Education for Employment - A School District Standard

Every school board shall: s.121.02 (o)(m) Provide access to an education for employment program approved by the state superintendent.

Applicability and Purpose

In Chapter PI 26, the purpose of an Education for Employment program is to prepare elementary and secondary pupils for future employment; to ensure technological literacy; to promote lifelong learning; to promote good citizenship; to promote cooperation among business, industry, labor, postsecondary schools, and public schools; and to establish a role for public schools in the economic development of Wisconsin.

Revisions to Administrative Rule, PI 26

Chapter PI 26, Education for Employment Plans and Program has undergone review. While there have been some changes, many of the components of the original 1991 rule remain, but have been reorganized in the amended rule. The changes to the administrative rule, effective July 1, 2004, are detailed below.

• The district must designate a staff person certified under s. PI 34.32 (7) to coordinate and direct the Education for Employment program.
• Each school board shall ensure representation on the Tech Prep Council created under s. 118.34, Stats.
• The school board will have the option to create an Education for Employment Council or participate in a CESA council rather than being required to do so.
• Definitions of advanced placement, advanced standing, articulation course agreement, career awareness, career planning and preparation, transcripted credit, and postsecondary credit have been added to the administrative rule.
• Career-development components to be offered to students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels have been clarified in the amended rule; that is, career awareness at the elementary grade levels, career exploration at the middle grade levels, and career planning and preparation at the high school levels.
• The district must include specific information on pupil transcripts. This information includes the title of the course; the high school credits earned and whether those credits were earned through advanced standing, transcripted credit, or the advanced placement program; and the participating postsecondary institution, when appropriate. School boards must issue this transcript information for students graduating after August 30, 2004.
• Tech Prep, Youth Options, and Youth Apprenticeship are now identified as other educational programs to be included in the Education for Employment program.
• The Tech Prep Council must report annually to the school board to share progress toward achieving the goals and objectives of the Tech Prep Council.

Education for Employment Program

Depending on grade levels, the program must provide students with:

• career awareness, exploration, and planning opportunities;
• school-supervised work-based learning experiences;
• instruction in employability skills, including work behaviors;
• practical application of academic skills and applied technologies;
• study of the practical application of economics and American economic institutions and entrepreneurship; and
• access to career and technical education programs based on labor market information and student needs.

Each district must encourage the development of business and education partnerships and coordinate their program with other public school districts, CESAs, technical college districts, colleges and universities, and workforce development programs.

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For questions about this information, contact Sharon W. Wendt (608) 267-9251

Last updated on 3/24/2009 2:19:42 PM