Work-based Learning
This topic explores the benefits of providing youth with opportunities
to learn at job sites in their communities through the use of internships,
workplace mentoring, service learning, and other strategies.
Introduction
Work-based learning offers youth meaningful and engaging educational opportunities by connecting classroom learning to learning on job sites in the community. This kind of learning experience can help a young person make career decisions, network with potential employers, select courses of study, and
develop job skills relevant to future employment. Through the interaction of work and study experiences, students who participate in work-based learning can strengthen their academic knowledge, personal development, and professional preparation.
Research has documented the importance of work-based learning experiences. Studies show that students who participate in work-based learning experience an increase in the completion of related coursework, improved attendance, and higher graduation rates (Colley & Jamison, 1998). Work-based
learning during secondary school also leads to higher rates of adult employment success for all categories of disability (Luecking & Fabian, 2000). In addition, youth with disabilities who participate in work-based learning activities have more successful postschool outcomes, including maintaining employment and continuing with post-secondary education and training.
Although work-based learning activities vary from school
to school, research has shown that they are a best practice to improve high school outcomes for youth with disabilities. In fact, several federal policies support the implementation of work-based learning, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Adult Education Act, Goals 2000, and the School to Work Opportunities Act (which ended in September 2001 at the federal level but is still funded in some
states).
References
Colley, D. A., & Jamison, D. (1998). Postschool
results for youth with disabilities: Key indicators and policy implications.
Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 21(2),
145-60.
Luecking, R. G., & Fabian, E. S. (2000). Paid
internships and employment success for youth in transition. Career
Development for Exceptional Individuals, 23(2), 205-21.
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