Dobyns-Bennett Life Skills Program and BUDS
Kingsport City Schools
Brief description of the program: The Life Skills program is a comprehensive educational program designed for students who are eligible for special services due to severe mental disabilities and/or multi disabilities. While each student has an educational program that is tailored to his or her individual learning needs, a yearly curriculum focus is also addressed. The unit of study for the 2009-2010 school year focuses on a department store theme and 16 learning centers/departments address a variety of functional academic skills.
There is an emphasis placed on communication skills. The ultimate goal for these students is to be able to communicate their wants and needs in order that those unfamiliar with them may understand them. Prevocational/vocational skills are also given much attention during the school year. A craft-themed workshop simulation is used to address many of the students' vocational skills. Not only is this simulation a good experience for those involved but also is an approved fund-raiser for the DB Life Skills program. Money earned from this holiday craft sale pays for community outings and school activities for those involved with the Life Skills program.
Students in the Life Skills program have been blessed with many new friends during the past few years. These friends, referred to as "BUDS" are 12th grade peers who give up one class period each day to work in the Life Skills classroom. The BUDS Buddies Understanding Different Students) program, under the direction of Special Needs Teacher Denise Oglesby, originated in January 2007 for the purpose of providing a reverse inclusion program for her Life Skills students and offering a unique learning experience for the peer tutors. While both groups benefit from the program, the main goals have been "to remove or minimize barriers to social inclusion in the community, home, and within individuals" and help students develop a respect for differences. These 12th grade peers may enter as "BUDS" but they leave as friends!
URL address if available: N/A
Contact name and number: Denise W. Oglesby, Teacher / 423-230-6883 (classroom phone)
Indicate if the school is elementary, middle or high school: High School
Your name, email address and phone number: Denise W. Oglesby / <mailto:> / 423-230-6883
Denise Oglesby
Special Needs / Life Skills Teacher
Dobyns-Bennett High School
(423) 378-8400
Dobyns – Kingsport city Page 1