Our First Run at PLEs

2013 February CTE ConferenceJim Means, CTE DirectorChrissy Davis, Instructor

Goals for the day:

• Embrace the value of PLEs• Review the PLE structure• Work through the forms which will document

PLE activities• Plan first 9-week’s PLE

Change is a four step process…

denial

Step Two: Anger

ANGER

Step Three: Adjustment

adjustment

acceptance

If you aren’t quite to acceptance yet, just make sure you are past…

Embrace the concept of professional learning experiences!

Why? (you may ask)

What is an employer looking for in a potential employee?

What are the characteristics, skills and/or values most sought after by employers?

• Good work ethic• Communication skills – written , spoken

and listening• Ability to work individually and in

teams• A positive attitude• The ability to learn

PLEs are intended to expand the very best of our traditional OJT and work programs to a broader range of activities and experiences.

• Helping students develop ‘soft skills’• The value and importance of networking and relationships• Hands on learning• Helping students understand and become comfortable with a

work environment• Connects classroom learning/work to careers• Motivates students• Connects students, employers and CTSOs

PLEs can be positive and impactful experiences for our students that complete the instruction cycle of a pathway.

If the positive potential doesn’t outweigh the possible challenges to convince you, there is always this…

Why do we have to do this?Because they told us so!

Types of PLEs

Work-based learning – mentor supervised• Take place at a workplace• Are pre-determined to meet student outcomes• Examples: internships, and health-related clinicals

• Current examples:

Types of PLEs

Community-based learning – mentor or teacher supervised• Provide service linked to skills necessary to meet

human/community needs• Can involve working closely with service providers• Examples: project-based service learning, community-

based experiences

• Current examples:

Types of PLEs

School-based learning – teacher supervised• Created within the school building but follow industry

procedures and practices• Meets school need for a technical skill• Examples: live work, supervised entrepreneurial

experiences

• Current examples:

Common Career Technical Core – Career Ready Practices

1. Responsible and contributing citizen and employee2. Appropriate academic and technical skills3. Attend to personal and financial well-being4. Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason5. Consider environmental, social and economic impacts of

decisions6. Demonstrate creativity and innovation7. Employ valid and reliable research skills8. Utilize critical thinking skills to understand and solve problems9. Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management10.Education and career planning aligned with personal goals11.Use technology to enhance productivity12.Work productively in teams using cultural/global competence

Teacher Supervised PLE – Summary

Expectations:• Every student in a designated application level class is expected

to complete a documented PLE as part of the class• At least one PLE every 9 weeks• First 9-weeks PLE must be planned and in place with proper

documentation by Sept. 20th even if the activity takes place after Sept. 20th

Documents which must be kept on file at the school for 5 years:• PLE Agreement with student, parent and teacher signature• PLE Plan which may be an individual or group plan• PLE Improvement Plan (if needed) with student, parent and

teacher signature• PLE Work Log• End of PLE Evaluation

Mentor Supervised PLE – Summary

Expectations:• Every student in a designated application level class is expected to

complete a documented PLE as part of the class• At least one PLE every 9 weeks• First 9-weeks PLE must be planned and in place with proper

documentation by Sept. 20th even if the activity takes place after Sept. 20th

Documents which must be completed (underlined items to auditors):• PLE Agreement with student, parent and teacher signature• PLE Plan with student, parent and teacher signature• PLE Confidentiality Form – on file at school for 5 years• PLE Orientation to the Workplace – on file at school for 5 years• PLE Improvement Plan (if needed) with student, parent and teacher

signature – on file at school for 5 years• PLE Work Log• End of PLE Evaluation – on file at school for 5 years

Jim MeansExecutive Director, CTEWichita Public Schools

316.973.4511jmeans2@usd259.nett