Framework 4: Workplace Readiness Training (WRT)

  • Short Name: PreETS-WRT

  • ID Number: PRE-ETS-WRT-001

Description: Students develop essential employability skills needed for success in any work environment, including communication, time management, teamwork, and professional behavior. Early competencies focus on understanding workplace expectations and identifying appropriate behavior in different work contexts.

Advanced competencies include demonstrating consistent punctuality, adapting to supervisor feedback, resolving basic workplace conflicts, and applying soft skills in structured and unstructured work environments. Students begin to demonstrate independence in managing responsibilities across multiple settings.

Category 4.1: Professional Communication & Teamwork (WRT-COMM)

ID Number: WRT-COMM

Skill Topic 4.1.1: Goal Clarification & Professionalism

  • ID Number: WRT-COMM-GOALS

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-COMM-GOALS-A1: Express motivation to build skills for the workplace.

    2. WRT-COMM-GOALS-A2: Make informed decisions about career options matching personal strengths.

    3. WRT-COMM-GOALS-A3: Identify skills needed for independent living goals.

    4. WRT-COMM-GOALS-A4: Identify skills needed for specific career goals.

Skill Topic 4.1.2: Professional Networking

  • ID Number: WRT-COMM-NET

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-COMM-NET-A1: Define “networking” and explain its value in a job search.

    2. WRT-COMM-NET-A2: Create a map of personal connections in the local community.

    3. WRT-COMM-NET-A3: Build professional relationships (following up with speakers, attending career fairs, using LinkedIn/Jobs4TN).

    4. WRT-COMM-NET-A4: Verify that the personal network matches chosen career interests.

Skill Topic 4.1.3: Communication & Business Etiquette

  • ID Number: WRT-COMM-SKILLS

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-COMM-SKILLS-A1: Adjust communication style between casual and professional situations.

    2. WRT-COMM-SKILLS-A2: Practice communication skills (active listening, body language, asking questions, using visual/assistive tools).

    3. WRT-COMM-SKILLS-A3: Demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation when taking on new tasks.

    4. WRT-COMM-SKILLS-A4: Explain how personal hygiene and professional dress impact workplace success.

    5. WRT-COMM-SKILLS-A5: Draft professional emails, practice leaving voicemails, and participate in virtual meetings.

    6. WRT-COMM-SKILLS-A6: Define appropriate cell phone usage policies at work.

    7. WRT-COMM-SKILLS-A7: Explain how personal social media posts can impact current and future employment.

Skill Topic 4.1.4: Teamwork, Problem-Solving, & Conflict Resolution

  • ID Number: WRT-COMM-TEAM

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-COMM-TEAM-A1: Identify different roles in a typical workplace (manager, supervisor, team member).

    2. WRT-COMM-TEAM-A2: Differentiate when to work as a team vs. when to work independently.

    3. WRT-COMM-TEAM-A3: Practice receiving and incorporating constructive criticism.

    4. WRT-COMM-TEAM-A4: Practice problem-solving common workplace issues.

    5. WRT-COMM-TEAM-A5: Role-play positive conflict resolution strategies with coworkers.

Category 4.2: Financial Literacy & Benefits Management (WRT-FIN)

ID Number: WRT-FIN

Skill Topic 4.2.1: Income, Purchases, & Wages

  • ID Number: WRT-FIN-INCOME

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-FIN-INCOME-A1: List employment types used to earn money (part-time, full-time, self-employment, seasonal).

    2. WRT-FIN-INCOME-A2: Differentiate between payment methods (cash, checks, debit/credit cards, mobile transfers like Apple Pay/Venmo).

    3. WRT-FIN-INCOME-A3: Map payroll schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) to planning personal expenses.

    4. WRT-FIN-INCOME-A4: Compare wage configurations (hourly vs. salary, overtime pay, tax deductions).

Skill Topic 4.2.2: Budgeting & Banking Services

  • ID Number: WRT-FIN-BUDGET

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A1: Define “budget” and its role in financial independence.

    2. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A2: Categorize expenses as “Needs” (housing, food, healthcare) or “Wants” (entertainment, dining out).

    3. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A3: Select a budgeting tool (spreadsheet, app, envelope system).

    4. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A4: Build a budget based on actual or sample income and expenses.

    5. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A5: Define core banking services (checking/savings accounts, mobile banking, secure lockboxes, ATM use).

    6. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A6: Outline steps to open checking and savings accounts.

    7. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A7: Practice completing deposit slips and withdrawal forms.

    8. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A8: Compare local banking options (fees, interest rates, accessibility).

    9. WRT-FIN-BUDGET-A9: Research rules and setups for opening an ABLE account to save money safely.

Skill Topic 4.2.3: Insurance & Disability Benefits

  • ID Number: WRT-FIN-BENEFITS

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-FIN-BENEFITS-A1: Explain the purpose of benefits and different types of insurance (health, auto, renters).

    2. WRT-FIN-BENEFITS-A2: Define insurance terms (premium, co-pay, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum).

    3. WRT-FIN-BENEFITS-A3: Compare employer-provided benefits vs. public/government programs.

    4. WRT-FIN-BENEFITS-A4: Locate agencies that provide benefits counseling (e.g., Ticket to Work, Benefits to Work, SSA).

    5. WRT-FIN-BENEFITS-A5: Explain how earned income impacts SSI/SSDI and why working always increases overall income.

Category 4.3: Work Maturity & Independent Living (WRT-MATURITY)

ID Number: WRT-MATURITY

Skill Topic 4.3.1: Independence at Work & Adaptation

  • ID Number: WRT-MATURITY-INDEP

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A1: Practice workplace independence skills (time management, task completion, transitioning between tasks, self-monitoring).

    2. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A2: Practice adapting to workplace changes (schedule edits, team reshuffles, task adjustments).

    3. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A3: Review work shift schedules and choose personal preferences.

    4. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A4: Compare appropriate behaviors for active work shifts vs. scheduled breaks.

    5. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A5: Explain paid-time-off (PTO) categories (sick leave, vacation, bereavement, personal days).

    6. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A6: List basic workplace safety rules.

    7. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A7: Identify safety and health protocols (handwashing, PPE, social distancing).

    8. WRT-MATURITY-INDEP-A8: Self-assess personal work speed and accuracy, and set improvement goals.

Skill Topic 4.3.2: Independent Living Skills

  • ID Number: WRT-MATURITY-LIVING

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A1: Differentiate healthy nutrition, hygiene, and wellness practices.

    2. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A2: Build a weekly personal schedule that organizes work, school, and leisure time.

    3. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A3: Practice daily living tasks independently (meal prep, laundry, cleaning, organizing personal items like keys and wallets).

    4. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A4: Use personal technology (calendars, alarms, maps) to support daily living tasks.

    5. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A5: List locations frequently visited in the community.

    6. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A6: Identify available transportation options (bus, walking, rideshare, family).

    7. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A7: Assess personal transportation options for traveling to and from a job.

    8. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A8: Participate in travel training to learn how to use transit routes.

    9. WRT-MATURITY-LIVING-A9: Identify community agencies that offer employment supports.

Category 4.4: Advocacy, Accessibility, & Job Seeking (WRT-SEEK)

ID Number: WRT-SEEK

Skill Topic 4.4.1: Workplace Rights & Supports

  • ID Number: WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A1: Explain your legal protections under the ADA in the workplace.

    2. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A2: Identify personal accommodation needs based on disability impacts.

    3. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A3: Practice asking questions and request help from a supervisor.

    4. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A4: Practice requesting reasonable accommodations from an employer.

    5. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A5: Navigate a work site independently or with identified accommodations.

    6. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A6: Select assistive technology tools (screen readers, noise-canceling headphones) that support task completion.

    7. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A7: Plan a safe route to locate key locations and navigate a workspace (O&M skills, if applicable).

    8. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A8: Practice traveling to a work site independently.

    9. WRT-SEEK-RIGHTS-A9: Differentiate when to ask for navigation help vs. when to decline assistance.

Skill Topic 4.4.2: Job Seeking & Applications

  • ID Number: WRT-SEEK-APPLY

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A1: Explain the purpose of a resume and when to use one.

    2. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A2: Identify key resume sections (education, experience, skills, references).

    3. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A3: Write a first draft of a personal resume.

    4. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A4: Practice editing a resume to match a specific job description.

    5. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A5: Identify several jobs to target for application.

    6. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A6: Use online job boards to find current job openings.

    7. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A7: Gather required personal information (IDs, SSN, work history, references) needed for job applications.

    8. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A8: Complete sample job applications (paper and online).

    9. WRT-SEEK-APPLY-A9: Create a tracking sheet to record submitted applications and follow-ups.

Skill Topic 4.4.3: Interviewing for a Job

  • ID Number: WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW-A1: Read a job description and identify how your skills meet the listed requirements.

    2. WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW-A2: Research a target company and prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

    3. WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW-A3: Prepare documents (resume, ID, certifications) to bring to an interview.

    4. WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW-A4: Select professional clothing options to wear to an interview.

    5. WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW-A5: Identify and request needed accommodations for the interview process.

    6. WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW-A6: Complete a mock interview and incorporate constructive feedback.

    7. WRT-SEEK-INTERVIEW-A7: Practice steps to take after an interview (sending thank-you notes, reflecting, following up).

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