Description: This free, day long pre-conference course is tailored for educators who previously completed Cooperative Education coursework and are now eager to explore key concepts from the updated Illinois Work-based Learning (WBL) Manual as it aligns with Perkins V. This session will include updated best practices for WBL, practical tools and resources for enhancing WBL initiatives, strategies for overcoming common challenges in WBL programs as well as provide non-regulatory guidance and points of consideration when implementing a WBL program. The goal is to ensure that educators are well-equipped to provide high-quality, impactful WBL experiences for their students. Educators attending this course will receive a free copy of the updated WBL manual. Completion of the course will require participants to provide input and feedback on the session and a plan detailing how they will implement the newly learned topics into their WBL program. Feedback and the implementation plan are due two weeks after the conference. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a renewal notation on their WBL designation. This renewal notation ensures educators stay current with WBL standards and meet ISBE’s five-year WBL renewal requirement. This session will guide final development of the WBL renewal program that will be used to train all regional EFEs and/or their designees. The goal is to build local capacity and enhance the EFEs ability to offer this course locally. Limited to 50 participants on a first come, first serve basis. Cost: Free
