What should the focus be for a 12th-grade life skills lesson for a student with intellectual disabilities?

Focusing on teaching practical skills for independent living is essential for a 12th-grade life skills lesson for a student with intellectual disabilities. At this level of education, the aim is to equip students with the skills they need to navigate everyday life successfully and to promote their independence. Practical skills may include budgeting, cooking, personal care, job readiness, and utilizing public transportation, which are all vital for their ability to live autonomously in the community.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not align as closely with the immediate needs of students focusing on life skills. Preparing for community service opportunities, although beneficial, is more about engagement in the community than fostering day-to-day independence. Conducting a research project may not be as relevant to life skills and may not provide the direct practical applications necessary for independent living. Similarly, while improving academic knowledge in core subjects has its place in the curriculum, for a student with intellectual disabilities, the emphasis should be placed on functional skills that they can apply in real-world contexts.