FLAME:
Functional Learning to Acquire Meaningful Experience
Functional Learning to Acquire Meaningful Experience
About the Program
The FLAME program within Ignite Achievement Academy supports students who desire a life-skills high school and transition program and are not traditionally college bound. This innovative program is rooted in the philosophy of equipping students with practical skills necessary for independent living and successful entry into the workforce. The curriculum focuses on real-world applications, ensuring students graduate from the program with the confidence and competence to navigate life after high school. The FLAME Program is open to all 9th – 12th grade students, as well as students through age 21.
All academic learning is centered around real-world experiences and is combined with off-campus job experience within the local community which may include local retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, and other community organizations. Students may stock shelves, learn to check expiration dates on food, practice sorting, bundle cutlery for food service, and other appropriate tasks to gain experience in different positions. The goal is to equip students with the skills needed to maintain a job in the future while also identifying positions that are of interest. Transportation is provided by the school.
In the classroom, students will engage in a dynamic learning environment where academic work is purposefully linked to real-world applications, providing them with the essential skills for post-high school success. The curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences and practical exercises that directly correlate with everyday life. To help develop financial literacy, students will tackle tasks including making change, and hone basic mathematical skills applicable to budgeting and personal finance. Additionally, classroom activities will include cooking lessons to instill self-sufficiency in meal preparation, while reading and writing exercises will be geared toward crafting creating effectively written communication for job-related scenarios, crafting resumes, and other life-skills related documents.
This immersive approach ensures that every academic endeavor has a direct and meaningful connection to the practical skills needed for independent living and entry-level employment, laying a solid foundation for the future success of each student.
Vocational Skills
Job Readiness: The program offers training in basic job skills including time management, workplace etiquette, and effective communication.
Resume Building: Students learn to create a basic resume, highlighting their skills and experiences to enhance their employability.
Identifying Personal Strengths: Students explore and recognize their individual strengths to build confidence and a positive self-image.
Setting Personal Goals: Goal-setting exercises help students develop a vision for their future and create a roadmap for personal and professional growth.
Personal Development and Exploration
Exploring Career Options: Students are introduced to various career paths through interactive activities, inventories, guest speakers, and explorations.
Developing Self-Advocacy and Determination: Strategies are taught to enhance students’ ability to advocate for themselves and develop self-determination.
Functional Academics
Financial Literacy: The program emphasizes essential math skills such as making change, budgeting and understand personal finances.
Reading and Writing for Daily Life: Students learn functional writing skills including composing emails, creating a resume, and writing a cover letter.
Independent Living Skills
Cooking and Nutrition: Practical cooking lessons cover meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing nutritious and budget-friendly meals.
Cleaning Skills: Instruction in basic cleaning skills equips students with the knowledge and techniques to maintain a clean and organized living space. This includes understanding cleaning supplies, effective cleaning methods, and creating a cleaning routine for various living environments.
Social and Emotional Learning
Self-Advocacy: Emphasis is placed on teaching students to effectively express their needs, preferences, and goals.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: The curriculum incorporates social skills training to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution abilities.
Identifying and Overcoming Challenges: Problem-solving strategies empower students to overcome obstacles, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Technology and Life Management
Basic Computer Skills: Students, using a provided school laptop, learn fundamental computer skills relevant to the workplace, including email communication and basic data entry.
Time Management and Organization: Practical strategies for managing time, setting goals, and remaining organized are integrated into the curriculum.
Community Integration
Field Trips: Regular outings expose students to various workplace environments and career opportunities.
Flame Business Project
This life-skills business project is a hands-on initiative within the FLAME program aiming to provide students with practical understanding of business concepts and foster the development of practical business skills.
Students delve into product development, gaining practical experience in creating a marketable product. This phase emphasizes hands-on skills and quality control, reinforcing the importance of attention to detail.
The marketing component introduces students to the fundamentals of identifying their audience and crafting effective promotional strategies. Students will use their writing skills to craft short, compelling messages for social media, the school community, local markets, and other platforms to persuasively advertise their product and raise awareness of what they are offering for sale.
The culmination of the project involves the actual sale of the product or service. Students set up and manage a booth at a local farmers’ market or craft fair, applying their sales and customer interaction skills. The financial literacy aspect continues as students make change during sale transactions, track income and expenses, and learn about financial decision making.
This project serves as a multifaceted educational tool, integrating various aspects of the life skills curriculum. It combines hands-on experience with academic learning, reinforcing skills including financial literacy, communication, and teamwork. Students gain practical insights into the world of work, gain a sense of independence, creativity, and adaptability – all crucial attributes for their future success.