Independence Blueprint Master Map Bridge to Independence
9-Week Master Curriculum Map
Grades 7-9 Transition SDI
Program Vision
This curriculum is a specialized transition-focused program for students in grades 7-9. It adheres to a 55-minute instructional block, integrating high-interest academic instruction with essential Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) in Executive Function, SEL, and Organizational Skills. Academic growth is supported by CommonLit (Reading), NoRedInk (Writing), and DeltaMath (Mathematics).
Instructional Block
Bellwork 5m
SDI: EF/SEL/Org 15m
SDI: Academic Focus 15-30m
Learning Lab/Conf 5-20m
Unit Breakdown
UNIT SEL & LIFE SKILLS THEME ACADEMIC FOCUS (7-9) PRIMARY STANDARDS 1: Foundations Weeks 1-2 Self-Awareness, Digital Literacy, & Org Systems Integers, Rational Numbers, Sentences, Main Idea. MA: 7.NS.A.1, 8.NS.A.1 ELA: RI.7.2, W.7.4 2: Management Weeks 3-4 Time Management, Relationships, & Hygiene Ratios/Proportions, Linear Equations, Inferences. MA: 7.RP.A.3, 8.EE.C.7 ELA: RI.8.1, W.8.1 3: Growth Weeks 5-6 Careers, Problem-Solving, & Self-Advocacy Statistics, Probability, Text Evidence, Informative. MA: 7.SP.A.2, 8.SP.A.1 ELA: RI.9.1, W.9.2 4: Real World Weeks 7-8 Financial Literacy, Community, & Health Quantities, Real-world Apps, Narrative Clarity. MA: HS.N-Q.A.1, 7.EE.B.3 ELA: RI.8.3, W.7.3 5: Portfolio Week 9 Goal Reflection & Transition Planning Comprehensive Review, Editing, & Polishing. ELA: W.9.5 (Revision) MA: Multi-Standard Review
Weekly Instructional Cycle
Monday
EF SDI (15m)
Executive Function: Metacognition & Strategy
Academic (30m)
Individual Conf, Grade Checks, Weekly Goal Setting
Tuesday
SEL SDI (15m)
Social Emotional: Self-Management Focus
Math (30m)
DeltaMath Skill Building (Grades 7-9 Fundamentals)
Wednesday
SEL SDI (15m)
Social Emotional: Social Awareness Focus
Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Comprehension & Fluency (15m SDI)
Thursday
SEL SDI (15m)
Social Emotional: Relationship Skills Focus
Writing (15m)
NoRedInk: Grammar & Sentence Structure (15m SDI)
Friday
Org SDI (15m)
Organization: Digital/Physical Systems
Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Review & Assessment Performance
Transition Skill Inventory
Living & Independence
Independent Living & Community Housing
Personal Hygiene & Self-Care Routines
Community Resources (Transit, Utilities)
Financial Literacy (Budgeting, Decimals)
Professional & Social
Self-Advocacy & IEP Awareness
Career Exploration & Soft Skills
Conflict Resolution & Relationships
Digital Literacy & Professional Emailing
Identity Launch Week Guide Week 1: Identity Launch
Unit 1: Foundations of Success
Focus Area
Self-Awareness & Goal Setting
Weekly Essential Question
"How does understanding my own strengths and learning style help me reach my goals?"
Monday: Setting the Stage
Metacognition Focus
Bellwork (5m)
"What is one thing you want to accomplish in this class by Friday? Why is it important to you?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
How Do I Learn?
Intro to Learning Styles (VAK model)
Self-assessment survey for students
Group discussion: "When is learning easiest for you?"
SDI: Academic Focus (30m)
Grade Checks & Planning
1-on-1 conferences to review current grades. Students log into student portal and fill out the "Weekly Goal Tracker." Identify "red flag" assignments.
Tuesday: Number Sense
Self-Management Focus
Bellwork (5m)
"Think of a time you were proud of yourself. What strength did you use (kindness, bravery, hard work)?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Strength Inventory
Strength Card Sort: Students identify top 3
Connect strengths to classroom success
Class Circle: Share one strength with a peer
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Integers on the Map
Standard: 7.NS.A.1. Real-world integer applications (temperature, bank accounts). Practice: Adding/Subtracting Integers on a Number Line.
Wednesday: The Big Picture
Social Awareness Focus
Bellwork (5m)
"If you had to describe the main idea of your favorite movie in one sentence, what would it be?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Values Exploration
"Keep, Scratch, Swap" activity with values
Ranking values like Honesty, Fun, Hard Work
Reflect: "How do your values affect your choices?"
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Main Idea Mastery
Standard: RI.7.2. Skill: Differentiating between topic and main idea. Assignment: "The Hero's Journey" (Level: Grade 7).
Thursday: Building Sentences
Relationship Skills Focus
Bellwork (5m)
"Complete this sentence: I am a person who... [fill in with a positive trait]."
SDI: SEL (15m)
Growth Mindset Language
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset scenarios
Digital World Week Guide Week 2: Digital World
Unit 1: Foundations of Success
Focus Area
Digital Literacy & Rational Numbers
Weekly Essential Question
"How does my digital presence reflect who I am and affect my future opportunities?"
Monday: Your Digital Footprint
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If an employer searched your name online today, what would they find? What do you want them to find?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
Digital Reputation
Analyzing "social media shadows"
Case study: The consequences of a post
Setting privacy settings on common apps
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Grade Review & Goal Check
Student-led check-ins. Review "Identity Week" goals. Did you meet your academic target? Adjust "Mission Map" for Week 2.
Tuesday: Decimal Precision
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"When you see something online that makes you angry, what is your first reaction? Is it helpful?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Digital Emotional Control
The "Pause & Reflect" strategy for online interaction
Identifying "bait" and inflammatory content
Roleplay: Responding to a rude comment vs. ignoring
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Operations with Decimals
Standard: 7.NS.A.3. Real-world context: Buying tech equipment/games. Addition and Subtraction of multi-digit decimals.
Wednesday: Summarizing Safety
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Summarize your morning so far in exactly 10 words. Every word counts!"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Phishing & Scams
"Spot the Fake": Looking for red flags in emails
Protecting personal info (Social Security, Passwords)
The 2-step verification principle
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: The Art of Summary
Standard: RI.8.2. Skill: Writing an objective summary. Assignment: "The Danger of a Single Story" (Level: Grade 8 excerpts).
Thursday: Subjects & Punctuation
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Why do we use punctuation in text messages vs. formal emails? Does it change the meaning?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Professional Email Etiquette
Subject lines that get opened
Formal vs. Informal tone practice
Time Masters Week Guide Week 3: Time Masters
Unit 2: Personal Management
Focus Area
Time Management & Ratios
Weekly Essential Question
"How can I balance my time to prioritize both my responsibilities and my well-being?"
Monday: Clock Control
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Where does your time go? List three things you spend the most time on each day."
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
Time Estimation vs. Reality
"Predict the Task": Estimating how long small chores take
Tracking time for a standard routine (getting ready)
Identifying "Time Robbers" (scrolling, gaming)
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Weekly Launch & Grades
Unit 2 kickoff. Students set specific "time-based" academic goals (e.g., "Complete 2 DeltaMath levels by Thursday").
Tuesday: Perfect Proportions
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What makes a good friend? Choose one quality and explain why it is the most important."
SDI: SEL (15m)
Healthy Relationship Ratios
Identifying "Give and Take" in friendships
Healthy vs. Unhealthy traits checklist
Setting personal boundaries: The "Stoplight" method
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Ratios & Rates
Standard: 7.RP.A.3. Real-world: Comparing prices at the store (unit rates). Practice: "Unit Rates with Fractions."
Wednesday: Reading the Room
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Look at a picture of someone. What can you guess about their day just by their expression?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Social Inference
Body language "detective" work
"What are they thinking?" perspective taking
Recognizing social cues in professional settings
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Making Inferences
Standard: RI.7.1 / RI.8.1. Skill: Citing textual evidence. Assignment: "The Scholarship Jacket" (Level: Grade 7/8).
Thursday: Smooth Transitions
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What words do you use to show you are moving to a new idea? (First, Then, Also...)"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Handling Life Transitions
Planning for the "End of the Day" routine
How to switch tasks without frustration
Self-talk strategies for unexpected changes
People Skills Week Guide Week 4: People Skills
Unit 2: Personal Management
Focus Area
Conflict Resolution & Equations
Weekly Essential Question
"What tools do I need to solve conflicts respectfully and take care of my personal needs?"
Monday: Step-by-Step Self-Care
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What are three things you do every morning to get ready for school? Do you do them in the same order?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
Hygiene Checklists
Why hygiene matters in professional settings
Creating a "Daily Maintenance" checklist
Identifying supplies needed for adult hygiene
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Grade Checks & Conflict Log
Reviewing progress from Week 3. Students identify one social "conflict" or awkward moment from last week and reflect.
Tuesday: Solving for X
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If a friend stops texting you, what is the 'missing piece' of information you need before getting mad?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Conflict Resolution: The "I-Statement"
The formula: "I feel [emotion] when [event] because [reason]"
Practice: Reframing "You always..." statements
De-escalation body language tips
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Multi-Step Equations
Standard: 8.EE.C.7. Solving linear equations in one variable. Practice: "Two-Step Equations."
Wednesday: Context is Key
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Define 'resilient' based on this: 'Even after his business failed, he was resilient and started over.'"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Reading Intentions
Is it a joke or a jab? Distinguishing teasing from bullying
Analyzing tone in texting and email
Using context to understand social expectations
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Context Clues
Standard: L.8.4. Skill: Using context to determine word meaning. Assignment: "The Medicine Bag" (Level: Grade 8).
Thursday: Arguing Your Point
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If you want to stay up later on weekends, how would you convince your parents using facts, not whining?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Negotiation Skills
Introduction to "Win-Win" outcomes
The power of the counter-offer
Future Path Week Guide Week 5: Future Path
Unit 3: Social & Professional Growth
Focus Area
Careers & Statistics
Weekly Essential Question
"How do I use data and evidence to explore career paths that match my interests?"
Monday: The Job Market
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What are three jobs you think you would be good at? What skills do you have for them?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
Career Interest Inventory
Intro to O*NET or career clusters
Matching strengths (from Wk 1) to job types
"Day in the Life": Researching job responsibilities
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Unit 3 Launch & Grade Check
Kickoff professional growth unit. Review semester progress. Set one professional goal (e.g., "Improve my typing speed" or "Organize my resume draft").
Tuesday: Analyzing the Odds
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If you had a 70% chance of success at a new task, would you try it? Why or why not?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Professional Problem Solving
SODAS method: Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, Solution
Workplace scenario: Dealing with a difficult customer
Group brainstorm: Choosing the best option
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Statistics & Probability
Standard: 7.SP.A.2. Using random sampling to draw inferences. Practice: "Mean, Median, and Mode from Data Sets."
Wednesday: Career Research
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What is the most interesting fact you know about a job or career? Where did you learn it?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Reliable Sources
Fact vs. Opinion in career advertisements
Checking salary and education requirements on Bureau of Labor Statistics (.gov)
Avoiding "get rich quick" scams
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Informational Analysis
Standard: RI.9-10.1. Skill: Citing strong evidence. Assignment: "The 3-D Printer" (Level: Grade 9 Informational).
Thursday: Professional Writing
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Look at a simple job application. What is one part that seems difficult to fill out? Why?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Informative Interviewing
Preparing "open-ended" questions for a pro
Voice Power Week Guide Week 6: Voice Power
Unit 3: Social & Professional Growth
Focus Area
Self-Advocacy & Geometry
Weekly Essential Question
"How can I use my voice and community resources to advocate for my own needs?"
Monday: Knowing Your Rights
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If you are struggling with a difficult assignment, who is the first person you should talk to? How do you ask for help?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
IEP Awareness 101
What is an accommodation?
Identifying your personal accommodations list
Roleplay: Asking a teacher to use an accommodation
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Grade Checks & Voice Log
Mid-unit check. Review progress in CommonLit and DeltaMath. Practice "professional tone" during the teacher conference.
Tuesday: Measuring Your World
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"How big is your bedroom? If you had to buy new carpet, what information would you need?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Community Resources
Identifying local transit routes and public libraries
How to find community clinics and food banks
Safety check: When and how to call non-emergency vs emergency lines
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Area & Volume
Standard: 7.G.B.6. Real-world: Calculating square footage for housing. Practice: "Area of Composite Shapes."
Wednesday: The Author's Why
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Why do people write reviews on Yelp or Amazon? Is their goal to help, complain, or both?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Reading Others' Intentions
PIE-ED: Persuade, Inform, Entertain, Explain, Describe
Analyzing commercials for "persuasive" tricks
Identifying "Bias" in news or social posts
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Author's Purpose
Standard: RI.8.6. Skill: Determining perspective/purpose. Assignment: "A Case for Reading" (Level: Grade 8).
Thursday: Countering the Argument
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Think of a rule you don't like. What is one reason the people who made the rule might think it's good?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Respectful Disagreement
The "Listen-Validate-Respond" technique
Identifying common ground in a conflict
Street Smarts Week Guide Week 7: Street Smarts
Unit 4: Real World Readiness
Focus Area
Money & Real-World Math
Weekly Essential Question
"How do financial literacy and mathematical reasoning help me live an independent life?"
Monday: Budgeting for Life
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If you had $100, what is the first thing you would buy? What is one thing you 'need' but don't 'want'?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
Introduction to Budgeting
Fixed vs. Variable expenses (Rent vs. Fun)
The "50/30/20" Rule: Needs, Wants, Savings
Tracking spending for one day
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Grade Review & Unit 4 Launch
Final unit push. Review academic scores. Students estimate the "cost" of missing work (points lost vs time needed to recover).
Tuesday: The Price of Independence
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What is one mistake you've made with money (or something you owned)? What did you learn?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Responsible Decision Making
Delayed gratification: Why wait for a bigger reward?
Identifying "Impulse Buys" and marketing traps
Reflecting on personal spending habits
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Real-World Equations
Standard: 7.EE.B.3. Real-world: Calculating discounts, tips, and sales tax. Practice: "Multi-Step Percent Problems."
Wednesday: Critical Thinking
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"How does having a lot of money change how a person is treated? Is it fair? Why or why not?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Analyzing Perspective
How different people value money
Social class and community resources
Empathy for those with different financial struggles
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Complex Relationships
Standard: RI.8.3. Skill: Analyzing connections between individuals/ideas. Assignment: "The Gift of the Magi" (Level: Grade 8).
Thursday: Formal Clarity
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"When you write a check or a formal letter, why must you be incredibly clear and correct?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Professional Integrity
Why accuracy matters in adult documents
Double-checking work: The "Fresh Eyes" strategy
Healthy Habits Week Guide Week 8: Healthy Habits
Unit 4: Real World Readiness
Focus Area
Health & Independent Living
Weekly Essential Question
"What habits do I need to maintain my physical and mental health for independent living?"
Monday: Physical Wellness
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What is your favorite healthy meal? If you had to cook it yourself, what ingredients would you need?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
Meal Planning & Groceries
Intro to unit prices at the grocery store
Creating a "Healthy Plate" meal plan for $10
Identifying "Must-Have" kitchen staples
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Grade Checks & Survival Skills
Reviewing semester work. Final catch-up on "Red Flag" assignments. Setting the stage for the Week 9 Portfolio.
Tuesday: Managing Stress
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"When you feel overwhelmed, what is one thing that helps you calm down? Why does it work?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Mental Health Coping Skills
Identifying "Stress Triggers" (school, home, peers)
The "5-4-3-2-1" Grounding Technique
When to seek professional help (Counselors, Hotlines)
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Multi-Step Inequalities
Standard: 7.EE.B.4b. Solving and graphing inequalities. Practice: "Two-Step Inequalities with Variables."
Wednesday: Telling Your Story
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If your life were a book, what would the current chapter be titled? Why?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Narrative Identity
Reframing personal challenges as "The Hero's Journey"
Sharing a story of resilience with a partner
Identifying supportive "Characters" in your real life
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Point of View
Standard: RL.8.6. Skill: Analyzing P.O.V. and dramatic irony. Assignment: "The Tell-Tale Heart" (Level: Grade 8).
Thursday: Narrative Clarity
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Tell me about your best friend. What is one specific detail that shows their personality?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Active Listening
The "Listen-Repeat-Clarify" loop
Eliminating digital distractions during conversation
Next Steps Week Guide Week 9: Next Steps
Unit 5: Transition & Reflection
Focus Area
Portfolio & Final Goals
Weekly Essential Question
"How have my skills grown over the last 9 weeks, and what is my blueprint for future success?"
Monday: Your Blueprint Review
EF SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"Look back at your Week 1 goals. What is one thing you accomplished that you are most proud of?"
SDI: Executive Function (15m)
Metacognitive Reflection
Reviewing the "Weekly Goal Tracker" history
Identifying "Obstacles" faced during the course
Setting one "Next Step" goal for the upcoming grade level
Academic: Conferences (30m)
Final Portfolio Conference
Final review of all work. Students present their "Identity Blueprint" (Portfolio) to the teacher. Final grade verification.
Tuesday: The Master Plan
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What does 'Independence' mean to you now compared to 9 weeks ago?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Personal Branding
What makes you a unique "Brand" for a future job?
Writing a 30-second "Elevator Pitch" for yourself
Self-confidence check: Recognizing your value
SDI: Math (30m)
DeltaMath: Multi-Standard Review
Comprehensive Review. Students choose their "weakest" math skill from the course and complete 3 mastery levels.
Wednesday: The Graduation Story
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"If you had to teach one thing you learned in this class to a younger student, what would it be?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Legacy & Growth
"Letters to Future Students": Tips for success
Identifying "Transferable Skills" to next semester
Celebration of growth activity
SDI: Reading (15m)
CommonLit: Synthesis of Ideas
Standard: RI.9-10.2. Skill: Summarizing complex texts. Assignment: "The Secret to Success is Failure" (Level: Grade 9).
Thursday: Final Polish
SEL SDI
Bellwork (5m)
"What is the most important rule of writing an email to a boss or a college recruiter?"
SDI: SEL (15m)
Professional Politeness
Final check of professional emails/resumes
The "Peer Review" for professionalism
