High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) & High-Quality WBL Guide (Virginia's CTE Resource Center)
Description:
Since 2018, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has included high-quality work-based learning (WBL) as one of the options for meeting state graduation requirements. To graduate, students are required to either complete:
- An Advanced Placement, honors, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment course; or
- Participate in an HQWBL experience; or
- Earn a CTE credential.
HQWBL includes school-coordinated work experiences that appeal to the student's career interests, are integrated with instruction, and are created in collaboration with local businesses.
These experiences allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. The VDOE recognizes 12 experiences. CTE programs in Virginia public schools help students become career ready through these HQWBL experiences, classroom instruction, and career and technical student organizations to further reinforce learning.
High-Quality WBL Guide
This implementation guide focuses on the 12 types of high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) methods of instruction used in Virginia, along with opportunities for students to earn one credit toward graduation in addition to any credit earned through the associated CTE course in cooperative education, internship, entrepreneurship, youth registered apprenticeship, and supervised agricultural experience for completing 280 hours of work experience and one-half credit for 140 hours of work experience in mentorship. It includes Virginia regulations and guidelines for the administration of HQWBL and provides training materials for high-quality work-based learning coordinators. School divisions should use this guide to implement HQWBL offerings locally.