Work-Based Learning

WBL is a critical component of a student’s career pathway, and encompasses activities that provide students with real-life work experiences.

the Work-Based Learning Implementation Toolkit

The implementation toolkit is a resource for Rhode Island educators and other work-based learning providers serving K-12 students. It brings together definitions, guidance, and implementation resources in one location and includes:

  • Roles and responsibilities for work-based learning

  • Rubric for high-quality work-based learning

  • Governor’s Workforce Board Guidance

  • Work-based learning implementation examples, including the PrepareRI Internship Program

  • Work-based learning data collection specifications

What does it mean for WBL to be high-quality?

Broadly, WBL should meet the following standards of quality.  Specific WBL activities should meet more detailed guidance for expectations of high-quality, which are currently under development.

  • Rigorous: Skill-based, and tied to measurable outcomes

  • Relevant: Connected to a student’s interests and to the real world of work

  • Reflective: Engages the student in reflection and analysis

  • Interactive: Providing multiple and extended opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals

  • Integrated: Connected with the student’s school-based curriculum and for academic credit

For more detail, read the Governor's Workforce Board's guidance on work-based learning. RIDE recommends that all high schools designate a Career Coordinator to be the school's point person for WBL opportunities. 

What are examples of WBL opportunities?

WBL activities provide students with real-life or simulated work experiences.  These experiences are often credit-bearing opportunities that provide students career and industry-connected learning both during and outside of the traditional school day.  Rhode Island is employing a flexible definition of WBL, encompassing the activities below: 

  • Internship: A position for a student to work in an organization, sometimes without pay, to gain work experience, satisfy requirements for a credential, and/or gain course credit.

  • Apprenticeship: Highly-formal job training experience that involves studying with a master of the trade on the job.

  • Service-learning: A program or project which combines community service with an outside organization with a structured opportunity.

  • School-based enterprise: Students produce and sell goods or services in school and learn about business skills and entrepreneurship.

  • Industry project: Individual, group, or class-wide projects in which students address a real-world, industry-focused question or problem with the guidance of industry professionals.

How does WBL connect to Student Pathways?

  • Guided Pathway Endorsements: To earn a Guided Pathway Endorsement, students must successfully complete three components: (1) academic study; (2) work-based learning; and (3) application of skills demonstrated through the performance-based diploma assessment.

  • Career and Technical Education Programs: Work-Based Learning is a component of CTE Program Standards that students are required to complete.

*Students must complete a minimum of 80 hours of WBL experiences for both Guided Pathway Endorsements and CTE Programs.

 
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