Work-Based Learning
What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-based learning is a term that applies to an array of learning experiences, from career awareness and exploration to career development and application. Such activities can include but are not limited to job shadowing, paid and unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, participation in school based enterprises and a career focused research project.
CDOS Credential
The CDOS Credential is one pathway to graduation. Students earning the CDOS credential can use this credential for their +1 regents requirement. The CDOS credential can also be used as a stand alone exiting credential.
Requirements:
Option 1:
216 hours of CTE coursework. 54 hours must be Work-based learning experience.
What this means: Students must pass 1 1/2 credits of CTE courses(Business, Technology or Family and Consumer Science) and must participate in work experiences such as community internships, school based enterprise work, or other volunteer experiences. Students who participate and successfully complete a CTE program through BOCES will meet these requirements there.
Option 2:
If a student has been working toward their CDOS credential but falls short with the requirements has the option to take a nationally recognized assessment to fulfill the requirements.
Below is the link to the New York State Education Department. Here you will find more in depth information regarding the requirements .
http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/cdos-pathway-regents-or-local-diploma
Graduation requirements:
There are a number of ways to earn a diploma or credential from high school. Students can earn a Regents diploma by taking and passing a prescribed number of classes and credit hours. Those students who do not earn a diploma may exit with a CDOS Credential or Skills and Achievement Assessment Credential. A credential is not the same as a diploma. It is important to research what you want to do after high school since some employers or career paths may require you either have a high school diploma or pass a high school equivalency assessment. A CDOS credential does not meet the requirements for entrance in to college, the military and most post-secondary training programs. The link below outlines the differences between a diploma and a credential.
Job Skills
While working toward their CDOS credential and participating in work experience, students are also instructed in job skills they need to be successful. Topics covered include but are not limited to:
Hard Skills Vs. Soft Skills
The importance of communication
Resume and cover letter writing
How to complete a job application
Interview skills
Work experience opportunities
School Based work experiences
Students who are unable or not ready to go into the community for their work experience are able to gain the needed experience in a variety of ways within the building. At this time we have a clothing closet, coffee cart, shredding services and card making. We also work with different departments to offer opportunities for work experience throughout the school building.
Based on their academic schedule, students will be scheduled for work during their study halls or lunch during the day.
community based work experiences
Students in the Transition class may have the opportunity to spend time working in businesses in the community. In the past students have worked at the Frontier Middle School Cafeteria, Tops Markets, Goodwill, Gateway Cafeteria, West Seneca Library, The Hampton Inn, The No B(ad) S(tuff) Bakery and Orchard Fresh.
Community experience placements will vary based on business ability to accept interns. Maximum effort is made to place students in a business setting where they will be successful and can work on their job skills.
If you have questions about the CDOS Credential or Work-Based Learning feel free to contact Ms. Davis.
Contact Information:
Ms. Davis
Transition Coordinator/Job Coach
926-1720 ext 2423