Kevin Jost

EDUC705
Assignment 1.1 Scavenger Hunt
1. What is the difference between work-based learning and work release?
Work-based learning is very deliberate formalized learning where instruction takes place within
the school as well as within the community. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for the
student to obtain new job skills and real life career experience. In a work-based learning
program, close supervision will be done by a licensed professional. This type of program will
expand a students career awareness, critical thinking and problem solving skills. In exchange
for the specifically defined learning and closely supervised job-related activities, credits will be
awarded towards graduation.
Work release is simply granting permission for a student who maintains employment to leave
school prior to the end of the school day in order to work. In this situation, credits toward
graduation are not earned. This is an arrangement where the school is not involved.
Consideration to liability in these cases must be taken into account.
2. Is there a work experience program available for special education and disabled
students? Describe it.
There are work experience programs available for special education and disabled students.
They are referred to as work experience handicapped and transition-disabled programs. Both
programs must meet the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education
Improvement Act (IDEA). If the student is involved in transition activities related to an
employment relationship, the transition activities must be part of the state-approved transitiondisabled (career and technical education) program. These said activities can be supported by
either federal special education funds or state transition-disable funds, but not state special
education funds.
3. Once a student leaves the work-based program, can they apply for unemployment
benefits? How does this work?
Students formerly enrolled in work-based programs can apply for unemployment benefits. This
is ensured by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
In order to apply, these students must graduate. The major responsibility is with the students
employer as they must report wages earned as well as check with the DEED office to find out if
the state unemployment laws cover the students wages. If the student quits their job, they may
be ineligible for benefits.

4. What requirements does the Department of Education have for a schools work-based
learning program?
The major requirement is that MDE expects the program to be a positive learning experience
that is a result of the students individual learning goals. The following documentation is
required:
*Training agreements between the school, student, parent and employer. The responsibilities of
each party needs to be clearly identified
*Training plans that specifically identify learning goals
*A plan or instruction for the school to reach its goals related to each students learning
*General and specific job related safety instruction documentation
*Appropriate supervision from both the school and worksite staf
*Clear record keeping recording educational progress as stated in the students training
agreement
5. What are four in-school topics the work experience coordinator should teach
students?
Four of the suggested topics include: self awareness, career planning, employee rights and
responsibilities, and communication on the job.
6. List the student organizations specific to Minnesota career and technical education (7
are listed in the document you are reading.) Which one or ones would be difficult for you
to supervise if you were the work based coordinator and why?
The 7 student organizations are: BPA (business education), DECA (marketing education), FFA
(agriculture education), HOSA (health science education), FCCLA (family & consumer science
education), FCCLA-HERO (service occupations), SkillsUSA (trade and technical education).
I believe the most difficult one of these to supervise would be FFA (agriculture education). The
reason I say this is that when I think of agriculture, I think of farming of course. Part of the workbased learning requirements is that I visit the work-sites or set up work-site visits. Farms are
very big work-sites with very long hours consisting of very grueling manual labor. Touching base
with employers may sometimes be difficult when they are plowing 400 acres all day. Scheduling
and maintaining appointments seems like it would be difficult in this particular area.

7. What is WE/CEP? Describe it.

WE/CEP stands for Work Experience/Career Exploration Program. It is a state approved one or
two year transition program specifically targeting students ages 14-15. These students will have
historically had challenges with prior school experiences. One of the diferences with this
program is that these students may be employed during school hours in certain jobs that have
otherwise been prohibited by federal and state child labor laws. The idea is to assist students
who are at risk of dropping out gain experience while exploring careers while meeting their
specific needs, interests and abilities.
8. What does SCANS stand for and what are the five competencies and three foundations
of SCANS?
SCANS stands for Secretarys Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills.
Competencies are as follows: resources,interpersonal skills, information, systems, technology
Foundations are as follows: basic skills, thinking skills, personal qualities

9. What does the Department of Education say about time requirements for the workbased seminar and the recommend amount of time a school work based coordinator
should spend supervising students in their work environment?
They recommend half an hour per student per week.
10. How is it determined which students with disabilities participate in work-based
learning?
Determination for a student who is currently on an active IEP is the same for any decision made
for this student. It will be made based on their individual preferences, abilities and interests.
Enrollment into a work-based learning program would of course be considered a major change
and an alteration to the students IEP would be necessary.
11. What legislation determines who has primary responsibility for the work-based
learning program?
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) states that the public school or
education agency has primary responsibility for the work-based learning program.
12. How do educators document the general supervision criteria for a SPED student in a
work-based learning program?

When a student receiving special education services participates in a work-based learning

program, ALL documentation needs to be clearly stated in the students IEP. The
responsibilities of all parties involved needs to be identified in the IEP.
13. Can job coaches be used in a work-based learning program, and if so, how are they
paid?
Job coaches can be used in a work-based learning program and they are paid based on the MN
statute 124D.454. The requirement for a job coach is that they hold a technical tutor license or
meet the Minnesota requirements for paraprofessionals. This amounts to two years of college or
reading and mathematics ability at the level of two years of college and the skills necessary to
help student reach said level.

14. Can students, particularly those with disabilities, participate in work-based learning
activities for no pay if the district refers to the experience as service learning?
NO