This course introduces basic laws, rules, and procedures relevant to teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses that involve work-based learning (WBL) at the secondary school level in Texas. Because state and federal laws change frequently, it also explains how to find current laws, rules, and guidelines related to WBL. Teachers will learn what authentic WBL is and how to ensure students learn the skills and knowledge appropriate for their career pathway through collaborative partnerships with local employers. This material is available for view only in the Texas Gateway and a certificate is not awarded. Referenced quizzes are not available.

This section provides an overview of general state and federal education laws and rules related to work-based learning (WBL).

This section discusses local school policies pertain to work-based learning (WBL), as well as how those policies are typically applied in Texas high schools.

This section describes Texas Education Agency (TEA) rules related to work-based learning (WBL), with an emphasis on Section V of the Student Attendance Accounting Handbook (SAAH) and rules regarding career preparation and practicum courses. In addition, it provides a brief overview of career and technical education (CTE) funding and coding guidelines.

This section explains what a work-based learning (WBL) training plan is, how it is used, why it is important, and how to correctly complete it.

This section describes workplace laws and rules that must be considered when overseeing student work-based learning (WBL) experiences and where to find additional information and resources related to the laws and rules.

This section explains how to identify and select appropriate training stations for students’ WBL experiences, and ensure that training sponsors understand their responsibilities.

This section defines basic work-based learning (WBL) concepts and terminology, specifically those concepts and terms related to career preparation and practicum courses that are taught as part of career and technical education (CTE) programs in Texas schools. In addition, it introduces the duties and tasks that teachers assigned to career preparation and practicum courses are expected to perform during a typical school year.

This section describes the records that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires work-based learning (WBL) teacher-coordinators to verify, produce, and/or maintain to comply with federal and state laws and policies.

This section explains the critical tasks and typical timeline for implementing work-based learning (WBL) in career preparation and practicum courses.

This section explores some classroom practices that experienced work-based learning (WBL) instructors recommend for implementing the classroom component of WBL. Learners will learn strategies that will help them establish expectations, manage the WBL classroom, work with special populations, and much more. 

The primary purpose of career and technical education (CTE) is to prepare students for life beyond high school by helping them develop the academic, technical, and employability skills needed to pursue their chosen career. Participating in a work-based learning (WBL) experience is a major milestone on a CTE student’s career pathway. This section describes the WBL instructor’s critical role in preparing students for the transition from high school to the next phase of their life journey. It includes the definition of “college and career readiness,” a description of post-secondary opportunities for students, and a list of recommended WBL activities for students.