Department of Education

 

GDForum ID: 2776

Description of Proposed Guidance Document Changes

The development of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide incorporates Virginia’s new direction in shaping the Work-Based Learning landscape. The CTE High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide is designed to support educators, administrators, and industry partners in supporting CTE High Quality Work-Based Learning programs across Virginia. By leveraging the principles of the 3E Readiness Framework, the CTE High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide creates cohesive and impactful learning experiences to prepare students for success in their chosen pathways. The CTE High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide addresses a wide range of Work-Based Learning content with three primary sections, the History of Work-Based Learning in Virginia, Redefining High-Quality Work-Based Learning, and Developing Work-Based Learning Programs. Additionally, the CTE High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide has an Appendix with links to a comprehensive Toolkit Resources List. The History of Work-Based Learning in Virginia section recollects the rich Work-Based Learning history in Virginia recognizing the value of hands-on learning experiences in bridging the gap between knowledge and real-world application. This section includes the introduction of Work-Based Learning as a graduation requirement and the importance of Work-Based Learning in Virginia’s Education System. The Redefining High-Quality Work-Based Learning section focuses on the Board defined High Quality Work-Based Learning experiences that are integrated into Virginia's 3E Readiness 1 Framework with an across-the-board approach to accountability designed to prepare high school students for success in one of three postsecondary pathways: employment, enlistment, or enrollment in higher education. This section includes the 2025 Board of Education approved definition for High-Quality Work-Based Learning experiences, the High-Quality Work-Based Learning Types, and the criteria for the evaluation of HQWBL experience. While the new definition of High-Quality Work-Based Learning narrows what Virginia will consider for graduation requirements and inclusion in the 3E Readiness Framework, it does not negate the need for a broad continuum of Work-Based Learning experiences for students. In Virginia, students will be provided with multiple opportunities to build awareness of careers, explore potential career options, and begin to build the technical and durable skills needed for success. While this CTE High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide focuses on only those experiences that have been defined as “high quality” by the Virginia Board of Education, it is important to note these experiences exist within a broader continuum of Work-Based Learning experiences that students should engage in throughout their academic career. The broader continuum of Work-Based Learning includes cooperative education, externship, job shadowing, and service-learning experiences. The Developing Work-Based Learning Programs section includes the roles of business and industry, guidance for business and industry partners and school division personnel, safety and liability information, and federal and state regulations.

 

Guidance Document(s) for this Comment Forum

Document ID	Document Title	Current Document	Proposed Document	Revised Proposed
7937	Career and Technical Education High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide	n/a	Proposed Document		Posted with original changes on 11/25/2025

 

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