The focus of last year’s Education Report was work-based learning. Since the publishing of that report, MNPS has shifted that terminology to career-based learning and that change is reflected in MNPS’ responses.
For 2022, each of the recommendations were implemented.
Recommendation:
Revisit current work-based learning policies to expand work-based learning opportunities to all students interested.
Status
Implemented
The original Career-Based Learning policy stated that all students must be placed in a position aligned with their career pathway. Now, to provide equity to all students, those students who are currently employed and wish to keep their current positions may participate in the Career-Based Learning program.
The original policy stated that students with multiple behavior offenses were not eligible for CBL. Currently, all students who meet the state guidelines of being on track to graduate and maintaining an attendance rate of 90% are eligible to participate with a recommendation from a teacher or administrator.
Recommendation:
Create a centralized mechanism to better support coordination and communication between students, employers, and schools.
Status
Implemented
To better support coordination and communication, each high school was encouraged to offer the Career-Based Learning Career Practicum course during the last class period of each day. That course is to be taught by a CBL state-certified teacher, referred to as the Teacher of Record.
One role of the CBL Teacher of Record is to be the first line of communication between the employers, students, and the school.
The CBL Coordinator communicates regularly with the Teacher of Record at each school and provides support as needed.
Recommendation:
Create a mechanism to identify what supports students need to be successful in work-based learning and identify how to allocate those resources equitably.
Status
Implemented
The CBL Teacher of Record meets daily with students who are participating in the CBL program. They form relationships with the students and determine what supports are needed.
In some situations, the CBL Teacher of Record also works closely with the Exceptional Education Coach to provide the needed support.
Recommendation:
Refine and communicate the work-based learning value proposition for students, employers, and parents/guardians to align expectations and showcase the opportunities of work-based learning.
Status
Implemented
Career-Based Learning reinforces the value of work as well as the critical skills employers want most, including technical, academic, and employability skills gained by working in a real work environment. By matching young talent with workplace mentors and positive employment through CBL, young people receive a positive and rich work experience in their chosen career pathway. Companies can better build a sustainable workforce, and healthy, vibrant communities can flourish.
