The Work-Based Learning Spectrum

Our Philosophy

It is so important for our youth to have real-world experiences while they are in school. Exposure to all types of career pathways and postsecondary training and college options helps students to have a better sense of what they want to do, and how they need to get there. Understanding the connection between school and a future career encourages our students to find relevance in academics and engage in learning in a more meaningful way.

By providing WBL across the spectrum, students can start to narrow down their focus for what they want to do or study after they graduate. Rather than the old-school thought of going to college "just to go and figure it out," why not test out some options while in public education, for free? Going to college without a plan or pathway to a job is a very expensive way to explore careers, and that's why the rate at which students "return to school" in year 2 or beyond in college decline rapidly. Again, having that connection to the "why" behind the learning helps our students have a plan for whatever type of college experience they need to get the job they want, and see the value in continuing through that program to the point of completion.

Feel free to check out our recent WBL presentation for more info (includes some of the graphics you see below!)

What are the options?

In D51, we address the full spectrum of WBL, starting with our ICAP (Individual Career & Academic Plan) curriculum that goes K-12.

• In elementary, students start to build an understanding of what a job is, and the many types of career pathways that are available in the world. They also begin to identify their strengths, interests, and passions.

• In middle school, students learn more about how they can get involved in school or community groups, projects, and experiences to help them tie their interests to extracurricular opportunities. We work on basic employability skills like communication, teamwork, organization, & resilience. Middle school students continue building their ICAP by diving deeper into career exploration activities and lessons. D51 puts together our annual Middle School Career Fair with the help of many local partners for an engaging, walking tour of a college campus that is organized by Career Clusters, and offers opportunities for hands-on experiences in different jobs in our community. There are also career-focused road trips and competitions, some of which are put together by our MESA organization (CTE student leadership organization in MS).

• We also spend time talking through the transition to high school, and how to make the most of those four years through the many programs offered to high school students such as WBL, Concurrent Enrollment, Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, leadership groups, community service, sports, and more! For some of our WBL opportunities in high school, please see below!

What is the process?

Please fill out this request form to connect with one of our WBL Coordinators to get more information and/or set up a WBL experience. Also take a look at our graphics below, and some of the required forms at the bottom of this page.

WBL Forms & Resources

Student WBL Request Form

Employer Evaluation Form

Student Reflection Form