For Caregivers

What is Community Based Learning?

Community Based Learning (CBL) is a popular course at Montpelier High School that affords students the opportunity to access community based resources and experiences to enhance learning. Students meet regularly with their CBL advisor to reflect on their experience and the knowledge, understandings, and skills they are developing through it.

What kinds of CBL experiences can my student pursue?

During the first several weeks of the semester, students explore their interests through conversations, interest inventories, and reflection. CBLs are driven by student voice and choice. Typically, students’ experiences fall into three categories:

• Work-Based Learning- Job shadows and traditional intern opportunities with professionals in the workplace in order to learn more about a specific career

• Community-Based Personal Studies- Similar to an independent study, students explore specific topics in order to learn something they typically don’t have access to at MHS. The study may or may not be conducted using community resources including Community Partners. These can also focus on wellness and executive skill building experiences.

• Service- Based Learning- Volunteer work on a project that benefits our community

When do these experiences begin, and how will I know about the plan for the semester?

Students work on identifying interests early in the semester, but the official start of the actual CBL experience may be much later. There are many processes that must unfold before a CBL begins, including researching placements, writing letters of interest, interviewing, and developing a plan. Sometimes, students need to reach out to several potential connections before finding the right fit, which may take a month or longer. We encourage students to see the entire process as the CBL experience and be flexible and patient as the plan comes together. When a plan is developed, you will receive a digital CBL Agreement to sign. This agreement will contain information about the plan and schedule.

When do CBL experiences take place?

Depending on students’ and community partners’ schedules, CBL experiences can take place during and/or outside of the regular school day. Sometimes, there is a set weekly schedule, and sometimes meetings vary from week to week. This depends on a variety of factors. Number of hours in an experience also varies greatly. When students are not engaged in their CBL experience, they will have unscheduled time during their CBL block to complete CBL coursework or other schoolwork.

How is my student assessed?

The CBL course focuses on the Self Awareness, Responsibility and Preparedness Learning Expectations. The Responsibility assessment is based on a student’s performance of fulfilling their role within the CBL (being on time, responding to emails within a 24-hour period, demonstrating professional behavior and dress, etc). The Preparedness assessment is based on their work within the CBL Curriculum, attending regularly scheduled meetings with their advisor, and corresponding by email with their advisor. The Self-Awareness assessment is based on ongoing reflection of strengths, challenges, experiences, and challenging oneself and seeking help when needed.