Community-Based Instruction (CBI) is an effective instructional method for teaching, in real-life settings and under the supervision of educators, the skills that students will need for functional daily living as productive adults.

CBI helps students develop age-appropriate skills for functioning outside the school environment. CBI prepares students for successful transition to adulthood after graduation, helps students to live independently, and enhances their quality of life.

CBI programs are hands-on and are implemented during trips to community locations. "Locations such as ‘community’ or ‘campus’ are appropriate for services such as community-based instruction   A critical component of CBI is the involvement of members of the community such as businesses, teachers, and local establishments.

CBI is individualized to meet the particular needs of a student and to teach skills which relate to specific IEP goals or objectives.

Academic, communication, and social skills are incorporated into CBI and may include the following:

• Advocating for oneself

• Functional academic skills such reading, writing, and math

• Purchasing groceries

• Doing laundry

• Using the public library

• Locating, carrying and/or purchasing items in stores

• Utilizing public transportation

• Attending community events

• Ordering food in a restaurant

• Identifying potential employers through site visits

Trips to community locations and on campus jobs occur concurrently with classroom instruction. Students may initially learn and practice a skill in the classroom; they will eventually practice the skill by applying it in a home or community setting. For example, a student who learns math skills in the classroom may later practice those skills during a shopping expedition.