Career and Technical Education (CTE)
As part of New York’s Perkins V State Plan, a content advisory panel (CAP) was convened to review work-based learning in New York to develop a statewide definition and vision of work-based learning to guide all future initiatives for work-based learning in the state. We are pleased to present New York’s definition and vision as follows:
Definition of Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning is authentic learning experiences that allow students to explore their career goals, abilities, and interests while applying their academic and technical knowledge and skills in a real-world context. These experiences are planned and supervised by instructional staff in collaboration with business, industry, or community partners.
Vision for Work-Based Learning
High quality work-based learning will provide effective and equitable experiences to empower all students to become confident workers and culturally competent citizens of °ÄÃÅÌØÂëÍõ.
To prepare schools to implement this definition and vision, some updates have been made to the work-based learning manual. This was done in collaboration with the Work Experience Coordinators' Association (WECA) of New York. The updates do not change any work-based learning policies but are intended to provide some updated information to assist coordinators and schools in providing high-quality work-based learning opportunities for students. A summary of the updates are as follows:
- Cosmetic updates to reflect a modern document design
- Minor editing of content to ensure that the content presented best assists schools in implementing work-based learning opportunities
- Updated links to NYSED and NYSDOL to reflect updates to both web pages
- Clarification on how registered work-based learning experiences may be carried out remotely, when appropriate
- New definitions for industry-based projects and entrepreneurship
- Additional information reflecting the CDOS 4+1 pathway to graduation and clarification of how work-based learning opportunities can meet CDOS Option 1 requirements
- Updated information on how work-based learning opportunities can be used in NYSED-approved CTE programs along with how the 5S3 Perkins indicator can be met
Finally, the Office of CTE has also developed a FAQ webpage to answer some common questions regarding work-based learning. Please be advised that due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the flexibility of offering work-based learning experiences via remote and hybrid means will be extended through the 2021-2022 school year. If you have any questions regarding work-based learning or any of the materials posted, please contact the Office of Career and Technical Education at emsccte@nysed.gov.
