Continuum

The State of Illinois Career Pathways Dictionary has defined a continuum of work-based learning experiences for all students that addresses Career Awareness, Career exploration and Career Development. This is accomplished through a series of career-focused classroom activities, workplace exposures, and community experiences over time.

Classroom activities support and provide opportunities to reflect what’s learned in the workplace and community, and workplace learning experiences support the classroom curriculum. In addition, students are supported by and provided role models and guidance from adults in the school and in the workplace. Students are provided experiences that are commensurate with their knowledge, skills, and abilities, and are designed to support the acquisition of knowledge and skills. These experiences are also compatible with their age and stage of development.

All students are provided with a full range of opportunities throughout their engagement in career related programs of study with the opportunity to participate in authentic work-based learning experiences at each level of the work-based learning continuum. Employers and community partners provide work-based learning opportunities that make sense for their organization, work for the business, and provide direct benefits to the student, the employer and the school.