Functional Curriculum for Elementary and Secondary Students With Special Needs (Fourth Edition)

Functional Curriculum for Elementary and Secondary Students with Special Needs helps build independence through practical, real-world instruction.

The Functional Curriculum for Elementary and Secondary Students with Special Needs, now in its fourth edition, offers educators a comprehensive framework to teach life skills, vocational readiness, and academic concepts in ways that directly support independence and self-sufficiency. This updated edition reflects the latest laws, policies, and teaching practices, including expanded content on technology use, transition planning, and community-based learning. Designed for elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities, this guide equips educators with the tools needed to align instruction with functional outcomes and real-world expectations.

What makes this curriculum so effective?

This trusted curriculum planning guide provides in-depth guidance for creating instruction that matters in daily life:

• Covers a wide range of functional domains, from hygiene and social skills to job readiness and community navigation.
• Emphasizes curriculum integration within general education and transition planning frameworks.
• Includes strategies for incorporating technology and promoting self-determination.
• Reflects updated policies and advances in inclusive and work-based learning.
• Designed to support IEP goals and long-term skill development.

Included Content:

1. Functional Curriculum Design
   
2. Designing Instructional Programs
   
3. Using Technology to Promote Functional Skill Instruction
   
4. Assessing and Teaching Critical Self-Determination Skills to Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities
   
5. Accessing the Functional Curriculum Within a General Education Setting
   
6. Functional Academics
   
7. Social Security Benefits for Children and Transition-Age Youth
   
8. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports: Identifying Functional Skills Through the Analysis of Problem Behavior
   
9. Social Skills
   
10. Community Skills
    
11. Living at Home: Skills for Independence
    
12. Personal Care and Hygiene Skills
    
13. Health and Safety Skills
    
14. College and Career Readiness
    
15. Preparing Students for Employment
    
16. Going to Work

Why this learning approach works so well:

Students with learning disabilities benefit from instruction that connects academic goals with everyday skills. This curriculum emphasizes relevance, repetition, and application, helping students prepare for life after school. Teachers gain practical tools for assessing, planning, and delivering instruction that supports growth at school, at home, and in the community.

Who is this Functional Curriculum helpful for?

This curriculum targets functional academics, independent living, and vocational readiness in students with disabilities in elementary and middle school. The Functional Curriculum for Elementary and Secondary Students with Special Needs is an educational resource for special educators, teachers, and parents. 

Functional Curriculum for Elementary and Secondary Students with Special Needs includes:

• 309-page softcover resource, 8.5" x 11"
• Step-by-step guidance on functional curriculum design and instructional planning
  
• New content on assistive technology and self-determination

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