At the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), Middle School Career Education serves as a crucial bridge between foundational learning and future independence. Because students who are blind or visually impaired often miss out on visual, incidental observations—like watching adults perform daily tasks at work—they require direct, hands-on instruction to explore the world of work. Embedded deeply within the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), our middle school program intentionally blends traditional career exploration with essential specialized skills. Students engage in early employability experiences, such as managing campus delivery routes, running recycling and gardening routines, assembling products, and participating in campus markets. These practical tasks allow middle schoolers to identify their unique interests, build confidence, and discover how their strengths translate into real-world possibilities.
The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) is central to this journey, equipping students with the specific tools needed to bridge the gap between classroom concepts and workplace success. Through the ECC framework, career education naturally connects with complementary skills like assistive technology (such as using screen readers or braille devices), orientation and mobility (navigating work environments safely), self-determination (advocating for one’s accommodations), and independent living skills. By integrating these specialized areas into everyday career activities, TSBVI ensures that our middle school students are not just learning about jobs, but are actively developing the self-advocacy, problem-solving, and practical independence necessary to thrive as future adults.
College and Career Readiness
TSDS PEIMS Code: 12700300
Grade Placement: 7–8
Prerequisite: Description: In College and Career Readiness, middle school students explore personal interests, skills, and aptitudes to discover high-wage, high-demand career pathways. Through self-assessments and interactive projects, learners investigate academic requirements, high school graduation plans, and postsecondary education options. The course empowers students to set personal goals and build essential employability skills, laying the groundwork for future academic and professional success.