Learning beyond the classroom

Learning beyond the classroom

SELF 30 program helps special needs students

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/education/learning-beyond-the-classroom


AUSTIN (KXAN) - Special needs students often need continuing education after they've graduate from high school.

That's why Concordia University has recently teamed up with the Leander school district to create a program that is changing the lives of some special students.

Joel Schiltwachter is studying to be a teacher at Concordia University, but it turns out he's learning a lot more outside of the classroom and loves it.

"Oh man everything, you can't pick one thing they are awesome kids so much fun," said Schiltwachter, education major Concordia University.

He's one of more than a dozen students helping out with the new SELF 30 program.

"We work on life skills and job skills," said Aline Crompton, Teacher SELF 30 program.

The program is for special needs students who have graduated from high school in Leander but still need to be educated.

"We were looking for opportunities for our kids to be with their same aged peers," said Crompton.

With Concordia's recent move up north it worked out perfect -especially with their new special education program. Concordia students work with their peers on day to day tasks most of us take for granted as being easy.

David Wright, 21, is about to graduate from the program and he has a job ready to go.

"Cups and cones," said Wright.

It's one learning experience that offers a new perspective of the world outside of the classroom.

"Whenever I didn't see them I almost felt empty, I just wanted to hang out with them," said Schiltwachter.