Programs emphasize work-related skills: Westborough Public Schools / Massachusetts.

Three interlocking programs designed to help students with disabilities resulted in Westborough Public Schools in Westborough, Mass., being recognized as the winner for that state in the 2007 National Civic Star Award competition.

Westborough High has developed career, service and internship programs to better serve students who have disabilities or who are not able to pursue the normal academic track leading to post-graduate studies. The programs help students gain self-confidence and purpose by providing academic and emotional support, specific skills training and career-oriented curricula and direct connections to community-based work experiences and job placement. Schools, employers and others in the community work together to ensure that school-based learning is connected and integrated with work-based learning and life skills.

The three district programs are:

* The Westborough High School Vocational Program for students ages 16 to 22.

* The S.T.A.R.S. program for students with special needs and social and behavioral disabilities.

* Jobs for Bay State Graduates for students who aren't identified as having special needs but have other learning or motivational issues that interfere with their high school attendance and achievement. Students attend high school part-time for academic and career-related classes. They then spend part of the day at a work site, supported by teachers and specially trained job coaches.

The programs provide contextual learning within the community to determine student interests, assess skills and define realistic goals so that students can find productive employment after graduation. Teachers work with community partners to set up work experience opportunities that allow students to explore career options and develop employment-related skills. Teachers also work with businesses to define responsibilities, expectations and goals. They help provide on-site job coaching, help design needed accommodations and facilitate positive interactions between the employer and student employee.

Partners include Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Beaumont Skilled Nursing Center, NAPA Auto Parts, University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital and Baypath Humane Society.

One student's interest in cars led to his collaboration with local auto businesses, where he learned inventory management, customer service and tire-repair skills. Another student developed a landscaping business after working with community partners to write a business plan, hire workers and market his services. A student who struggles to communicate and handle conflicts worked successfully at Regal Cinemas for six months. Another worked as a clerical office assistant her senior year in high school and then was hired there part-time during her first year in college.

Of the 47 students in the program in 2006, all but one successfully completed their work experiences. The three programs have benefited the students, businesses and community in Westborough and can easily be replicated.

For more information, contact Superintendent Anne L. Towle at [phone] or by e-mailing [e-mail]. Towle's mailing address is Westborough Public Schools, 45 W. Main St., Westborough, MA 01581.