Work-Based Learning & Authentic Learning
The Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning connects students and employers through shared projects that give students professional experience including virtual projects, internships, and apprenticeships.
The Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning connects students and employers through shared projects that give students professional experience including virtual projects, internships, and apprenticeships.
This page is a repository of information intended to provide students with opportunities to connect the real-world application to classroom learning while exploring career paths of interest.
Expanding Work-Based Learning for Schools - A three-step process to guide local work-based learning decisions for district planning teams.
Work-Based Learning Self-Assessment Tool - Provides districts/colleges with an assessment tool to determine steps for improvement in WBL
A guide intended for school districts to systematically expand work-based learning opportunities and experiences for all students using partner organization resources.
Internships provide students with a hands-on opportunity to develop career and professional skills with an industry partner in a workplace setting.
Iowa Internship Toolkit - Highlights key components of a high-quality internship program to prepare students for success in postsecondary education, training and careers.
High School Internship Guidance - Provides information on designing various types of internship opportunities and support for students participating in internships.
Operational Sharing for Work-Based Learning Coordinators - Defines school district use of operational sharing for work-based learning coordinators under chapter 97.
Sample Training Plan - A template that can be used as an evaluation tool for an internship program.
Sample Training Agreement - An example of a contract to be signed before a student participates in an internship.
Multioccupations Endorsement - An endorsement designed for those who supervise students in on-the-job situations such as cooperative education programs and school-to-work programs.
Iowa Work-Based Learning Endorsements - Details of the multioccupations coordinator and work experience coordinator endorsement certifications.
Formal Opinion - Iowa Code 92.9 - This is the formal opinion from the Department about Iowa Code 92.9. Note page two, paragraph three, "In order to properly oversee student progress and award credit, the district instructor must evaluate student progress at the worksite quarterly with additional visits as needed.
In an effort to generate consistency and recognition for work-based learning credit programs across the state, a new resource has just been launched to support districts. The Work-Based Learning Course Naming and Coding Guide has been published to support districts wishing to be recognized for the work-based learning credit opportunities available in their school districts. Included in the guide are new SCED codes for school-based enterprises and workplace project-based learning (authentic projects). This resource also provides suggested middle school CTE programming codes for districts to consider using.
Work-Based Learning Toolkits - Provides tools, and recommendations to address barriers to increasing opportunities for high school students, while also providing a wide range of real-world examples from across the state that can be modeled and replicated within local communities.
Sectors of Opportunity - Iowa Career Pathway Mapping Projects - Opportunity documents have been created for information technology, energy and utilities, advanced manufacturing, health sciences, building and trades, and transportation, distribution and logistics.
Embedding Work-Based Learning - Provides planning support when embedding work-based learning experiences into courses.
Providing Equitable Student Access and Support for Work-Based Learning - Strategies to overcome student access barriers to work-based learning.
Business Education Alliance Work-based Learning Schematic - Overview of work-based learning opportunities and resources in Iowa.
The Iowa Intermediary Network Coordinators are experts at bringing students to great career exploration opportunities in our state through exciting, work-based learning with highly dynamic and technology-driven Iowa industries.
Learn more about registered apprenticeships: supports for educators, employers, and funding streams.
DMACC’s Work-Based Learning provides activities and resources for students, educators, and businesses across central Iowa. We connect education and business by providing students with opportunities to increase awareness of career options, explore careers and workplaces virtually and in-person, and get a start in their careers with learn and earn programs. Through work-based learning events, courses, and special programs, DMACC WBL helps students find their next step toward a rewarding career!
DMACC’s offers several career discovery events including: career exploration days, worksite industry tours, virtual professional skills sessions, business spotlights, and career fairs.
This google site offers resources and tools to support each component of the Scrum Framework. Visioning, planning, and launching a project can get messy! Scrum can help! Check out the resources below!
This blueprint is designed to guide leaders in education in decision making around the planning and implementation of authentic learning experiences for K-12 students. This blueprint also serves as a support for practicing teachers to inspire more authentic learning opportunities as apart of core course work. Linking career awareness and exploration with academic content through real-world experiences enhance learning. This drives a student-centered, personalized approach to career preparedness through core content engagement. An important principle worth noting is that every community is different and each district will adapt and implement with a model that works for them.
The Iowa Authentic Network's latest publication honoring and celebrating authentic learning work in Iowa to up the ante for students across the state! Celebrating Iowa Authentic Learning is a great resource to share with educators that exemplifies what learning can look like PK-12. In this publication, you will find examples from several grade levels and courses. As well as connection points from schools that have engaged in this work.
