Gain an understanding of what constitutes a work-based learning plan, why it matters to your students and how to create a work based learning plan for your academy.

1. Work-Based Learning:
Creating a plan
Laura Fidler
Instructional Manager, NAF
laura@naf.org
Laura Fidler, Instructional Manager
laura@naf.org

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Today‟s Objectives:
Participants will gain an understanding of:
what constitutes a work-based learning plan
why it matters for your students
how to create a work-based learning plan for you
academy

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What I LearnedWhat I Want to
Know:
What I Know:

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What is work-based learning?
Term Category Characteristics
Work-based
learning
is a continuum of
educational
strategies
That ….

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NAF Definition
Work-based learning refers to a continuum of
activities, both in and outside the classroom, that
provide opportunities for students to connect what
they are learning in the classroom to the world of
work; to learn about careers and the education
and training requirements for occupations within
and across industries; to identify career interests
and aptitudes, and to use the workplace for both
learning and applying college- and career-
readiness skills and knowledge.

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Reasons to Create a
Work-Based Learning Plan
1. Gain State CTE Program Approval
2. Help „make the case‟ for work-based learning as
an effective instructional strategy
3. Market your academy program to prospective
students, business partners and colleges
4. Give your students an edge in a tough economy

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Core academic
content knowledge
(e.g. English,
mathematics,
science, history,
arts)
- Post-secondary
context knowledge
(admissions
requirements,
affording college,
and different
college types)
Core career content
knowledge (e.g. knowledge
specific to profession)
- Career context knowledge
(e.g., pathway requirements
and qualifications)
Awareness of one‟s own abilities and
performance
- Self-directed; takes initiative; resourcefulness
Collaboration
and teamwork
- Ethical
behavior
- Ability to work
with diverse
individuals
-Critical and systemic thinking and problem solving
- Information literacy; Creativity and Innovation ;
Organizational/technology skills
- Time management; Flexibility and adaptability
- Communication (oral and written, listening and
observation)

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Core Academics and Career Knowledge
Core Academics
 Core academic content
knowledge
 Post-secondary context
knowledge
Career Knowledge
 Core career content
knowledge
 Career context
knowledge
Provide an example of a work-based learning
experience that can support the development of
any of these skills

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Foundational Skills for Post-Secondary and Career
Success
 Critical and systemic thinking
and problem solving
 Information literacy
 Creativity and Innovation
 Organizational/technology
skills
 Time management
 Flexibility and adaptability
 Communication (oral and
written, listening and
observation)
Provide an example of
a work-based learning
experience that can
support the
development of any of
these skills

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Interpersonal Skills and Self Management Abilities
Interpersonal Skills
 Collaboration and
teamwork
 Ethical behavior
 Ability to work with
diverse individuals
Self Management
 Awareness of one‟s
own abilities and
performance
 Self-directed; takes
initiative;
resourcefulnessProvide an example of a work-based learning
experience that can support the development of
any of these skills

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Why Gen Y Needs Support
EdWeek 2013
• Lack skills for dealing with difficult people or conflict
– Little understanding of the hidden curriculum or soft skills:
Eye contact, social etiquette & appropriate personal
interactions
– Professionalism, especially if perceived as compromising
“self”
– The idea of “paying one‟s dues”
• Inability to cope with failure, loss, or disappointment
– Impatience and impulsivity: Want to see results and
rewards quickly
– Tend to give up in the absence of immediate results

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Work-Based Learning
continuum….huh?
Career Awareness +
skills
Career Exploration + skills
Career Preparation + skills
•Prepare students for the
workplace
•Prepare employers to work with
high school students
•Make the connection between
academic learning and the
workplace
•Teacher externships

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WBL
activities
College
and career
readiness
skills and
attributes
build an
awareness of
the variety of
careers
available and
begin to
identify areas
of interest
Comprehends
verbal, written,
and visual
information and
instructions;
listens
effectively
Understands
how school
relates to the
world of work
Grasp a deeper
understanding
of the
workplace
Observes non-
verbal
communication;
articulates and
presents ideas
and information
clearly and
effectively both
verbally and in
written form
Connect
students‟
existing
interests and
strengths,
helping them
refine their
areas of
interest and
explore careers
and interests
more deeply
Demonstrates
the following
critical-
thinking and
problem-
solving skills:
Acquire the basic
foundational
skills needed for
college and
career
readiness.
Manages time
effectively; is
punctual; takes
responsibility;
prioritizes
tasks; brings
tasks and
projects to
completion;
Example: Students will be able to…..what?

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AB / BP Opportunities for Involvement
Opportunity Role(s)
HS Academy Open Houses
• Participate/provide representatives
• Provide materials and/or funding
Classroom Speakers • Serve as/provide speaker(s)
Academy Career Fairs
• Participate/provide representatives
• Provide funding
Resume & Interview Workshops
• Participate
• Provide guidance on content
Job Shadowing • Host students
Field Trips
• Host students
• Provide funding
Project-based Learning
• Provide real world project ideas
• Potentially visit class to pre- or post-project
Internships
• Hire interns
• Fund pool to supplement intern compensation
Career Symposiums
• Participate/provide representatives
• Provide materials and/or funding
Curriculum Development • Provide guidance on curriculum
Supplemental Resources • Provide materials and/or funding
Professional Development • Provide training opportunities for teachers

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Let‟s try….
• Draft your work-based learning
plans
• Groups share out their work

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www.naf.org/wblguide

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What I LearnedWhat I Want to KnowWhat I Know: