Each student in my classroom thirsts for the knowledge and skills that will help them become more independent. My students are all unique individuals and should be treated as such. It is my job as a teacher to make sure that each student is making progress, regardless of their level of learning.
My students are in a program called the Alternative Learning Curriculum and are students with mild to moderate cognitive impairments, health impairments, or multiple impairments.
We focus on life-skills and integrate functional academics into their school day. Students receive a certificate of completion when they are finished with their four years of high school. They will then go on to a young adult program, to help increase their vocational and daily living skills. The goal is for each student to be a productive, contributing member of their community. Our school is a mixture of low and higher income, but most of my students fall into a lower income category. Each student shares a unique perspective on the world around them. I learn just as much from each one of them as I hope they take away from being in my classroom.
Students will finally be able to practice using a debit card, through a simulated classroom debit card machine. This will increase student's financial skills, as well as allow them to feel comfortable using a debit card reader as they would in real world situations. They will also be able to problem solve money problems.
In Their Own Words
We want to practice using a debit card in our classroom. That way we will feel comfortable when we go into stores and make purchases. Right now, there is no way to practice this, unless you use a real one in a store. This will help us understand how to use one before we get a real card.
We are able to be more independent if we can go to the store alone and buy the things we want. If we don't know how to use a card, then we have to rely on other people to help us. We can be leaders by gaining more independence.
This project is very important to us because we need to learn how to use a debit card. When we have jobs and get money we need to learn how to manage our money, so that we don't run out. If we are able to practice with our teacher, we will feel more confident.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Harrison and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
