Fifteen & Flourishing: The sky’s the limit for TASSEL

When Robert “Bobby” Crumrine (‘12, TASSEL ‘14) attended the TASSEL (Teaching All Students Skills for Employment & Life) Transition Program 10 years ago, the program was tucked into a little corner of the Eden Prairie Schools Administrative Services Center. There was just enough room for the makeshift “apartments” that served as classrooms to teach life skills to students with disabilities ages 18 to 21.

Crumrine, now 31, is a valued employee at Opportunity Partners. TASSEL has grown just like Bobby has, and the program has moved twice since he attended: first to the Eden Prairie City Center and now, this fall, into a spacious new permanent home in the former UNFI building on Valley View Road.

A recent Minnesota legislature change expanded the program to include 22-year-old students, and the new building allows TASSEL to continue to grow and serve an increasing number of students with diverse and changing needs.

“TASSEL is an incredibly individualized program, because the needs of every student with disabilities can be so different,” explained Amy Peterson, director of special services, who helps to lead the TASSEL program. “We move our students toward independence, and independence may look different for every student.”

“We move our students toward independence, and independence may look different for every student.” – Amy Peterson

The larger building will provide more space for students to develop their life skills, like interviewing, working a full- or part-time job or sharing an apartment with a roommate. 

TASSEL support isn’t based on a student’s ability to reach state graduation standards, but on how well they have developed skills needed to live independently. Eden Prairie Schools staff members get to know a student’s individual needs very well from kindergarten through grade 12, and then refer a student to TASSEL if they decide the student would benefit from an extended transition period after high school. Explained Peterson, “We offer support and services tailored to make every student successful.” 

“We offer support and services tailored to make every student successful.” – Amy Peterson

Since its start 15 years ago, TASSEL has supported approximately 200 students in their journey to independence. Curriculum ranges from managing money to healthy living to digital citizenship. Adaptive skills students learn might be measuring ingredients for a recipe or understanding and signing a rent agreement. Students who are also working a part-time job learn how to make their own lunches and schedule rides using Metro Mobility, tasks that vary in difficulty depending on a student’s transition goals. 

A partnership with the south campus of Hennepin Technical College enriches the TASSEL experience for many students, like Bobby, who learned customer service skills in HTC’s cafeteria. Students also spend time in the community to learn how to grocery shop, visit the library or exercise in fitness facilities. 

A 103-year-old neighbor counts on Bobby to help take out his garbage each week, and Bobby’s mom, Merilee Crumrine, said she believes TASSEL made it possible for him to have the full life he leads today as a crucial member of his community. She’s especially grateful for the socialization opportunities it provided for Bobby and his friends. 

“Once kids receiving special education services reach the middle and high school years, they aren’t together as much as they once were,” said Merilee, who now inspires the next generation as a kindergarten paraprofessional at Eden Lake Elementary. “I was grateful that he could remain close with his friends at TASSEL.” 

As the well-known saying goes, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” And as TASSEL moves into its next phase in a new building, there’s no question it will be a key part of Eden Prairie Schools’ journey through the next 100 years!