Life Skills Classroom Syllabus
Curriculum Framework: Unique Learning System (ULS)
School Year: 2025–2026
Instructor: Ms. MacLeod& Mrs. Holster
Course Description
This course provides individualized instruction using the Unique Learning System (ULS) curriculum to develop academic, functional, social, and vocational skills aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and alternate achievement standards (STAAR ALT).
Students engage in leveled, hands-on, and differentiated lessons that build communication, independence, and self-regulation across reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and daily living domains.
Course Goals
Students will:
- Apply TEKS-based academic skills to functional daily life tasks.
- Communicate effectively using verbal, written, or alternative means.
- Develop personal management, hygiene, and self-care routines.
- Strengthen social and emotional regulation for peer and community interactions.
- Demonstrate skills for home, community, and workplace independence.
- Participate in transition planning and vocational exploration aligned with postsecondary goals.
Instructional Model: ULS Flow
Each week follows the ULS lesson flow to promote structure, repetition, and mastery through gradual release (“I Do, We Do, You Do”).
Daily Lesson Flow
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Time
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Lesson Component
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5–10 min
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Warm-Up / Routine
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10–15 min
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Direct Instruction (I Do)
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10–15 min
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Guided Practice (We Do)
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10–15 min
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Independent Practice (You Do)
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5 min
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Wrap-Up / Exit Ticket
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Weekly Routine
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Focus
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Example Activity
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Introduce new ULS unit & vocabulary
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Watch the ULS video, review visuals, and read the introductory story
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Reading comprehension & story sequencing
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Read leveled text, answer comprehension questions
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Writing / Communication
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Sentence building, journaling, or supported responses
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Math / Science
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Functional math (money, time) or adapted experiments
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Transition & Life Skills
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Cooking, hygiene, job skills, or community simulation + weekly checkpoint
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Following the Monthly ULS Units
Each month, ULS releases a new themed unit (e.g., “Healthy Habits,” “Weather and Seasons,” “Community Helpers”).
Inside the unit, you’ll find:
- 6 Reading Lessons (leveled books & comprehension)
- 1–2 Writing Lessons
- Math Lessons
- Science/Social Studies Lessons
- Transition / Life Skills Lessons
- SymbolStix visuals, vocabulary cards, and communication boards
Course Content Areas
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Domain
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Focus Skills
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English Language Arts (ELA)
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Reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing sentences, and functional literacy
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Mathematics
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Counting, time, money, measurement, data collection, functional application
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Science
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Observation, cause and effect, weather, environment, safety, health
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Social Studies
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Community helpers, citizenship, geography, and personal responsibility
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Transition / Vocational Skills
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Job awareness, independent living, daily routines, self-advocacy
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
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Communication, cooperation, emotional regulation, and self-control
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Assessment and Data Collection
- ULS Checkpoints: Administered monthly to track progress on unit objectives
- ULS Benchmarks: Administered as needed
- n2y GPS Data: Used to monitor individual growth toward IEP goals
- STAAR ALT / Alternate Assessment Tasks: Practiced throughout the year
- Teacher Observation and Work Samples: Collected to support IEP reporting
Grading Policy
Student grades will be based on performance in both assessments and daily participation/work. The grading breakdown follows the district’s secondary grading guidelines:
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Category
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Weight
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Description
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Tests / Major Assessments
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60%
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Includes ULS monthly Checkpoints, Benchmarks, unit performance tasks, and other major demonstrations of learning or alternate assessment activities (e.g., STAAR ALT practice tasks, functional performance assessments).
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Daily Work / Participation
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40%
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Includes classwork, guided practice, digital activities, communication tasks, life skills labs, and independent practice completed during ULS lessons.
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Grading Notes
- Students are assessed on individual progress toward mastery of TEKS-aligned alternate standards and IEP goals.
- Modified and adapted assignments are provided according to each student’s ability level (ULS Levels 1–3).
- Missed assignments or absences will be addressed through re-teaching and makeup opportunities.
- Grades will be recorded in accordance with district policy and reported every grading period.
Behavioral and Classroom Expectations
- Follow classroom rules and visual supports
- Respect peers, staff, and personal space
- Participate to the best of your ability
- Use calm communication strategies
- Practice independence with prompts as needed
Positive reinforcement, tokens, sticker charts, and individual behavior plans are used to support success.
Materials and Resources
Students may use a combination of:
- iPads or Chromebooks for digital lessons
- Printed worksheets and adapted books
- Manipulatives (counters, clocks, coins, visuals)
- Communication devices or picture boards
- ULS, News-2-You resources, Learning A-Z, Happy Numbers, Splash Learn, and other resources
- Classroom life skills supplies (kitchen tools, hygiene items, etc.)
Family Communication
- Communication through the Remind APP
- Progress notes tied to IEP goals
- Email communication
Please reach out anytime with questions or collaboration ideas!