Work Based Learning (WBL)

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has issued new diploma requirements for students in the Classes of 2029 and beyond. Included in these new rules is the opportunity for students to earn Honors Seals. Work Based Learning (WBL) is a component of the requirements for two of the seals. This agreement outlines the procedures for Saint Joseph High School based on the IDOE requirements for WBL.

What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning is defined as sustained interaction between participants and industry professionals in real or simulated workplace settings. These experiences foster authentic work experience and develop knowledge, skills, and competencies. Experiences support participants in career exploration and readiness and are intentionally aligned and evaluated with course and training competencies. (Indiana Department of Education)

WBL may include multiple experiences that are paid, unpaid, on-site, or simulated. WBL is a requirement for the following Indiana Diploma Seals:

• Enrollment Honors Plus Seal (75 hour minimum)
• Employment Honors Seal (150 hour minimum; additional requirements apply)

Students can work at a maximum of three different sites in order to fulfill WBL hours. At least 25 hours must be logged at any site in order to qualify for WBL hours. Hours can be earned at any point in the year, including summer breaks. Students can use service hours to count towards both Saint Joe Christian Service requirements and WBL requirements.

Requirements for Successful Completion
1. Partnership Agreement and Training Plan
All WBL experiences require a written partnership agreement and training plan between the participant, parent or guardian, school, and employer partner(s). This agreement is intended to ensure that the WBL experience is educational, safe, and mutually beneficial to all parties, and meets the IDOE requirements to qualify for WBL. 

Students are responsible for submitting the written partnership agreement to their counselor at the start of the WBL experience. Partnership agreements are accepted at any point in the year. 

2. Portfolio of Work
At the end of the experience, students will submit a portfolio of work demonstrating the skills and competencies identified in the partnership agreement. The portfolio will be submitted to the mentor/supervisor and to Saint Joe. Feedback will be provided by the mentor/supervisor.

3. Verified Log of Hours
Logs must be submitted to their counselor (with their Portfolio of Work) within one month of completing hours at the site. Hours must be verified by the mentor/supervisor.

Only logs submitted to their counselor prior to May 1st of the student’s senior year can be applied towards one of the Honors Seals.

Students/Interns:

• The student agrees to report to their assigned WBL site on time and adhere to the established schedule. 
• The student agrees to comply with the organization’s policies and procedures.
• The student will conduct themselves in a professional manner, demonstrating responsibility, respect, integrity, and work ethic.
•  The student understands that this experience is for educational purposes and will actively engage in learning tasks assigned by the employer.
• The student agrees to communicate promptly with both their site supervisor and Saint Joe regarding any concerns or scheduling conflicts.
• The student is responsible for submitting the WBL Agreement, the Portfolio of Work, and Verified Log of Hours to their school counselor within the required timeframes.

Parents/Guardians:

• The parents/guardians will support their student’s participation by encouraging punctuality, professionalism, communication, and work ethic.
• The parents/guardians understand that Saint Joe is not responsible for transportation or any incidents that occur while traveling to and from the WBL site.
• The parent/guardians understand that successful completion of WBL hours does not guarantee the student will earn an Honors Seal as there are other requirements that must be met for each Honors Seal.

WBL Site Mentors/Supervisors:

• The mentor/supervisor will provide adequate training to the intern.
• The mentor/supervisor will provide feedback to the intern throughout the experience.
• The mentor/supervisor will evaluate and provide feedback on the final portfolio.
• The site will provide adequate staffing so that no student intern will be expected to perform duties without supervision.

Saint Joe School Counselor:

• The student’s school counselor will review the agreement and training plan and provide feedback, if necessary.
• The student’s school counselor will maintain a record of all submitted materials.

Click here to create a copy of the WBL Agreement Template for personal use.

Once completed, print the agreement, obtain the required signatures, and submit to your school counselor.

See your school counselor.