WBL FAQs

What grade does a student need to be in for WBL?

Students should be a Junior (11th grade) or Senior (12th grade) and at least 16 years old.
Sophomores (10th grade) can enroll with special approval from the WBL Coordinator.

What are the expectations for WBL Students?

WBL students must show maturity, responsibility, and professionalism—at school and on the job. This includes passing grades, strong attendance, good behavior, and communication with the WBL Coordinator and employer.
How acceptance is decidedApplications are reviewed using the current semester (or most recent semester if applying over summer/start of year). Decisions fall into three categories:

Accepted – student meets requirements
Flagged for Review – student may be reconsidered if improvements are shown
Denied – student does not meet minimum requirements

Areas reviewed

On track for graduation
Passing all classes
Attendance (no excessive tardies or unexcused absences)
Behavior (no ISS/OSS for current/most recent semester)
CTSO membership (priority for active members)
Core values: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility

*Teacher feedback from current or recent classes may be requested during the review process.

Can a student be removed from WBL?

Yes. Students may be removed from the program for not meeting academic, attendance, or behavior expectations. This includes consistently missing assignments, falling behind in other classes, accumulating unexcused absences or tardies, or receiving disciplinary referrals that result in ISS or OSS.
Work-Based Learning is a privilege, and students are expected to represent themselves, the school, and the WBL program in a professional and responsible manner at all times.

What type of job does a student need to have?

Work-Based Learning allows students to be in job placements related to their future career goals and interests. Ideally, the job placement will also coincide with the high school pathway(s) they are working to complete or have already completed. However, some students work in other placements, such as fast food, grocery stores, etc., where they learn valuable employability skills and possibly have leadership opportunities if they advance into higher positions.

Does any kind of work count?

No. Typically, students must be with employers that possess a valid business license and meet all legal requirements. Reach out to the WBL coordinator if you are unsure about a job meeting qualifications.

How many hours will a student need to work?

Required hours are determined by the number of WBL periods your student is scheduled. Students must meet or exceed the required monthly hours each month they are enrolled in WBL.
1 period = 30 hours per month (7.5 hours per week)
2 periods = 60 hours per month (15 hours per week)
3 periods = 90 hours per month (22.5 hours per week)
*Students cannot take more than three periods of WBL per semester

When does a student have to work their hours?

Hours do NOT have to be worked during the assigned WBL period(s). Students can work nights and/or weekends to meet their hour requirements.

Will WBL fit into the high school schedule? Can you have a specific period for WBL?

Academics and graduation requirements come first! Please speak with a counselor to determine which classes could be switched to WBL and how many periods of WBL can be added per semester. While many students want a specific period for WBL, the other classes in their schedule will determine if that preference is possible.

I have applied for WBL. What's next?

After submitting your application, you will be notified by email if you are accepted. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Space is limited, and some students may be placed on a waiting list.

If accepted, follow the steps outlined in your acceptance letter. The WBL Coordinator will contact your counselor to initiate your schedule change.

What is the "school side" of WBL?

WBL is a very different type of class than traditional school courses. Most of the work and requirements are completed DIGITALLY/VIRTUALLY and have specific due dates that students must meet. WBL Students are REQUIRED to join the WBL Google Classroom (students are added to their WBL Google Classroom once accepted). For more information on assignments, please see the Monthly Requirements Calendar.

Do students have to attend any WBL classes in person?

Yes. Classes vary from attending Career Fairs, listening to guest speakers, individual meetings, and more. When in-person classes are scheduled (typically one day a month), WBL students are REQUIRED to attend. Dates for in-person classes are given well in advance so students can plan work hours, appointments, and other commitments around those dates. Students must communicate with the coordinator BEFORE the scheduled class date if they will miss class for any reason. Missing classes are not an option! Missed classes may be REQUIRED to be made up another day or after school, regardless of the reason the class is missed. Unexcused absences may still result in a zero.

How is communication handled in WBL?

All notifications about grades, concerns, assignments, and deadlines are sent electronically through student email, Google Classroom, and Infinite Campus Messenger. Students are responsible for checking these platforms regularly to stay informed.
If concerns arise, the WBL Coordinator will meet with the student in person to address them.
Parents are notified through Infinite Campus Messenger so there is a clear record of communication, but are always welcome to reach out directly with questions or concerns.

What if a student is not meeting expectations?

Students who fall behind on assignments, receive discipline referrals, or fail to meet program expectations may be removed from WBL and/or prohibited from re-enrolling. Work-Based Learning is a privilege, and professionalism is expected at all times.

If a WBL student is assigned ISS do they have to serve during their WBL period(s)?

Yes. This is non-negotiable. If a student is assigned ISS for a disciplinary issue, they must remain in ISS for the entire school day. It is the student’s responsibility to inform their employer if this conflicts with their scheduled work hours.

Work-Based Learning FAQs