Elements of Quality Worksite Learning

Susan Goldberger, Richard Kazis and Mary Kathleen O’Flanagan of Jobs for the Future, in their publication Learning Through Work: Designing and Implementing Quality Worksite Learning for High School Students published by the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC) suggested the following “ten elements” that should be in place in any high quality community or work-based learning experience:

1. Partners formally agree on the goals of the work-based program and how to achieve them.
2. Student learning at the workplace progresses according to a structured plan.
3. Work-based experiences promote the development of broad, transferable skills.
4. School-based activities help students distill and deepen lessons of work experience.
5. Student learning at the worksite is documented and assessed.
6. The program prepares students to enter the workplace.
7. Students receive ongoing support and counseling.
8. The program provides orientation, training, and ongoing support to worksite and school staff.
9. Administrative structures are established to coordinate and manage the worksite component.
10. Mechanisms exist to assure the quality of students’ work-based learning experiences.