Work Awareness & Transition (WAT)
What is WAT?
Work Awareness and Transition (WAT) is a course for middle and high school students with disabilities that emphasizes:
- Personal awareness
- Career exploration
- Work expectations
Middle school WAT highlights career awareness and life skills; students may participate in school-based business and service activities.
High school WAT concentrates on in-depth career exploration and job seeking and keeping skills; in-school and community work experiences help students extend their exploration and work readiness skills.
Who enrolls in WAT?
Middle school WAT highlights career awareness and life skills; students may participate in school-based business and service activities.
High school WAT concentrates on in-depth career exploration and job seeking and keeping skills; in-school and community work experiences help students extend their exploration and work readiness skills.
What can students learn in WAT?
The WAT curriculum is a dynamic resource for all WAT teachers. Using the curriculum, students learn strategies and skills that lead to success in their transition from high school to various postsecondary opportunities as well as preparation for independent living. The WAT curriculum is modified from the general education Career Connections curriculum, is aligned with Virginia SOL, and is divided into five sections:
- Understanding Self and Others
- Exploring Occupations
- Making Decisions
- Acquiring Work Skills
- Planning for life
The curriculum provides competencies, suggested lessons, activities, and resources.
What supports are available in WAT?
WAT teachers instruct students with disabilities based on their individual needs. Each high school's Employment and Transition representative supports the WAT course in matching students with work experiences in the school and community. If needed, short-term job coach services are available as well.
Who to contact for more information?
For more information about the WAT program, contact:
- Your WAT Teacher
- Your Guidance Counselor
- Your Special Education Teacher
- Your Employment and Transition Representative
- The Office of Career and Transition Services at 571-423-4150
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