream computer shortcuts and build your skills with Assistive Technology. Practice will be the key to your success.
Assistive Technology (AT) allows us to perform tasks more quickly, accurately, and easily. This course is designed for students who need AT to productively and comfortably access the computer. You will improve your computer skills through the experience of practicing your specific technology in a work-like setting. Additionally, you will learn how to create and use shortcuts that are part of mainstream software. You will also be introduced to new AT when it is helpful or necessary.
Keyboarding
The goal of this course is to teach basic keyboard skills, which will help you in school and in the workplace.
This course will teach you how to use a keyboard - one of the most important skills you need to access a computer. Proficient use of this device must be demonstrated in the workplace or school setting. As you learn to use the keyboard you will also, as needed, learn to use related assistive devices. You will also be taught how to type and use shortcuts quickly and accurately. Once you have learned these skills, you will be able to use them in the workplace or school setting. You will be instructed as to the different functions on a keyboard and increasing your overall typing efficiency. Class is a relaxing and enjoyable environment for learning. Keyboarding software and typing to music is utilized to help increase your typing speed. You will find these programs amusing as well as encouraging.
Introduction to Computers
The goal of this course is to teach the basic computer skills needed to function in school and work environments.
This course will teach you the basics of using a computer and how to produce professional documents. You will learn the basic skills needed to use a Windows-based computer. You will also learn how to create the kinds of documents that are often needed in a work or school setting. The skills taught in this course will provide a foundation for learning further advanced computer techniques and programs.
Advanced Computers:
The goal of this course is to build upon your existing computer skills.
This course is for students who already have basic computer skills such as word processing and file management. This course will help you build upon the skills you already have and teach you about the essential programs contained in Microsoft Office. You will learn advanced word processing skills, how to create spreadsheets, operate Outlook, and conduct research on the Internet.
Reading Communications Skills
The goal of this course is to improve your reading skills, which will help you in school and at work.
This course will help you improve your reading skills, therefore enhancing your spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. To develop better reading skills means to cultivate better writing skills. Students must be able to read and write at a 4th to 6th grade level. This level of ability may be achieved through other resources which instructors can recommend before starting this class.
You will be given daily reading assignments; students will read privately on their own and together as a group. The coursework will include reading short stories and writing summaries which are maintained on file for your review of self-development. Your summaries are evaluated by the teacher to measure your progress in reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Challenge is given to expand your vocabulary and correctly spell words. The use of computer programs that check your spelling and grammar is taught. These programs and your improved reading skills will help you in school or on the job. If you do well in this course, you will be ready for more advanced courses, such as Basic Business Communications.
Written Communication Skills
The goal of this course is to improve your writing, a critical skill for academic and career success.
This course is designed to improve your overall writing skills. The goal is two-fold.
- Improving your grammar skills by eliminating bad grammar, poor punctuation and other embarrassing mistakes.
- Putting order, clarity, and excitement to your thoughts on paper.
Writing assignments and practice lessons are routinely conducted to develop these crucial skills needed for entry-level employment or advanced education.
You will be given daily writing assignments and motivational activities, which will help enhance your everyday reading and writing skills. The use of computer programs that check your spelling and grammar is taught. These programs and your improved reading and writing skills will help you in school or on the job. If you do well in this course, you will be ready for more advanced courses, such as Basic Business Communications.
You will write short stories to show how your spelling, punctuation, and thought organization is increasing. Stories you write are maintained on file for your review to assess progress. You will also take skill reviews, complete homework, and take part in class discussions.
Math Training
The overall goal of this course is to teach math skills that are important to everyday life and can be used in both the home and work setting.
This course will teach you basic math skills and how to use these skills in everyday settings. You will learn calculations such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and using decimals. You will also learn how to use these calculations in the workplace or at home; for example, by balancing sample checkbooks.
This course will emphasize your specific job goals. Teachers will show you how the math skills you learn can be used in your current job or the job area that interests you. Instructors will also teach you how your math skills can give you an advantage in the job market and help you in day-to-day life, such as creating your household budget and other aspects of Independent Living.
Basic Business Communications
The goal of this course is to teach basic communications in both writing and speaking. Clarity, conciseness, and creativity are but a few skills you will develop in this favorite and fun course.
This course will teach you how to speak and write in a professional manner enhancing your existing grammar and language skills. You will learn to decide ahead of time what you want to express and how to express yourself confidently, professionally, and to the point. Topics covered include looking at your past, combating fear, changing expectations, and relieving stress. Each class collaborates to create group presentations.
You will learn how to write clear and professional memos, emails, fax cover sheets, business letters, resumes, and cover letters.
You will also learn how to speak professionally when:
- In a meeting
- On a telephone call
- Leaving a message on voicemail
You must have basic grammar and language skills before you can take this course. The Academy will make sure that you have the skills you need before you enroll in this course.
Basic Office Equipment
This course will teach you how to use some of the most common office equipment, filing techniques, and organizational skills in a school or work setting.
This course will teach you how to operate the most common office equipment. You will learn the following:
- Fax machine use
- Photocopier use
- Mail meter use
- Telephone and voicemail use
- Adding machine and calculator use
- Paper shredder use
- Overhead projector use
- Supply ordering procedures
- Scheduling skills
- Desk organization
- Filing techniques
- Other goal-appropriate technology
You will work with each piece of office equipment and you will be taught vocabulary that relates to this equipment. Troubleshooting, such as clearing a paper jam in a photocopier, will be covered. Proper protocol and etiquette for office equipment use is emphasized. You will show what you have learned by demonstrating to the class and Instructor how to use the different pieces of equipment. You will also be given skill reviews on the new concepts you have learned.
Dress For Success
The goal of this course is to teach the importance of a professional appearance.
This course will teach you how to dress appropriately for the work environment. You will learn the difference between “business” dress and “business casual”. Instructors will give you advice on how to build a wardrobe that is acceptable, comfortable, and affordable.
The following subjects will be discussed:
- Dressing for an interview
- Appearance on the job
- Using your existing wardrobe
- Finding appropriate clothing and accessories
- Your grades will be based on the correctness of your attire according to the daily class themes.
Business Etiquette and Career Awareness
The goal of this course is to teach the importance of professional behavior in the workplace and identifying your career potential, not just a job title.
This courses teaches you how to function in a professional manner and incorporate proper business courtesies within the working world. You will also learn how to discover other career opportunities that fit your level of skills while meeting your career aspirations.
The following subjects will be discussed:
- Appropriate work habits and superior work ethics
- Adapting to the business climate
- Creating effective working relationships
- Situation-appropriate deportment (meetings, meals, telephone calls, etc.)
- Effective interactions with co-workers and customers
- Exploration of transferable skills
Employer Expectations and Employee Rights
The goal of this course is to teach you how to meet an employer’s expectations while also getting what you need to succeed in a job.
This course will introduce you to what employers expect from you and what you can expect from employers. You will identify your own strengths and weaknesses and learn how they affect your success when looking for a job.
The Instructor will guide you to plan for favorable outcomes in the workforce. Including identifying how job skills and intentions fit into an employer’s goals. Teachers will support you in deciding what skills you have to offer and what personal needs you have to consider. During the course, you will create your own “Personal Plan for Success.” This plan will help you tell an employer your strengths and also your needs, which will give you confidence when interviewing for a job. Once this course is finished, you will have a better idea of what employers anticipate and how to meet their expectations. You will also determine what your own personal priorities are in your job search.
Taking the Next Step
The goal of this course is for you to identify your strengths and opportunities for improvement. You will take the initiative to both plan your future and execute this plan to reach your goal.
This course is the culmination of your Academy class experience.
During the course, the following are required:
- Identifying transferable work skills
- Realizing your career values
- Recognizing your obstacles and opportunities
- Developing a support system
- Learning how and where to find opportunities related to your goals
- Practicing effective interviewing techniques
- Taking final steps to meet your education and work goals
You will devise and implement a plan to include the people, strategies, and tools to enhance your future. Also covered are specific skills such as resume composition and completion of employment forms. Competitive placement assistance is provided in this course but the key actions and work are your responsibility as the job seeker. One of the first steps toward success is having a plan for the future and taking the responsibility to implement and follow-through.
