L.I.F.T. (Learning Independence for Tomorrow)

The Forum School’s L.I.F.T. Program is designed for students ages 12 and up who are ready to learn life and work skills to complement their academic schedules.

Students participating in the L.I.F.T. Program continue to engage in a full academic schedule 4-5 mornings per week, and 1-2 afternoons in their homerooms with their homeroom teacher, assistants and classmates.

In addition to their academic schedule, L.I.F.T. students participate in life skills and pre-vocational curriculums. Students work with their homeroom teacher and other L.I.F.T. teachers in hands-on experiences in which students can apply academic skills, increase independence, develop self-advocacy skills, build character and enhance individuality.

The L.I.F.T. curriculum is centered around four key areas:

[font_awesome link=”” icon=”cogs” color=”17B289″ size=”18px” margin_right=”8px” margin_bottom=”12px”]LIFE SKILLS in which students learn in our newly stocked and furnished life skills center. Students learn about cooking and nutrition, and develop independent living skills such as bed making, cleaning, and laundry.

[font_awesome link=”” icon=”cogs” color=”17B289″ size=”18px” margin_right=”8px” margin_bottom=”12px”]SOCIAL SKILLS INSTRUCTION prepares students to be productive members of their family, community, and work environment. Personal hygiene, socialization, and character building are learned in the classroom and in the community.

[font_awesome link=”” icon=”cogs” color=”17B289″ size=”18px” margin_right=”8px” margin_bottom=”12px”]JOB EXPLORATION provides students with opportunities in job skill training, office tasks, and communication. Students also develop hands-on experience with computers and other technology.

[font_awesome link=”” icon=”cogs” color=”17B289″ size=”18px” margin_right=”8px” margin_bottom=”12px”]MARKETPLACE allows students to learn about taking an idea from its inception to a finished product. Students explore product development and finances, and get hands-on experiences assembling and marketing their creations.

E.L.I.T.E. Program (Education Leading Individuals Toward Employment)

The Forum School’s E.L.I.T.E. (Education Leading Individuals Toward Employment) Program is designed for students ages 18 through 21. The E.L.I.T.E. Program prepares our students to enter society and join the workforce to the maximum extent possible. Depending on the individual, this could mean full- or part-time work, supported employment, or a combination of these.

E.L.I.T.E. Program students start each day by setting their own schedule, filling in their day with the times they will be going out for Structured Learning Experiences (SLEs or job placements), when they will be working on functional academic skills, their related services, and any teacher-led group activities. Once set, they move throughout their day supported by classroom assistants and job coaches.

The E.L.I.T.E. curriculum focuses on functional academic skills that will help them be as independent as possible once they leave our program. Students learn scheduling and time management skills, personal finance and budgeting skills, reading and writing skills, and more, taught at the student’s individualized level and based on the New Jersey 21st Century Life and Career Standards. Executive function and “soft-skills” for the workplace are taught in-house and then practiced and reinforced in the local community.

E.L.I.T.E. students leave the school building several times per week to practice work skills at their local job sites. As students begin to develop a preference for certain jobs, time spent at those locations is increased. Students also learn to use public transportation, identify and engage in preferred leisure activities, and independent living skills that address Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

Families of students in our E.L.I.T.E. Program are supported as they work collaboratively with our School Social Worker and their child’s Child Study Team to develop an effective transition plan that establishes community ties before graduation, and limits gaps in service once the student turns 21 and is ready to exit the program.

Structured Learning Experiences (SLEs)

Forum School students ages 16 and over participate in our Structured Learning Experience (SLE) Program, which offers opportunities to clarify career goals, explore career options and interests, and develop specific skills and habits employers want. Through SLE, the world becomes our classroom, with instruction talking place off-campus at a partnering workplace, agency or non-profit organization. Each student’s SLE is custom designed to make the transition from school to employment, or further education and training, manageable and achievable.

Students engage in workplace activities under the direct supervision of The Forum School staff. Our school-wide social and language instruction follows students and adapts from setting to setting as they move through the community. SLE is vital for our young adults as they explore vocational opportunities and develop confidence. Through SLE, students identify their strengths and preferences.

Our business and agency partners consistently report that our students are valuable contributors to their workplaces and organizations. The Forum School currently has more than three dozen placement options in the Bergen County area, including two major hospitals, restaurants, and local offices. In addition, we offer on-campus work opportunities, through our Green Visions electronics recycling program.