1. How to Create Powerful
Work-Based Learning Programs
for Multiple Career Academies
and Pathways
Diana LaMar, Ed.D.
Education Consultant
DL & Associates
Rose Gonzalez
Teacher on Assignment
Fontana Unified School District
4. 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
6. 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:
7. 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
8. Determine Your Needs
School Board policies
District policies
WBL positions
Affiliation agreements
Internship training plans
How do you educate
stakeholders about
WBL??
9. Follow Board / District Policies:
Business partner approval
Content of affiliation agreement
Certificate of liability protocol
Business partner monitoring
Fingerprinting business partners
Student transportation
Create a system and develop timelines.
10. 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
11. 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?
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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
19. 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
24. 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
25. Business Partners are ESSENTIAL
But what do they
expect when
students show up for
Work-Based Learning
experiences?
26. Create a Checklist for WBL Activities
Tailor to your school
district
Organization is key:
paperwork and
communication
Ensure the students are
prepared
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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
33. 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
34. 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
35. Hard Work Pays Off…
Keep track of your data and
share successes with all stakeholders.
36. WBL is Constantly Evolving.
Diana LaMar, Ed.D.
DL & Associates
760-518-8573
dianalamar123@yahoo.com
Rose Gonzalez
Teacher on Assignment
Fontana Unified School District
GonzRo@fusd.net
Thank you for your attendance.