An experiential learning program for secondary moderate and severe mentally handicapped students allows them to learn practical skills and habits needed for adulthood. The program incorporates meaningful jobs within the school, on school grounds, and within the community. Components include a classroom store, practical reading lessons involving shopping lists and form completions, walking field trips, overnight trips, and activities using the telephone. The development of good work habits is stressed. Students are placed in community job training sites and their performance is monitored. Program involvement is specified in the Individualized Education Program (IEP). (CL)