Personalized Learning Plan (PLP)
Personalized Learning Plan (PLP)
One of the required elements for WBL is the completion of a portfolio including the Tennessee Department of Education Personalized Learning Plan, or the PLP. This PLP is provided directly by the state and is required for all WBL students each year. Different elements of the PLP will be added to each 9-week grading period to record your experiences in Work-Based Learning.
So what do all these sections mean? How am I supposed to fill this out?
Below is a brief description of what each section "means". You will record your experiences through a Google Form shared each nine-weeks. Please remember all examples are shared to give students an idea of what response is applicable. Do not copy and paste responses that are shared as examples.
*See the sample PLP posted on Google Classroom for additional examples.
Literacy
What are some materials you have had to read for work and why did you have to read them? What could go wrong if you didn't have the materials/instructions?
Examples of reading materials:
- Instruction manual
- Customer Orders
- MSD
PLP example: Working at Walmart I have to read the boxes that say to team lift so I don't hurt myself. I also have to read the codes at the cash register so I know what to key in when a customer checks out.
Math
Math skills are incorporated into every work site, even when we don't see it. This portion will address how you incorporate math skills and detail why you needed to be able to do the task.
Examples of math used at placement site(s):
- Inventory
- Making change from a cash register
- Calculating the number of hours worked per week (If your paycheck was short would you know it?)
- Measuring foods or weights
PLP example: I have to be able to count customer change back to them and have to be able to count inventory when I stock the shelves.
Industry-Specific Technical Skills
What makes your job unique? How are your job duties different from other workplaces?
Examples:
- Knowledge of cleaning/disinfecting the kitchen at a restaurant.
- Computer programming skills (including scheduling or coding)
- How to properly stock the shelves with proper lifting techniques
PLP example: I keep a detailed listed of customer orders to ensure they are getting fulfilled in the order we receive them.
Industry-Specific Safety Skills
What kind of safety standards are you expected to follow specifically at your work site?
Examples:
- Knife safety in the kitchen
- Wearing the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Proper hand washing
- Lifting techniques
PLP example: I have to wear a mask and gloves when handling the equipment so we don't cross contaminate any of the products. I also have to help maintain specific temperatures for the foods
Understanding Paths and Options
What was your focus area in high school? How did your work in high school align with your current job or future plans?
Example:
- During high school, your focus was Cosmetology which gave you hands-on experience to know one day you want to open your own salon.
- You were a Health Science focus, and realized you couldn't stand the sight of blood, so now you know you would rather follow a career path toward education.
- You chose Welding in high school, but you worked at McDonalds. What lessons did you learn that you can take into a Welding career? (Think about what soft skills you may have gained.)
PLP example: I have a manager who has been at (insert place of business) for 10 years and they have talked to me about the requirements to get promotions at my job.
Reflection
Looking back on your semester/year, what are some areas you feel you could improve? What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment?
Example:
- Your manager gave you a new responsibility due to your hard work.
- You were able to get a pay raise or new title thanks to your job performance.
- You recognize you have a passion for a certain area of work or career field and you wish to pursue that after high school.
PLP example: Each night before we leave my manager does a walk through of our section to make sure our stations are clean.
Creativity and Innovation
Look around your work site. How can you help it run more efficiently? What could promote business? Is there a way you can promote the business or help boost morale?
Examples:
- Working in a health care facility and you think of some new activities for the residents to participate in.
- Do you see an opportunity to add a marketing campaign to a social media site or a window display to draw in customers.
- During a shift, you realized that the prep line could be set up in a better flow in order to get food out faster.
PLP example: I talked to my boss about creating a new website or social media page to help highlight our company. My boss allowed me to take pictures around the store to add to the new website.
Communication
When have you seen an opportunity to communicate with your supervisor or a customer? Have you faced issues you needed to address, or questions you needed to ask?
Examples:
- Can you effectively communicate issues that you see at work?
- You have an angry customer and need to settle an issue.
- You have a patient who is confused about why they are in the hospital or nursing home.
PLP example: I have to learn the abbreviations for items on the menu to tell the kitchen to save time. I have to call customers to see what type of product they want to order.
Information Literacy
What are some work sites comparable to your current job? If you do not have a job, what are some careers you would pursue in the future that best fits your goals?
Examples:
- If you currently work at a retail store, what other stores would be similar and what are the benefits of each?
- Working at a restaurant, compare the menus of other similar restaurants on how your menu could be expanded.
- You are working on the Co-Op and have a family farm. How do the products you sell seem to compare to what is offered at big box chain stores?
PLP example: I researched the education, training, and cost I would need to open my own flower shop business.
Initiative and Self-Direction
What are some times you were able to go in to work and begin your tasks without needing additional instruction?
Examples:
- You show up to work and notice that the parking lot is full of trash making the workplace look unkept.
- How have you been placed in a position where you can be a leader in your workplace?
- Talk to your supervisor about a way that you can use a unique skill in order to improve your work site.
PLP example: I asked my supervisor what the predicted outcomes would be for a new plan we were starting at work and discussed how it could be improved.
Cultural and Global Competence
How have you communicated with someone at your work site (co-worker or a customer) who was from a different background?
Examples:
- Experience with language barriers
- Knowledge of other ways cultural differences at work.
- Respect for differences of opinions, religions, social groups, etc.
PLP example: My supervisor trained all employees on the food restrictions for certain cultures
Productivity and Accountability
What proof do you have that you have been productive at work? Will you be accountable for tasks given by a supervisor?
Examples:
-Job evaluation forms
- Customers are happy with service
- Letter of support from a supervisor.
PLP example: My boss put me in charge of making the schedule for the month. I also have to keep track of if I am late because my pay gets docked.