# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My Next Move provides streamlined career search and discovery for students and job seekers. Includes a built-in interest assessment and access to training, education, and job opportunities. Straightforward, easy-to-read one-page career reports help guide individuals’ next move on their road to a satisfying career.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Career Test: Free Tests & Quiz for Students and Adults

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Career Test Free for Students in High School, College, Teens, and Adults

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free Career Test for Students in High School, College, Teens, and Adults. Answers What Career Should I Have. Discover your Job Interests.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A fun activity to do before exploring the world of work. Take a few minutes to answer 60 questions to identify occupations relevant to your likes and interests. Your results will lead you to a list of occupations for you to explore.

There are 4 pages of 15 questions each. You will have to answer all 15 questions in order to move to the next group of questions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A fun activity to do before exploring the world of work. Take a few minutes to answer 60 questions to identify occupations relevant to your likes and interests. Your results will lead you to a list of occupations for you to explore. There are 4 pages of 15 questions each.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
960,982 TESTS TAKEN IN THE LAST 30 DAYS

Free career quiz uses the respected Holland Code system to show you which jobs will suit your interests, talents, and aptitude. Get scores for 6 major job areas to guide your career planning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free career quiz uses the respected Holland Code system to show you which jobs will suit your interests, talents, and aptitude. Get scores for 6 major job areas to guide your career planning.

# data[].attributes.headline
Career Assessments, Awareness, and Exploration

# data[].attributes.subject
Career Assessments, Awareness, and Exploration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Special Education - Career Assessments, Awareness & Exploration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Career assessments help students identify their school and post-school career interests and goals. Career Awareness and Exploration activities increase the knowledge of career options and help with future decision-making. (CDE WorkAbility Array of Services November 2022 The resources below are a

# data[].attributes.headline
Unbelievably Easy to Set Up Job Prep Activities in Special Ed

# data[].attributes.subject
Unbelievably Easy to Set Up Job Prep Activities in Special Ed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unbelievably Easy to Set Up Job Prep Activities in SpEd

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find engaging classroom job skills ideas with these easy to set up job prep activities for special education and students with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Free Transition Planning Tools for High School SPED Teachers

# data[].attributes.subject
Free Transition Planning Tools for High School SPED Teachers

# data[].attributes.body
High School SPED Teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Transition Planning Tools for High School SPED Teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for FREE transition planning tools to make your workload easier? Here are some recommended resources!

# data[].attributes.headline
Transition Planning Tools-Federation for Children with Special Needs

# data[].attributes.subject
Transition Planning Tools-Federation for Children with Special Needs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Transition Assessment is: "An ongoing process of collecting information on the student's strengths, preferences and interests as they relate to the demands of current and future working, educational, living, and personal and social environments" (The Division on Career Development and Transition of the CEC citing Sitlington, Neubert, & Leconte, 2007).

There is no one tool or method appropriate for all students with disabilities. Like all students, students with disabilities are a diverse group with a broad range of strengths, support needs, abilities and interests.

Although IDEA requires that each student's postsecondary goals should be based on age-appropriate transition assessment, specific descriptions of transition assessments are not in the law.

The individual needs of each student determine which transition assessments will be conducted. ( Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

Educators need to become familiar with and use a variety of transition assessment tools and methods.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Transition Assessment is: "An ongoing process of collecting information on the student's strengths, preferences and interests as they relate to the demands of current and future working, educational, living, and personal and social environments" (The Division on Career Development and Transition of the CEC citing Sitlington, Neubert, & Leconte, 2007).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Transition PlanningTransition planning is used to describe the very intentional, organized and coordinated process of guiding young people with disabilities with education, experiences, supports and services to help them have successful and meaningful lives beyond high school. It is planning that begins with the end in mind. Although transition planning and services are mandated for both education agencies (through IDEA)…

# data[].attributes.headline
5 Free Career Exploration Activities for High School

# data[].attributes.subject
5 Free Career Exploration Activities for High School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Twins and Teaching Culinary Arts and FACS Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Free Career Exploration Activities for High School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Engaging High School Students in Career Exploration Helping high school students narrow their career options is an important life skill. At this stage, they need guidance to explore different caree…

# data[].attributes.headline
High School Transition Activities in Special Education

# data[].attributes.subject
High School Transition Activities in Special Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
High School Transition Activities in Special Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Set your Special Ed students up for success with these easy and engaging high school transition activities!

# data[].attributes.headline
Using Task Analysis to Teach Daily Living Skills

# data[].attributes.subject
Using Task Analysis to Teach Daily Living Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Task analysis (TA) is a practice often used in the classroom to teach multi-step skills or behaviors related to academics, communication and social skills. It can also be effective for teaching daily living skills. As the school year winds down, now is a good time to focus on them. Your students can end the school year having gained new skills that they can use throughout the summer in their homes.
Task analysis is used to break down complex skills into manageable, discrete steps. Students learn the individual steps in sequence in order to master the overall skill. Task analysis can be easy to use as it often requires few materials, can be inexpensive and can be used in a variety of settings. Most importantly, it supports students who have difficulty with executive functioning skills like sequencing, working memory and attention.

Start to think beyond academics and imagine the impact that task analysis can have in supporting your students' daily living skills. Sequence the steps for hygiene activities like handwashing, toothbrushing or toileting. Provide supports for steps involved in household chores like dusting, cleaning the bedroom, clearing the table or picking up toys. Teach complex tasks in the kitchen like making a sandwich, putting away groceries and setting the table.

Planning for Task Analysis

In planning to use task analysis, be sure to select a skill that is achievable for your student. If you plan to teach your student how to follow a recipe, they must have the motor skills to pour, scoop, stir, etc. It may be necessary to isolate individual steps to teach first before using task analysis to teach the entire skill. Additionally, look to your student's individualized education plan (IEP) for goals that require task analysis or goals that could more easily be taught by breaking the skill down into manageable steps.

Have a concrete goal in mind by clearly defining the expected behavior. Rather than simply saying that your student will wash their hands, it is helpful to explicitly state that your student will wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds and dry their hands when finished.

Before teaching the skill, ensure that each individual step is identified and put in the correct sequence. It can be helpful to perform the skill yourself, or observe another adult performing the skill, and record each individual step. For example, to develop a task analysis for washing dishes, start with the step of turning on the water. Complete and record each individual step, being careful not to leave out any detail.

As part of the planning process, take time to observe your student completing the target skill. This will give you a clear idea of what level and types of support to provide for each step of the task. It may also highlight any routines that your student has already developed around this activity as well as reveal areas of strength.

Once you have identified each step and observed your student engaging in the activity, think about how best to present the task analysis to your student. Line drawings or photographs like those in decision trees may be helpful to support some students. A written checklist might be appropriate for others. Even video modeling can be meaningful and appropriate for some students. Consider your student's level of learning to determine the best presentation.

Tips for Implementing Task Analysis

There are three methods for using task analysis: forward chaining, backward chaining and total task presentation. Select the one that best fits your learner's strengths and needs. When evaluating which method to use, consider your student's learning style and temperament. Backward chaining benefits students who respond to immediate success. Consider the learning environment and time available to teach. Total task presentation may require more time as you teach and reinforce each step of the skill. Think about past experiences with using task analysis. What method has been successful for your student? Also, look closely at the IEP goal related to the target skill. The method of task analysis to use may already be indicated in that goal.

Forward Chaining

Start by teaching and reinforcing the first step in the chain. Then support your student's completion of the remaining steps by starting with the least amount of prompting necessary to help your student complete the step successfully. Again, an initial observation of your student's skill can provide some insight into what level of support is appropriate. Once the first step is mastered (i.e., once your student can independently complete the first step), teach and reinforce the second step while continuing to support the steps that follow.

Backward Chaining

Start by teaching and reinforcing the last step in the chain as you provide a model and support for all steps prior to the last. As the last step is mastered, move backward in the sequence by teaching and reinforcing the second-to-last step. Backward chaining lets your student end every teaching session with success and positive reinforcement.

Total Task Presentation

Present all steps of the sequence at one time. Teach and reinforce each step of the process. This allows your student to learn a complete routine and understand the expectations of the full task from the start.

Task analysis is most effective when paired with a positive reinforcement. As your student performs an individual step or completes the total task (as described above), reinforce their behavior. Consider what reinforcers are motivating and meaningful to your student. This could be verbal praise, a high five or a small token. Keep it simple, and be sure that the selected reinforcer is effective for your student.

In addition to reinforcement, use task analysis in combination with other evidence-based practices. Various levels of prompting can support your student's learning. Video modeling and visual supports, such as social narratives and decision trees, may also be used to clarify expectations and increase understanding of the skill being taught.

Monitor Your Intervention

Monitoring your task analysis is just as important as thoughtful planning and implementation for two reasons. First, by taking data on your student's progress, you can objectively determine when your student has met the goal or whether there is a lack of progress. Be sure your progress monitoring indicates your student's required level of support for each step of the skill. Second, by analyzing the data you can identify whether changes need to be made to your instructional plan. If progress is not being made, think carefully not only about your student's abilities, but also about your approach to teaching this skill.

Consider the Skill Itself

Has it been clearly defined? Is it truly measurable? Without these characteristics, student progress is difficult to accurately monitor. Also revisit your student's skill level. Are the prerequisite skills truly present? Is the skill aligned with the IEP and achievable as it is written?

Look Closely at the Task Analysis

Is the skill completely task analyzed? Is there a step missing? Be sure that every step of the sequence is a discrete skill, and not a series of steps collapsed into one.

Review Implementation

If other team members are also teaching this skill, be sure that everyone is using the same chaining method for using task analysis. A thorough task analysis will support consistent implementation as well. Ensure that additional supports (video models, social narratives, visual supports, etc.) are being used in the same way each time.

Reconsider the Positive Reinforcement

If your student is showing a lack of progress, interest or engagement, it may be necessary to find a more effective way to reinforce the skill.

Task analysis can effectively be used to teach daily living skills by breaking down tasks into manageable parts. With thoughtful planning, consistent implementation and careful monitoring, you can support your student's growth in this area.

Learn how to capture your students' attention with video that helps you teach valuable social skills-no special equipment required!

Watch Webinar

About the Author Becky Dees is an Educational Consultant who specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has worked as an autism clinician, an educational coach, and a special education trainer. She currently works with the autism group in research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Becky received her degree in psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Using Task Analysis to Teach Daily Living Skills | n2y Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Task analysis (TA) is a practice often used in the classroom to teach multi-step skills or behaviors related to academics, communication and social skills. It can also be effective for teaching daily living skills. As the school year winds down, now is a good time to focus on them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We provide life skills resources to empower individuals on the autism spectrum to realize their potential as they transition into adulthood.

# data[].attributes.headline
Must Have Independent Living Tasks for Special Education Classrooms

# data[].attributes.subject
Must Have Independent Living Tasks for Special Education Classrooms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Must Have Independent Living Tasks for Special Education Classrooms - Full SPED Ahead

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Independent living skills or activities of daily living (ADLs) are those things we normally do in daily living including any daily activity we perform for self-care such as feeding ourselves, bathing, dressing, grooming, work, homemaking, domestic and leisure. The ability or inability to perform ADLs can be used as a very practical measure of ability/disability in many disorders.

# data[].attributes.headline
Functional Life Skills Curriculum for Special Education

# data[].attributes.subject
Functional Life Skills Curriculum for Special Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Adapting for Autism | Work Tasks for your Special Education Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Functional Life Skills Curriculum for Special Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you a special education teacher looking for ways to teach functional life skills to your special education students? What exactly are life skills, you may be wondering? Functional life skills are the skills that people need

# data[].attributes.headline
25 Functional Life Skills Activities for IEP Students (+ How to Teach Them)

# data[].attributes.subject
25 Functional Life Skills Activities for IEP Students (+ How to Teach Them)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Functional Life Skills Activities for IEP Students (+ How to Teach Them)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
So your kid can recite every dinosaur that ever lived... but can’t microwave popcorn or tie their shoes. Or maybe they’re nailing math facts but completely melting down over brushing their teeth. Sound familiar? If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how the heck you’re supposed to teach your kid all these “life skills” on top

# data[].attributes.headline
Life Skills Training: Autism & Independent Living Skills

# data[].attributes.subject
Life Skills Training: Autism & Independent Living Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Life Skills Training: Autism & Independent Living Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Life skills may need to be specifically trained in kids with disabilities, often though chaining methods. 100+ Indepent Living Skills Checklist included in this post.

# data[].attributes.headline
Transition Plan Template Special Education

# data[].attributes.subject
Transition Plan Template Special Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Transition Plan Template: Guide for Special Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Craft effective transition plans for special education students with templates that guide towards successful post-school outcomes.

# data[].attributes.headline
Transition Planning Tools-Supports for Families

# data[].attributes.subject
Transition Planning Tools-Supports for Families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Transition Resources | Support for Families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Transition Resources Prepare for life after high school and the transition to adulthood. Button Option Planning for the Transition to Adult Services It is a unique challenge for young adults […]

# data[].attributes.headline
Checklist for Assessing the Accessibility of Transportation and Mobility 

# data[].attributes.subject
Checklist for Assessing the Accessibility of Transportation and Mobility 

# data[].attributes.body
Accessibility of Transportation

and Mobility

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The federal government requires the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to work on the Texas Combined State Plan. This plan spans four years and outlines how the state will reach its workforce goals. TWC also collaborates on the annual report of the Rehabilitation Council of Texas.

# data[].attributes.headline
MHID (Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities) Nueces Co. 

# data[].attributes.subject
MHID (Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities) Nueces Co. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Nueces Center for Mental Health & Intellectual Disabilities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nueces Center for Mental Health & Intellectual Disabilities |

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities (NCMHID) is dedicated to helping the residents of Nueces County who are living with mental illness and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Overview of Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs

# data[].attributes.subject
Overview of Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs

# data[].attributes.body
Medicaid Waivers

# data[].attributes.headline
Special Needs Students’ Vocational Activities: Empowering Guide for Educators and Parents

# data[].attributes.subject
Special Needs Students’ Vocational Activities: Empowering Guide for Educators and Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Special Needs Students’ Vocational Activities: Empowering Guide for Educators and Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore effective vocational activities for special needs students, focusing on autism, to enhance skills and improve employment outcomes.

# data[].attributes.headline
25 Pre Vocational Skills that Teens Should Learn (and add to their IEP Transition Plan!)

# data[].attributes.subject
25 Pre Vocational Skills that Teens Should Learn (and add to their IEP Transition Plan!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Pre Vocational Skills that Teens Should Learn (and add to their IEP Transition Plan!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today, we’re diving into something that’s often overlooked but oh-so-important: pre-vocational skills. I find that many teams jump right to vocational planning and miss these

# data[].attributes.headline
Collaborative Assessment Guide for Transition

# data[].attributes.subject
Collaborative Assessment Guide for Transition

# data[].attributes.body
Assessment

Guide for

Transition

# data[].attributes.headline
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

# data[].attributes.subject
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) | Texas SPED Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An overview of all five Pre-Ets services that are provided under The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).