ABSTRACT

Work-based learning comprises a range of activities and instructional strategies

designed to assist K–12 students in developing or fulfilling their individual career and

educational plans. Work-based learning experiences connect knowledge and skills

obtained in the classroom to those needed outside the classroom. Some examples

include those activities noted in the chart below (Figure 1).

Figure 1 includes the term ‘worksite learning,’ a relatively new term created to

describe and define a specific type of work-based learning that is more intensive than

other types of work-based learning. Job shadows, structured field trips, etc. and

worksite learning are all types of work-based learning. Generally, worksite learning

activities are types of work-based learning most likely found in exploratory and

preparatory career and technical education (CTE) courses and programs.

Structured Field Trip

Contextual Learning

Worksite Learning

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What Is Worksite Learning?

Worksite learning is a subset of work-based learning, as Figure 1 above depicts.

Worksite learning experiences are specifically defined as either instructional work-based

learning or cooperative work-based learning.

The rules for work-based learning have been codified in WAC 180-50-315,

without specifically referencing worksite learning. The rule language does not make

reference to worksite learning as described and defined in this manual.

It is important

to note

, however, that the rules for work-based learning apply only to those types of

work-based learning that this manual describes and defines as ‘worksite learning,’

regardless of whether or not this term is used in the rules. WAC 180-50-315 states that

“Schools and school districts are strongly encouraged to review the nonbinding work

based learning guidelines on the website of the superintendent of public instruction in

their consideration of making this credit option available to students.” This manual

serves as the non-binding work-based learning guidelines of the Superintendent of

Public Instruction as referenced in WAC 180-50-315.

What Is Instructional And Cooperative Work-Based Learning?

Instructional and cooperative work-based learning are subsets of worksite

learning, as Figure 2 below depicts. Instructional work-based learning is a learning

experience in which a student performs tasks in order to gain desired skills,

competencies, qualification, or certification

as an embedded part of a course

. It is

assumed that these students are not necessarily able to operate independently in the

workplace because they are in need of specific knowledge and skills yet to be learned in

the classroom or in supervised instructional activities on the worksite. Instructional

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work-based learning experiences are generally non-paid as students have yet to learn

the knowledge and skills that would necessitate them receiving pay. Of course, there

will be some exceptions. Cooperative work-based learning is most closely associated

with a commonly used term called “Co-op”. Cooperative work-based learning activities

are those that occur once a student has gained the entry-level knowledge and skills

necessary to be relatively independent in the workplace and are generally paid

experiences. Figure 1 can, therefore, be more accurately depicted as Figure 2 below:

Figure 2

It is strongly recommended that all students in exploratory courses should be

engaged in work-based learning experiences and all students enrolled in preparatory

courses are required to be engaged in work-based learning experiences and are

encouraged to engage in worksite learning experiences.

Structured Field Trip

Contextual Learning

Worksite Learning

Instructional

Cooperative

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Figure 3 shows the relationship of the two types of worksite learning and CTE

courses:

Figure 3

As noted in Figure 3 above, instructional work-based learning is embedded within

either an exploratory or a preparatory course. Cooperative work-based learning occurs

outside of the classroom instruction. For cooperative work-based learning activities to

be successful (and legal), the student must have instruction concurrent with the

cooperative work-based learning experience or have had the relevant instruction prior to

the cooperative work-based learning experience.

NOTE: There is no such course as ‘work-based learning’ or ‘worksite learning.’

Work-based learning, including worksite learning, is a component or an extension of an

instructional course. Worksite learning does not stand alone without a qualifying class.

THE TWO TYPES OF WORKSITE LEARNING:

Work-Based Learning

•

May be an embedded

component of an

Exploratory

or a

Preparatory

course

•

180 hours of Instructional

Work-Based Learning = 1

credit

•

FTE 1:1

•

1 formal evaluation every 30

hours/6 times per 180 hours

•

Paid or Non-Paid

Work-Based Learning

•

Requires a “Qualifying Class”

which may be

Exploratory

or

Preparatory

•

360 hours of Cooperative

Work-Based Learning = 1

credit

•

FTE 2:1

•

2 visits per transcripted

grading period

•

New Worksite Learning Plan

required

every 180 hours

•

Paid or Non-Paid

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Students receive transcripted credit for cooperative work-based learning; however, this

credit may only be earned if the cooperative work-based learning experience is a direct

extension of a qualifying course taken either concurrently with the WBL experience or

taken in a prior school term.

Who May Coordinate Worksite Learning?

Instructional work-based learning activities may

only

be coordinated by teachers

who, as well as being work-based learning certificated, are certificated and endorsed in

the subject area for which credit will be awarded the student. Teachers who are

certificated in work-based learning may coordinate cooperative work-based learning

experiences. For example, if instructional work-based learning experiences are

required for a horticulture science course, then the Agriculture Education-certificated

teacher must coordinate the instructional work-based learning experiences of the

students earning the horticulture science credit. Cooperative work-based learning, on

the other hand, may be coordinated by the ‘teacher of record’ who is also certificated in

work-based learning and/or by a certificated work-based learning coordinator. Figure 4

below depicts a decision-making tree differentiating instructional and cooperative work-

based learning.

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Figure 4

Is student enrolled in a

qualifying course that

incorporates a worksite learning

element?

NO

Has the student

completed a qualifying

course or progression of

courses?

YES

YES

Is instructor/coordinator

certified in the occupational

area represented by the course

and the site experience?

NO

Does the potential

worksite learning

experience relate to

the course/courses?

NO

Student does not

qualify for CTE

worksite learning

YES

YES

Is direct instruction by the

teacher occurring regularly

during the experience?

NO

YES

INSTRUCTIONAL WBL