“Why do we need to know this?” Career-Based Learning Holds Answers

How many times have you heard a student ask, Why do we need to know this? Now the Wisconsin Guide to Implementing Career-Based Learning Experiences (CBLE Guide, for short) offers ways to address the question that not only provide an answer but also may ignite an interest and passion for learning. The CBLE Guide gives students and educators descriptions of the most common CBLEs used in Wisconsin and addresses additional concerns as well. Here are the Top 5 reasons why you’ll want to take a look at the just-released CBLE Guide.

1. A Common Language
The world of career readiness includes not only K-12 educators, but also technical colleges, business and industry, regional economic development groups, chambers of commerce, parents, and more. It often feels like educators and employers speak totally different languages. The CBLE Guide introduces a standard set of terms and definitions that all stakeholders can use when working together.

2. Introduces the CBLE Continuum
Just as there is a scope and sequence to Academic and Career Planning (ACP) activities, school districts need to offer a scope and sequence of CBLEs to maximize their effectiveness. In addition, for students participating in a career pathway program, CBLEs, particularly work-based learning opportunities (WBLs), are a key tool for developing skills for the pathway. Students who participate in CBLEs in earlier grades are more likely to have successful experiences in WBL placements later.

3. It’s Not Just “One More Thing.” It Describes How CBLEs Integrate Other Areas.
Career readiness has so many different aspects. It can be confusing to know how CBLEs fit in to your educational area of focus. The CBLE Guide explains how CBLEs work with ACP, career pathways, academic classrooms, out-of-school-time programs, social and emotional learning, and Xello, Wisconsin’s statewide career development software program.

4. Differentiates CBLEs From WBLs
The CBLE Guide helps educators and employers differentiate between CBLEs and work-based learning opportunities (WBLs). A subset of CBLEs, WBLs include experiences such as internships, Youth Apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs. High-quality WBLs offer a variety of benefits enumerated in the CBLE Guide.

5. Covers the Scary Stuff
Sometimes employers’ concerns about child labor laws, liability, and insurance, for example, can prevent them from participating in work-based learning opportunities (WBLs) at all. The CBLE Guide provides critical information about these legal considerations. It also addresses the detailed definitions for ensuring your WBLs fulfill the reporting requirements of the federal Perkins V legislation.

Take a look at the Wisconsin Guide to Implementing Career-Based Learning Experiences and learn about the full complement of CBLEs and WBLs!

Photo by Eunice Lituañas on Unsplash.