1. (a)

   1. (1) Work-based learning (WBL) is the umbrella term that all WBL opportunities fall under.
   2. (2) These can include noncredit options such as job shadowing, skill-based projects, career fairs, industry tours, guest speakers from industry, etc.
   3. (3) WBL is the nationally recognized term for all experiences that involve stakeholders.
   4. (4) WBL includes industry-focused experiences that provide an opportunity for students to explore and engage in the learning and skills necessary to prepare them for the future workforce.

2. (b)

   1. (1)

      1. (A) (b)(1)(A) The Perkins V federal definition of work-based learning is “sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution that foster in-depth, first-hand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.”
      2. (B) Page 31, Perkins V: The Official Guide to Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

   2. (2) The sustained interactions to meet federal requirements are through WBL courses outlined below:

      1. (A) Internship;
      2. (B) Career practicum; and
      3. (C) Preapprentice.

3. (c)

   1. (1) Students can engage in WBL opportunities and courses including both classroom instruction and worksite experience.
   2. (2) A training plan shall be developed between the student, teacher, and workplace supervisor.
   3. (3) The WBL coordinator and the workplace mentor will evaluate the student.

4. (d) Additional details about these WBL courses include:

   1. (1) Internship.

      1. (A) The Internship course may be paid or unpaid.
      2. (B) The course will serve as an introductory work experience course for ten to twelve (10-12) grade students.
      3. (C) This course is eligible for an employer tax credit according to Arkansas Code § 26-51-509.
      4. (D) This course does not count toward completer status.
      5. (E) (E) Please refer to the Internship Instructor Manual for specific details: https://dcte.ade.arkansas.gov/Page/WorkBasedLearning.

   2. (2) Career practicum.

      1. (A) (A) The career practicum course is a paid or unpaid work experience that aligns to a student’s program of study offered to students in grades eleven to twelve (11-12) to help students transition successfully from high school to career.
      2. (B) To be eligible, students shall:

5. (i) Be at least sixteen (16) years of age;

   1. (ii) Be in good academic standing as deemed by the school;

      1. (iii) Have completed at least two (2) courses in an approved program of study; and

         1. (iv) Have a student success plan that includes courses in an approved program of study.
      2. (C) This course is eligible for an employer tax credit according to Acts 2017, No. 1042.
      3. (D) It is considered an eligible course for completer status following the completion of concentration in a single program of study.
      4. (E) (E) Please refer to the Career Practicum Instructor Manual for specific details: https://dcte.ade.arkansas.gov/Page/WorkBasedLearning.

   2. (3) Preapprenticeship.

      1. (A) (A) The preapprenticeship program is a program that provides instruction or training to increase math, literacy, and other vocational and prevocational skills needed to enter a registered apprenticeship program.
      2. (B) Preapprenticeship programs are not registered with the United States Department of Labor during the term of the preapprenticeship training or federally vetted.
      3. (C) A high-quality preapprenticeship program should have a minimum of one (1) registered apprenticeship partner or a strong relationship with at least one (1) apprenticeship program, feature training and curriculum that aligns with the program, and include a wide range of support services designed specifically to help participants succeed.
      4. (D) Please refer to the Pre-Apprenticeship Instructor Manual for specific details: https://dcte.ade.arkansas.gov/Page/WorkBasedLearning.

Codification Notes: Acts 2017, No. 1042, is codified at Arkansas Code § 26-51-509.