Policy 6178.1 - Work-Based Learning

The Board of Education desires to improve student educational outcomes and successes and support student workforce preparedness by facilitating work-based learning opportunities which link classroom learning with real-world experiences. The district's work-based learning program shall be designed to teach students the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for successful employment and to reinforce mastery of both academic and career technical education (CTE) standards.

 

The district's work-based learning program may offer opportunities for paid and/or unpaid work experience, including, but not limited to:

 

The Superintendent or designee may provide students employment opportunities with public and private employers in areas within or outside the district, including in any contiguous state.

 

The Board may elect to pay wages to students participating in a work-based learning program but shall not make payments to or for private employers except for students with disabilities who are participating in work experience education programs funded by the state for such students.

 

Any district plan for work-based learning shall be submitted to the Board for approval. When required, the plan shall be submitted to the California Department of Education or other state agency or official.

 

The Superintendent or designee may collaborate with businesses, government agencies, postsecondary institutions, including universities and career technical schools, community organizations, and/or other employers in planning and implementing work-based learning opportunities that support the district's vision and goals for student learning and local workforce development efforts.

 

At the beginning of the first semester or quarter of the regular school term, the Superintendent or designee shall notify parents/guardians of students in grades 11-12 about local apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and make the Division of Apprenticeship Standards' database accessible through a direct link on the district's website.

 

In accordance with Board Policy 6178 - Career Technical Education, the district may provide students with opportunities to explore, make career choices, and seek appropriate instruction and training to support those choices, by hosting locally focused apprenticeship and/or career technical education fair events.

 

When required by law, the Superintendent or designee shall develop a written training agreement with the employer that describes the conditions and requirements to be met by all parties and shall develop an individual training plan for each student which outlines the objectives or competencies that the student is expected to accomplish at the work site.

 

To ensure appropriate guidance and supervision of participating students and maximize the educational benefit from placement in any work-based learning program, district staff shall coordinate with the workplace supervisors or mentors.

 

A minor student shall be allowed employment through a paid work-based learning program only if the student has been issued a work permit, in accordance with law, Board policy and rule. All laws or rules applicable to minors in employment relationships shall be applicable to students enrolled in work-based learning programs.

 

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that any student participating in a work-based learning program off school grounds is covered under the employer's or district's insurance, as applicable, in the event the student is injured.

 

The Superintendent or designee shall periodically provide updates to the Board regarding program implementation and effectiveness, including, but not limited to, rates of student participation in work-based learning programs and assessment results of participating students.