GRADUATION PLAN FOR Student

DEVELOPED FROM IEP MEETING HELD DATE

GOAL: To assist Student in transitioning to his next steps in life after high school focusing on
employment, independent living skills and post-secondary preparation.
EXPECTATION: These tasks will be used to develop a post-secondary transition portfolio that can be
used for post-secondary education and/or employment as well as planning for living independently.
Student will complete the tasks as described and initial each task as it is completed. He will then have
an adult review the material and initial each task they agree has been met or provide feedback as to
how he can meet the expectation. Lastly, the IEP team will review the portfolio and a representative
will initial each task that has been completed to the expectation. If necessary, the team will provide
feedback as to how Student can correct any missing pieces of the portfolio and will set another
meeting in which to review the corrections.
TIMELINE: The timeline is open to whatever time frame Student needs to complete these tasks. Upon
completion of the tasks and portfolio, the IEP team will meet to review the portfolio and determine
eligibility for a high school diploma. Student is expected to be able to complete these tasks before end
of 21st year of age.
ASSISTANCE: Student is expected to complete these tasks with minimal support and assistance to
demonstrate that he is ready for post-secondary education, employment and living independently.
PORTFOLIO DESCRIPTION: Student will create a personal portfolio with six sections. These sections
will focus on JOB, COLLEGE, CAREER, Job Skills of personal interest, INDEPENDENT LIVING AND
PERSONAL ADVOCACY SKILLS. All of these areas have been selected based on his IEP goals and your
personal achievement goals. Every task will help him move closer to his goal of enter measurable
post-secondary goals.
Many of the tasks included in this portfolio require evidence of completion which will also serve as
examples and contacts for his reference in the future. He can make this portfolio as personal as he
would like or he can fulfill just the basic requirements for completion. The required tasks must be
completed as described but he may add more information or additional tasks as he learns more about
himself and his goals.
Some resources to get started:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates
http://www.springlakeparkschools.org/s
chools/hs/hs_counseling.asp#careersandcollegehttp://www.californiacareers.info/realitycheck.html
www.monster.com
www.humanmetrics.com

www.mncis.intocareers.com

www.iseek.org

www.bls.gov/ooh

GENERAL PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT:

1. _____ Purchase a clear cover 2" 3 ring binder and a package of document protectors.
2. _____ Design a cover for your portfolio.
3. _____ Print a blank calendar for each month this summer to enter your planning info, appointments
and deadlines.
4. ____ Create tabbed dividers for each section of your portfolio keeping the calendars at the front
before the first tabbed section.
5. ____ Personal Statement: This is a cover letter for your portfolio. People who read your personal
statement will get a sense of who you are and how you write. A personal statement includes
a description of what you like to do, activities you participate in, achievements you are proud
of, and your career and education goals. Although it may be difficult to do so, this is the place
to reflect on your past and dream about your future. Attached you will find a Personal
Statement Planning page to help with the writing process. This statement is often required as
part of a college application.
6. ____ Letters of Recommendation: Anytime you apply to a job or college, you may be asked for a
letter of recommendation. A letter of recommendation is written by someone who knows
you
well and will speak on your behalf, explaining some of your more valuable skills or
achievements. You will need to ask several adults you know for letters of recommendation
(can be teachers, coaches, employers, people from a place you volunteer, community or
religious leaders); your two favorites will be included in your portfolio. Complete a copy of
the attached Letter of Recommendation Information sheet and make several copies. Provide
a
copy of this sheet to each person you ask to write a letter of recommendation for you.

JOB SKILLS:
1. Complete the attached Interview sample questions to prepare yourself for the interview
process. This will become the first page of your JOB SKILLS
section of your portfolio.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

2. Prepare a resume. You can find resume templates and help at

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates,
http://www.springlakeparkschools.org/schools/hs/hs_counseling.asp#careersandcollege or
www.monster.com. Print your resume and place it in the JOB SKILLS section. This will
become page two of this section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

3. Complete ten job applications and print them for the JOB SKILLS section. Choose positions
and companies that you are qualified to work for right now.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

4. Research what you should wear when applying for jobs and attending interviews. Create a
checklist that you can use when preparing to apply for jobs. Take a picture of yourself
prepared for an interview. Place the checklist and the picture in the JOB SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

5. Research what you should do when interviewing for a job. Write a summary description of
what employers are looking for when interviewing a potential employee. Place this
summary in the JOB SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

6. Set up at least four appointments with your case manager, or other adult at school. Treat
this as though you are reporting for a job interview.
a. Make an appointment in person or by calling the office and asking for
______________. On at least two occasions, you need to request that the teacher
provide you an opportunity for a mock interview. Supply the questions you
prepared for so they can select 10 questions for each interview.

b. Confirm your appointment at least one school day in advance, wear interview
appropriate clothing, report to the office and indicate you have an appointment with
______________.
c. When reviewing your portfolio, speak clearly and with appropriate volume, make
eye contact while talking, and before leaving set up your next appointment.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

7. Contact organizations to request volunteer experiences. Document these contacts in the

attached call log. Volunteer opportunities will help you build up your resume with
experiences to show that you are prepared for a paid employment opportunity.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

COLLEGE SKILLS:
1. Complete the higher education section in DB101.org (Disability Benefits 101)
https://mn.db101.org/mn/situations/youthanddisability/education/program.htm
Determine the type of post-secondary education you will pursue in order to be trained
in your career area of choice. Make a list of your options and place in the COLLEGE
SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

2. Research four area of interest schools that train the areas you are interested in pursuing.
a. Print a copy of the entrance requirements and application process for each school
and place in the COLLEGE SKILLS section.
b. Complete and print the applications and place in the COLLEGE SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

3. Visit two local colleges that offer area of interest programs. Request a business card from
the Admissions Advisor that you meet with. Attach the business card to the information
below.
a. Request information about cost, entrance requirements, application process,
financial aid process, and services offered to assist students.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

4. Go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer to gather information

about the math/reading/writing skills needed for college. Print and complete the practice
questions and the tips for taking the ACT or Accuplacer. Place this information in the
COLLEGE SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

5. Go to www.fafsa.gov to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Print the
completed form and place it in the COLLEGE SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

CAREER SKILLS:
1. Complete three interest inventories, print the results and place in your portfolio. At least
one interest inventory must be the Jung Typology Test listed below.
a. At www.humanmetrics.com select the Jung Typology Test. Click on the section that
will tell you which careers you are suited for. Print the results of your career
assessment. This will be the first page of your CAREER SKILLS section of your
portfolio.
b. At www.mncis.intocareers.com complete the interest inventory, reality check,
values survey and occupation research. Print your results and place in the CAREER
SKILLS section.
c. Research three music related careers. Write a summary of the job outlook, training
required and starting salary for each career.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

2. Go to www.iseek.org. Choose the four careers you are most interested in from your
interest inventories. Find these careers on ISeek and print out all the information relating
to each career. Put this information in the CAREER SKILLS section.
a. Go to www.iseek.org. Click on Career Counselors and print the information to
include in your portfolio.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

3. Using the information you have collected, complete the attached MN Career Guide
worksheets and include in the CAREER SKILLS section of your portfolio.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

This section must be personalized for individual students. This example student is interested in a
career in music production.
MUSIC SKILLS:
1. Establish a performance portfolio for your college application process and include this in the
MUSIC SKILLS section
a. Create a demo cd or UTube channel
b. Contact three venues for possible gigs. Document these contacts in the attached
call log.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

2. Contact a recording studio to complete the attached Career Interview with at least two
people who have careers in a music related field. Include the interview information you
gathered in the MUSIC SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

3. Create a Personal Music Statement: This is a cover letter for your performance portfolio.
People who read your personal statement will get a sense of who you are and how you
write. This personal music statement includes a description of your musical style, the
instruments you can play and to what level of proficiency for each, music related activities
you participate in, achievements you are proud of, and your music career and education
goals. Although it may be difficult to do so, this is the place to reflect on your past and
dream about your future. It is also where you will describe your specific skills such as guitar
building.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS:

1. Create a calendar system to record appointments, upcoming events, due dates, and to
set timelines for bigger projects.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

2. Set reminders on phone as a back-up to the calendar.

Student _____Adult _____
Feedback:

Team _____

3. Set a personal finance system. You can find planning templates on

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates or use the reality check results. Print
information and place in INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS section.
a. Open a checking or savings account at a local bank.
b. Establish a personal budget based on information gathered from the reality check
(https://www.careerwise.mnscu.edu/careers/realitytool.html) for MN.
c. Determine expenses that will be incurred when living independently in MN (include
phone, utilities, transportation, etc.).
Student _____Adult _____
Feedback:

Team _____

4. Research and write an essay explaining how to do laundry including how to read a care
label, how to care for fabrics, general wash instructions and the cost of doing laundry at
a laundromat.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

5. Complete an apartment search. Complete at least one application for your preferred
city in MN. Print the completed applications and place in the INDEPENDENT LIVING
SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

6. Apply for a MN ID card. Make a copy of the completed application and place it in the
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

7. Enroll in a permit instruction course to prepare for application for a MN Drivers license.
Make a copy of the receipt for payment and/or confirmation of enrollment and place it
in the INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS section. For students who plan to get a drivers
license
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

8. Develop a meal plan for one week. Include grocery list, cost of ingredients, and recipes.
Include this information in the INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

9. Register for Selective Service. Males only

Student _____Adult _____
Feedback:

Team _____

10. Using public transportation, develop a plan to get from your home to a local music
college or recording studio. Use this method of transportation to attend one of your
college visits or to visit a recording studio for the Career Interview. Print the itinerary
including timelines, stops, transfers and cost and place in the INDEPENDENT LIVING
SKILLS section.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

11. Register for behind-the-wheel training with a local driving school. Place the receipt for
payment of services in the INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS section. For students who plan
to get a drivers license
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

12. Take the MN Drivers License examination. Place the documentation from your
examination in the INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS section. For students who plan to get a
drivers license
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

PERSONAL ADVOCACY SKILLS:

1. Make an appointment with Dept. of Rehabilitation Services and request an evaluation
for services. Document this contact in the attached call log and enter your
appointment information on your calendar and your cell phone.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

2. Make an appointment with Hennepin County Adult Mental Health requesting an intake
meeting. Document this contact in the attached call log and enter your appointment
information on your calendar and your cell phone.
Student _____
Feedback:

Adult _____

Team _____

Writing the Personal Statement

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/
The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls
into one of two categories:
1. The general, comprehensive personal statement:
This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often
prepared for standard medical or law school application forms.
2. The response to very specific questions:
Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement
should respond specifically to the question being asked. Some business school applications favor
multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions.

General advice
Answer the questions that are asked
If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are

somewhat similar.
Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer

each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write
separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.
Tell a story
Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst

things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively,
and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself
through your story, you will make yourself memorable.
Be specific

Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up
with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be
logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your
application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.
Find an angle

If you're like most people, your life story lacks drama, so figuring out a way to make it
interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or a "hook" is vital.

Concentrate on your opening paragraph

The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the

reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the
statement.
Tell what you know

The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your

particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Too many people graduate
with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they hope to
enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the
language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work,
research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars
you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and
why you're suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your statement,
the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.
Don't include some subjects

There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to
experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier are generally not a good idea.
Don't mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, controversial religious or
political issues).
Do some research, if needed

If a school wants to know why you're applying to it rather than another school, do some
research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities or programs. If the
school setting would provide an important geographical or cultural change for you, this
might be a factor to mention.
Write well and correctly

Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say
that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as
they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word
limits.
Avoid clichs

A medical school applicant who writes that he is good at science and wants to help other
people is not exactly expressing an original thought. Stay away from often-repeated or
tired statements.

Personal Statement: Top 10 Rules and Pitfalls

Writing the Personal Statement: Top 10 Rules
1. Strive for depth rather than breadth. Narrow focus to one or two key themes, ideas or
experiences
2. Try to tell the reader something that no other applicant will be able to say
3. Provide the reader with insight into what drives you
4. Be yourself, not the 'ideal' applicant
5. Get creative and imaginative in the opening remarks, but make sure it's something that no
one else could write
6. Address the school's unique features that interest you
7. Focus on the affirmative in the personal statement; consider an addendum to explain
deficiencies or blemishes
8. Evaluate experiences, rather than describe them
9. Proofread carefully for grammar, syntax, punctuation, word usage, and style
10. Use readable fonts, typeface, and conventional spacing and margins

Writing the Personal Statement: Top 10 Pitfalls

1. Do not submit an expository resume; avoid repeating information found elsewhere on the
application
2. Do not complain or whine about the "system" or circumstances in your life
3. Do not preach to your reader. You can express opinions, but do not come across as fanatical
or extreme
4. Do not talk about money as a motivator
5. Do not discuss your minority status or disadvantaged background unless you have a
compelling and unique story that relates to it
6. Do not remind the school of its rankings or tell them how good they are
7. Do not use boring clichd intros or conclusions

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is..."

"This question asks me to discuss..."

"I would like to thank the admissions committee for considering my application."

"It is my sincere hope that you will grant me the opportunity to attend your fine
school."

"In sum, there are three reasons why you should admit me..."

8. Do not use unconventional and gimmicky formats and packages

9. Do not submit supplemental materials unless they are requested
10. Do not get the name of the school wrong
11. Do not incorporate technical language or very uncommon words

Student Information for Letter of Recommendation

Student Name:____________________________________ Counselor: _______________
We believe that you should have a certain amount of input into the letters of recommendation that we
write to colleges and universities on your behalf. Consequently, we are asking for your perceptions of
your educational and personal growth.
Please respond to the following questions.
1. Which high school courses have you enjoyed the most and why?
2. Which high school courses have given you the most difficulty?
3. What books have you recently read on your own and/or what have you recently learned about
on your own?
4. What topics or area of study would you like to pursue in college and why?
5. Describe an instance in which an article, a book, a play, a film or a TV show has had an impact
on you.
6. Describe your most meaningful academic experience in recent years.
7. Describe your most meaningful personal experience in recent years.
8. Has any summer experience been of significant importance to you? Please describe.
9. Discuss your extracurricular activities. Which have been the most meaningful?
10. Are there any circumstances in your life that may have had a negative impact on your overall
academic performance?
11. Have you traveled or lived in different localities? Where? Comment on these experiences.
12. What are your proudest accomplishments both personally and academically?
13. What do you consider your greatest strengths? Your greatest weaknesses?
14. Describe who you are as a person and what in life is important to you.
15. List five adjectives that describe something about you as a person.
16. Are there any factors about admission test scores that you would like us to address?
17. Is your high school academic record an accurate measure of your ability and potential? If not,
what do you consider the best measure of your potential for success in college?
18. What is your favorite quote? Who is it by?

19. Please include any other information you would like to share with your counselor to assist
her/him in making an accurate appraisal of you to colleges and universities.

Note: Please feel free to use a second sheet of paper if your comments do not fit into the spaces
provided.

Basic Interview Questions:

Tell me about yourself.

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Why do you want this job?

Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?

What's your ideal company?

What attracted you to this company?

Why should we hire you?

What can you do for us that other candidates can't?

What do you know about this industry?

What do you know about our company?

Do you have any questions for me?

Behavioral Interview Questions:

Give me an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty.

Can you describe a time when your work was criticized?

Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you
handle it?

Tell me about a time when you had to give someone difficult feedback. How did you handle it?

What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?

What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it?

If I were your supervisor and asked you to do something that you disagreed with, what would
you do?

What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it?

Give me an example of a time you did something wrong. How did you handle it?

What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it?

Tell me about a time where you had to deal with conflict on the job.

What assignment was too difficult for you, and how did you resolve the issue?

What's the most difficult decision you've made in the last two years and how did you come to
that decision?

Describe how you would handle a situation if you were required to finish multiple tasks by the
end of the day, and there was no conceivable way that you could finish them.

Career Interview
Questions
Here are some interview questions to help you with your interview. Remember to be prepared for the
interview. Have your questions ready. Know what you want to ask. Have a pencil and paper ready to
write down what you want to remember. You will probably think of many of your own questions. Some
new questions may come to you while the interview is in process. Listed below are some general
questions to get you started.

What are your duties?

Do your duties change much from day to day?
What do you like about your work?
What do you dislike about your work?
What are your regular hours?
Have you learned to use any special equipment or tools on your job? If so, what are they?
Do you have to work many extra hours?
Do you ever have to work nights, weekends, or holidays?
Describe your work environment. Is it clean or dirty? Noisy or quiet? Hot, Cold, or
Air-conditioned?
Do you have a boss? If so, how much supervision does your boss give you?
Why did you choose this occupation?
How long have you worked at the job you have now?
If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?
What did you learn in Junior High and High School that helped you in your work?
Are there any subjects that you wish you had studied more while you were in school?
What special training and education, if any, is necessary to enter this career area?
How much of your job involves working with other people?
How much money can a person expect to earn starting out in this career field?
How much could a person expect to make with five years of experience?
What do you think is the tip pay for someone in this career field?
Do most employers provide fringe benefits? If so, what benefits?
Are there many Opportunities for advancement in your career?
What personal qualities and skills do you think are the most important for success in your
career area?
What changes, if any, do you see coming in the years ahead for this occupation?
What does a company like yours look for in a new employee?
What advice would you give someone like me, who is thinking of pursuing a career in this field?

Do I Have the Skills?

iseek.org
You've looked at a lot of different occupations in MnCareers. You've probably even started to pick out
different careers that sound interesting to you. Do you have the skills that are needed for these
occupations? Do you know all the skills needed for the occupation?
MnCareers has skill information for each career cluster. (For example, skills information for
Information Technology is found on page 73 under "What Skills Do You Need?") Use this skill
information to complete the activity below, using the following steps:
Think of three different career clusters you find interesting (like Manufacturing or Law,
Public Safety and Security). Record each career cluster, one in each of the tables on this
page.
Summarize the necessary skills for each in the "Skill" column.
Indicate whether or not you have this skill by circling YES or NO in the "Have skill?"
column.
If you have the skill already, explain how you acquired it. If you don't have it, explain
how you could develop or gain this skill.
Career Cluster #1:
Skill

Have
skill?

How did you gain this skill?

How could you develop this

skill?

How did you gain this skill?

How could you develop this

skill?

Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Career Cluster #2:
Skill

Have
skill?
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N

Career Cluster #3:

Skill

Have
skill?
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N

How did you gain this skill?

How could you develop this

skill?

Date

Notes:

Name
Company
Phone #
Date

Notes:

Name
Company
Phone #
Date

Notes:

Name
Company
Phone #
Date

Notes:

Name
Company
Phone #
Date
Name
Company
Phone #

Notes: