Occupational Course of Study

Occupational Course of Study Overview

The Occupational Course of Study (OCS) program is designed to provide academic and vocational skills necessary for successful competitive employment and productive living for students identified through the Exceptional Children’s Department. Eligible students are provided common core academics as well as hands-on work experiences through various settings. This program consists of three main components: 1) standard based curriculum, 2) job skills training (both in-school and work based) and 3) competitive work experiences.

Criteria for Placement

Students with disabilities, who are identified through the Exceptional Children’s program, in grades 9-12, are determined eligible by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team. Students who have a post-school outcome goal for employment after graduation as well as students whose post-school needs are not being met by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (Common Core Standards) and who wish to pursue a course of study that provides functional academics and hands-on vocational training, are considered for the OCS program.

Occupational Course of Study Requirements

Currently students in all diploma paths, including OCS, are required to successfully complete 28 units of credit but are given the opportunity to complete 32 units of credit. Students in the OCS program are also required to complete the following hours of job skills training at three different levels: 1) in-school - 150 hours, 2)Work Based Occupational Training (WBOT) - 225 hours and 3) competitive employment - 225 hours for a total of 600 hours to graduate with a diploma If necessary, a student could remain in school for additional semesters to complete all requirements until the age of 22.