Work-Based Learning
Definitions + Data
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Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an instructional strategy that involves interactions with industry or community professionals that link school-based instruction to the world of work.
In other words, high-quality WBL is all about using the lens or content of “work” as a strategy or approach to teaching students a concept or skill.
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We know from the Sonoma County YouthTruth survey that students who experience WBL self-report higher perceptions of both engagement in school and positive feelings about life, than students who do not engage in WBL. It is clear that high-quality Work-Based Learning (WBL) provides students with an authentic way to build skills, foster agency, and find critical hope. Check out the data to learn more about the impact WBL has on students’ self-reported feelings of success—the proof is in the pudding.
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For Work-Based Learning to be effective, it must be utilized as an instructional strategy in the classroom. In simple terms, Work-Based Learning must be connected or integrated into what students learn in the classroom. To do this, teachers must be intentional about how they design their lessons and instruction and look for entry points for connecting content to careers.
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A Work-Based Learning Coordinator is key to fostering relationships with employer partners, connecting those partners with classroom teachers, and supporting a WBL activity from start to finish.
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We can teach students about careers and the world of work, but connecting industry partners to the classroom is essential to authentic, relevant, and high-quality Work-Based Learning.
Our Data Story
Check out this article about the transferable skills industry reps think our students need to develop in our schools!
Dive Deeper into the data>>>
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How are you leveraging data to expand WBL for all students?
Only 39% of our Sonoma County high school students self-report engaging in Work-Based Learning. We hope to expand WBL throughout the county by continuing to share our WBL impact data, curating WBL opportunities, centralizing our database of industry contacts, and providing professional learning about how to leverage WBL as an instructional strategy in the classroom. We hope our YouthTruth journey and specific work around elevating Work-Based Learning in our county, help you reflect and progress with your WBL efforts.
Our Guiding Question:
Given its relevance, how might we expose more students in our county to the “awareness” and “exploration” pieces of the WBL continuum?
The Idea | WBL Challenges
“Challenges ignite student interest in exploring and bringing greater awareness to careers and skill building. At the same time, challenges connect students to their community and allow them to engage with authentic problems.” -ReadyGo