Program of Studies 2001-2002

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SCHOOL-TO-WORK OPTIONS The School-to-Work initiative is a major effort designed to encourage partnerships with business and industry, which focus on improving the education and development of young people. School-to-Work experiences might be as simple as a half-day shadowing exercise giving young people a better understanding of the workplace, or the experience might be a comprehensive apprenticeship helping the student develop extensive skills in a specific career area. Between shadowing and apprenticeship there are opportunities for mentoring, internships, cooperative education, and service learning. All of these activities connect students with working adults to build an appreciation for and understanding of a variety of career options and the skills needed to enter these career fields. SHADOWING Shadowing is a short-term experience designed to introduce a student to a particular job or occupation. The student protege follows or “shadows” the worker for a specified period of time to observe “first-hand” the requirements of the job. The time frame for shadowing is flexible and is somewhat job dependent. However, the typical shadowing experience lasts a minimum of three hours. MENTORING Mentoring is an umbrella term for various forms of formal one-on-one relationships between a community’s citizens and students. Students are linked with experienced and qualified technicians who provide instruction in workforce entry-level requirements. SERVICE LEARNING Service Learning combines school-based learning with work-based activities in a community or government agency or project to develop work and life skills. There are three ways students can get involved in service learning: direct, indirect, and advocacy. Service Learning projects can be integrated into the curriculum. INTERNSHIP Internship provides students the opportunity to study an occupational program such as health care , child care, or computer technology and participate in a workplace setting by performing duties related to their occupational studies. Internship usually involves a one-on-one relationship that provides hands-on learning in an area of student interest. A learning contract or agreement between the business/industry sponsor and the student learner outlines the specific expectations and responsibilities of both parties. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION Cooperative Education is a structured program of instruction for students enrolled in business or vocational courses. The work experience is scheduled during the final level occupational course and lasts approximately three months. Emphasis is placed on mastery of occupational competencies in the area studied. Co-op may be either a paid or non-paid experience. YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP Youth Apprenticeship is a structured program of study that integrates academic and work-based learning. Youth Apprenticeship is a paid work experience and can lead to direct entry into the workforce, technical school, or four-year college. For additional information about school-to-work opportunities, call the District 50 School-to-Work Coordinator at 864/941-5776.