How to Create Powerful Work-Based Learning Programs for Multiple Career Academies and Pathways

Diana LaMar, Ed.D. Education ConsultantDL & Associates

Rose GonzalezTeacher on AssignmentFontana Unified School District

What is Work-Based Learning and Why is it Important?

Successful Academies Require Work-Based Learning

Career Exploration Software

What are Those Skills? Hard work ethic Showing up to work on time Collaboration and team work Effective communication Dressing appropriately for

the job Following directions

We Know Why, but How?

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

DISTRICT NEEDS

BOARD POLICIES

EMPLOYERS

Who are they?

Where are the gaps?

What are the district and Board policies?

In your region, who are they?

DETERMINE:

Determine Your Key Stakeholders

School Board and District Cabinet Business and Community Partners District-level WBL Director District Risk Manager Secondary School Administrators Work-Based Learning (WBL) Teachers Academy Coordinators Teachers, Students, Counselor, and Parents

VISION

DISTRICT

COM

MUNITY

Determine Your Needs School Board

policies

District policies

WBL positions

Affiliation agreements

Internship training plans

How do you educate stakeholders about WBL??

Follow Board / District Policies: Business partner approval

Content of affiliation agreement

Certificate of liability protocol

Business partner monitoring

Fingerprinting business partners

Student transportationCreate a system and develop

timelines.

WHO are the Employers in Your Region?

What are the largest employers?

Hotels Health Care Education/Government Agriculture

What are the small businesses? Retail Restaurants Entertainment

WBL ETIQUETTE How do you “define” a

region or area?

How do you track your business partners?

How do you share partners with neighboring districts?

Are you going to have a Regional WBL system?

What Does YOUR Work-Based Learning Plan Look Like?

Career Awareness

Career Exploration

Career Preparation

Utilize Existing Resources

Your WBL Plan

ConnectEd California

Linked Learning Alliance

Other School Districts

California Department of Education

NAF

Career Academy Support Network

Career Awareness

Career Exploration

Career Preparation

Create a WBL Continuum Specific to Your District

Define each type of WBL activity.

Decide what is developmentally appropriate for each grade level.

Grades 7, 8, & 9

Grades 9 & 10

Grades 11 & 12

Career Awareness (grades 7, 8, 9)

Career exploration software Career fairs Guest speakers / volunteers Informational videos Work-place tours – in-person and virtual

Career Awareness

Career Exploration

Career Preparation

Career Exploration (grades 9 & 10)

Continue career exploration software Workplace tours Professional interview day Job shadows Mentor programs or virtual exchange

programs Student-based organizations (HOSA, Skills

USA, FHA-HERO, FLBA, etc.)

Career Awareness

Career Exploration

Career Preparation

Career Preparation (grades 11 & 12) Continue career exploration software Mock Interviews Community/Volunteer Service Internships – paid or unpaid Senior Presentations Post-Secondary Opportunities

Career Awareness

Career Exploration

Career Preparation

How Will You Implement Your WBL Program?

Find Your Business Partners! Start with your CTE teachers’ contacts Use your networking skills Join local business associations Attend Chamber of Commerce meetings Conduct internet searches Read the local magazines and newspapers Access social media Ask your existing industry partners to

recruit their colleagues Recruit from the advisory boards of your

post secondary partners

Develop Marketing Materials

linkedlearningpsusd.com

Create Brochures & Handouts

Create Opportunities for Involvement

Advisory Boards are Powerful

Business Partners can be:

• Mentors for student-based organizations

• Audience members for student presentations

• Judges for industry-themed events

• Guest speakers• Hosts for field trips

Business Partners are ESSENTIAL

But what do they expect when students show up for Work-Based Learning experiences?

Create a Checklist for WBL Activities

Tailor to your school district

Organization is key: paperwork and communication

Ensure the students are prepared

Create a Plan for Student Internships Begin with desired student outcomes. CTE teachers and business partners

are your experts! Student and parent input is

important. Be mindful of child labor laws.

Evaluate Your Plan for Rigor & Relevance

Treat WBL the same as an academic class.

How will learning be assessed? How many hours are required? How many site visitations by the teacher are

required? Get honest feedback from employers.

WBL is for ALL Students

Ensure equity and access. Determine prerequisite skills

required for different types of WBL activities.

Allow opportunities for all levels of maturity and skill.

Develop a 4-year plan.

Keep Positive Relationships

Written thank you notes and/or certificates from students

Recognition by School Board Radio, television, social media Company logo on academy

website Invitations to academy events Follow-up after advisory

meetings

Student Recognitions are MEANINGFUL

Advertise On Your Website and In Brochures

What are Some Challenges You May Face When Developing a WBL Program? Finding enough local business partners in particular

industries Paperwork/requests/authorizations Coordinating schedules & substitutes Marketing and outreach Funding Keeping organized Transportation Finding chaperones

Remember the Importance of Ongoing Communication Regularly inform school personnel

about events Collaborate at weekly academy meetings Conduct monthly WBL teacher meetings Consult with your community partners Network with educators from other school

districts Keep the students visible within the

community and at School Board meetings

Hard Work Pays Off…

Keep track of your data and share successes with all stakeholders.

WBL is Constantly Evolving.

Diana LaMar, Ed.D.DL & Associates760-518-8573dianalamar123@yahoo.com

Rose GonzalezTeacher on AssignmentFontana Unified School DistrictGonzRo@fusd.net

Thank you for your attendance.