Programs

The purpose and intent of the LDI High School program is to provide an innovative pathway toward students receiving internationally recognized, fully-accrediated high school diploma — not a certificate of attendance or completion. The high school program does not restrict or limit personal growth and development to only academic pursuits. In addition, academic curriculum and methodologies provide students with an opportunity to concurrently gain work experience, begin to plan a career and take dual enrollment courses at the local community college. Students enrolled in this program also experience independent-living while assuming some financial responsibilities AND earn a high school diploma at the same time!

The LDI high school program is dedicated for older adolescents and young adults who are struggling with traditional secondary academics. The process provides students instruction, “real world” experience and tools needed to lead meaningful, productive and independent lives. The two-year program, which mirrors the (post-secondary program), includes a supportive campus and residential community that gives individuals the education, skills and training they need to live independently.

By offering a high school program in a community-based environment, the LDI gives students a chance to feel and experience independence, and instill a desire to succeed. The unique residential setting gives program participants the opportunity to live in a non-sectarian apartment community located in an upscale apartment complex in the community — not a traditional dormitory, or institutional setting.

The curriculum emphasizes a performance-based learning processes leading to increased scholastic success. Equally is the course of action promoting the development of self-determination, self-directedness and personal confidence. All the programs at the LDI underline development of adult-living skills, academic development, healthy relationships and pursuit of career pathways.

The LDI high school curriculum and program is (fully accredited) through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and is approved as a private special education school through the Arizona Department of Education.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of all class projects, academic or other assignments, and related work

• Completion of 120 days of continuous competitive employment

• Engaging and participation in financial planning with at least $1,000 in savings from verified paycheck stubs from employment

• Completion and formal presentation of a career plan.  The career plan combines vocational assessments, field exploration targeting individual career education, training, and employment requirements.

Students who successfully meet the Institute’s graduation requirements earn a diploma recognized by colleges, postsecondary training programs, the military, or employers. It is truly a “passport” into the adult world and moving toward independent living.

The LDI Post-Secondary Program identifies a challenging set of goals that focus on learning and achievement for all adults, not just those with hidden disabilities.

Its instructional focus is on developing practical skills, experiencing and demonstrating consistent performance in the handling of common problem solving and decision making demands necessary for adult-life success. Thus, this course of study emphasizes those major life demands of adult functioning that require certain degrees of independence and personal competency in adult, workplace and academic proficiencies.

LDI offers a two year core program with three primary post-secondary options. These options are pathways and supportive placement into community-based higher education, technical and career preparation, occupational training programs, or competitive employment.

Many incoming students originally commit to a specific outcome such as college. However, it is not uncommon for a potential new student to be undecided or to change to a different path as new talents are discovered or to refine the career direction.

The core curriculum consists of morning classes in the main program building at the LDI. An individualized plan of action (IPA) evaluates three broad outcome domains – employability, workplace literacy and independent living skills. The results provide practical information and addresses the unique work, education, and community functional strengths, limitations, needs, and preferences of the individual.

The LDI curriculum is designed to address the specific developmental, academic and career needs of an under-prepared or inexperienced young adults. Activities and assignments include building self-esteem and self-confidence; improving basic study skills; acquiring knowledge and skills related to self-advocacy and leadership; and, identifying academic and career goals.

Students engage in both academic and experiential learning to demonstrate knowledge and skills especially pertinent to self-advocacy and leadership. General education outcomes as well as specific course competencies are then assessed using a variety of performance-based rubrics, learning matrices and other assessment tools.

Classroom instruction seeks to enhance practical education skills in reading, language, mathematics, and oral/written expression in subject matter of high importance to adult skill building and personal competence. These skills are needed and used in problem solving, critical decision making, and in living itself.

The foundation for occupational exploration and career development begins with an emphasis on developing employability skills that lead to work experience in the community. Through engaging experiential activities, demonstrations, and simulations, students learn by developing and applying competencies that incorporate employment-related and job development concepts into daily classroom and community activities. These type assignments help students become informed decision-makers in their own career development.

The core curriculum offers the time for a student to gain exposure to the vast array of Phoenix area colleges, training, and employment options prior to making a commitment to a specific career direction. Simultaneously, each student is also developing proficiency in managing the responsibilities of independent adult-living and learning to make healthy choices for her/his social and emotional well-being.

The program content follows an established instructional cycle based on 16 week trimesters providing numerous opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate their level of learning and achievement. There is program scheduling flexibility to accommodate students who desire additional outside college coursework or immediate work experience. Each student also meets regularly with the student’s advisor(s) to review and assess course/program progress. They systematically address cognitive, affective and learning-style needs along with any curriculum confusion or frustration.

Gap Year/Postgraduate students wanting an easy and convenient way for non-native speakers of English to begin their career or academic journey in the United States, and need to improve their English language, workforce, and cultural proficiency before undertaking a career or non-degree academic program of study. The program targets under-prepared, under-represented or non-traditional college-capable students seeking to attend higher education or postsecondary programs, by using a practical and inclusive bridge improving college/career readiness and success, build cultural competence, and leadership skills.

High School students who are seeking graduation from a selected LDI course of study-both on or off campus. The program offers options to complete a high school diploma with dual enrollment in non-degree college programs, specialized employment certifications and occupational-vocational training. It also offers students with an opportunity to improve their English fluency skills, acquire skills for independent living such as financial self-sufficiency, career development and work experience through service learning or short-term employment. For more information about the High School program including graduation requirements, (click here).

LDI is committed to international students in all stages of their education, life, cultural, and career experiences by…

• Providing a comprehensive education and cultural program equipping international students with a broad range of basic skills, soft skills, and collegiate/technical skills fundamental to improving their graduation, matriculation, employability and overall quality of life
• Ensuring access to, enrollment in, and graduation from high school
• Providing access to higher education, technical training, vocational certification courses, outstanding teachers, and service learning training
• Enabling smooth transition and transfer opportunities to other postsecondary education programs
• Offering attractive learning environment and living accommodations in a safe location
• Fostering an inclusive community environment in a large, metropolitan city offering a culturally sensitive and distinct program.

Upon successful completion, LDI ISP students demonstrate they are…  

Ready for College or Career

• Complete a college preparatory, career-focused course of study requiring the demonstration of college & career-ready work across the curriculum
• Learn how to manage their own learning by identifying options, evaluating opportunities and organizing educational experiences that will enable them to work and live in a global society
• Consistently and competently show mastery in evidence-based competencies for postsecondary education, workplace, and community

Skilled for Success in a Global Environment

• Are “literate for the 21st century”—certificated proficiency in reading, writing, math, viewing, listening, and speaking in English in a variety of settings
• Contribute to their workplaces as satisfied, high-achievers placing service over self-interest
• Make healthy decisions that enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being

Connected to the World

• Effectively collaborate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds
• Engage in service learning and civic engagement, contributing to the development of a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world

The purpose and intent of the Extended Services option rests in providing ongoing assistance and support to each student enrolled in these services. This component of the program is directed to mastering and improving social and adult-living skills plus, understanding of one’s employment responsibilities. Also, participation in the activities involved will further stabilize the student’s sense of empowerment, independence and success.

These services are designed for the student to exit the program as a more independent and competent adult. The desired outcome is that of a student skilled in adjusting and adapting to conditions or challenges — equipped with problem-solving skills and mature decision-making processes to meet and master adult-life situations.

The Extended Services module is specifically intended for students who have completed the second year coursework in the LDI post-secondary program and choose to remain at LDI for continued services. Students receive

Supports Provided

• Supported transitioning and supportive living services to assist in balancing program life and personal lifestyle situations. Opportunities to work-through social, interpersonal and other issues which arise by the multiple and ever-increasing demands of society outside the LDI community.

• Experiences that require making realistic decisions which entail increased performing/handling of independent living situational events related to apartment maintenance, dealing with negative neighbors, etc.

• Continuing development of techniques and problem solving skills to handle a range of independent living situations related to personal health care.

• Ongoing assistance in the form of advisement, job tracking and related services while applying employment, post-employment skills or facing termination/corrective action.

• Ongoing assistance in college advisement, developing updated accommodation documentation/plans, providing tutorial support, and maintaining contact with college/program faculty and disability services office.

• Mentoring on the necessary steps to prepare for first day of work, filling out required employment forms, selecting employee benefits, and ongoing performance expectations.

•Improving performance abilities related to interacting with others in the workplace setting on an interpersonal level.

• Financial planning, managing funds and budgeting – i.e., balancing a checking account, use Quicken software program to construct/track monthly income and pay personal living expenses through an individualized financial plan.

Frequency and intensity of these services are based on an agreement between faculty and funding sources and may be adjusted according to student performance and growth. The goal of the Extended Services component is to provide an individualized level of on-going support and to assist the student(s) in mastering the increasing demands of college, technical/vocational training, independent living and employment. These services provide student access for staff assistance and program support for as long as there is deemed to be a benefit. Some of students elect to live in LDI apartments with some level of support or move into their own apartments in the community and come to the program building for services scheduled around their work or off-campus commitments.