August 18, 2015

Dear Work-Based Learning Student:

Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the Work-Based Learning Program. It is the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career pathway.

Through participation in Work-Based Learning, classroom learning is combined with work experience. Along the way you will be expected to meet certain standards. Knowing what is expected of you at school and during your worksite experience will help you to succeed, so take the time to read the following pages carefully.

With the honor of being released from school to work on a related job site comes a responsibility involving career commitment and continued effort on your part. The fact that you have been selected shows that you are willing to strive for success and build a foundation for your future career.

Thomas County High School’s WBL Program will adhere to policies and practices which prohibit discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignment to work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay.

Best wishes as you begin on this new venture. I wish you success and pledge my support in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Michelle AusleyWork-Based Learning Coordinator

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Work-Based Learning students are expected to excel in three major areas: academic performance, school and workplace behavior, and job performance.

As a work-based learning student, you must maintain a C average at school and have a good attendance record. You may take advantage of many support services to help you achieve these goals, but you have to do the work! Failure to meet either of these goals can result in termination from the program and possible loss of credit.

To participate in work-based learning, you must demonstrate acceptable behavior at school and at the worksite. You are expected to follow the standards of behavior of your local school system as well as at the worksite.

You are to follow any additional standards required by your job site. Standards of behavior at the job site will be discussed during orientation.

Guidelines Are Included In This Handbook For The Following:

Attention to Personal Appearance Commitment of Time Handling Personal Relationships Following Instructions Interacting with Authority Courtesy Training Plans Attendance Policy Tips for Succeeding on the Job Portfolio Journal

ORIENTATION TO THE WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM

Students should read the Student Handbook carefully. All requirements concerning student behavior, grades, and employment are contained within this handbook. If a student has a question, they should see his/her Work-Based Learning Coordinator for help.

Thomas County High School’s WBL Program will adhere to policies and practices which prohibit discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignment to work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay.

The following list contains the names of the forms that must be submitted at the beginning of school. This documentation will become part of your Portfolio.

Application (signed by student and parent/guardian) Three Teacher Recommendations (signed by teachers) Work Permit (signed by student and employer) Training Agreement (signed by student, parent, employer, and WBL

Coordinator) Training Plan (signed by student, employer, and WBL Coordinator) Parking Decal Number Auto Insurance Card (copy)

WORK PERMITS

In Georgia, an Employment Certificate, commonly referred to as a work permit, must be on file for anyone under the age of 18 seeking employment. A copy of the work permit form may be obtained from Mrs. Ausley or the Thomas County Central High School Guidance Office. The form contains three sections. Section one will be completed by the student. The student will need to supply their full, legal name, address, parent/guardian’s name, date of birth, age, race, gender, social security number, and home phone number. Section two will be completed by the employer, and section three will be completed by a certified official of the Thomas County Central High School Guidance Office.

Mrs. Ausley will give each student one copy of the work permit data sheet. If a student needs another copy, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the work permit data sheet from the Thomas County Central High School official and fill out section one. Take the work permit to the employer who will in turn fill out section two with the business name, address, type of industry, student’s job duties, student’s hours, signature of employer and current date. The employer will return the work permit to the student who will then carry the form to Mrs. Ausley. At this time, Mrs. Ausley will send the completed form to the Thomas County Central High School Guidance Office for the official to complete section three, issue work permit form and return a copy of the form to Mrs. Ausley. The student must give the employer a copy of the work permit form to keep on file. The Work-Based Learning Coordinator will keep a copy of the student work permit form data sheet on file as proof that the student has obtained a work permit.

In the event a student is already 18, a copy of the student’s driver’s license may be submitted in place of the work permit.

WORK HOUR REQUIREMENTS

Course credit is based on contact hours comparable to seat time in other CTAE courses. Students released from school for one period must work 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Students released from school for two periods must work 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Students who are released from school for three periods

must work 15 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Depending where a student is employed and his/her work schedule, some students will work weekends and those hours will count, too.

A student in a WBL placement all year would earn one credit (per period) for 180 hours of work.

WORK WAGE REPORTS

The Monthly Work Wage Report is one of the most important documents required by the Work-Based Learning Coordinator. Each Work-Based Learning student will be given a work wage calendar for semester. The report consists of the student’s name, date of the report, supervisor’s signature, and student’s signature.

The most essential part of the report, however, is the section for weekly time and earnings summary. The WBL student will enter the time started and the time ended for each day worked. The student will then calculate the total number of hours worked to the nearest quarter hour (i.e. 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, or 5:45). If a student works a quarter of an hour, the entry will be .25 hours, for half an hour, the entry is .5, and for three quarters of an hour, the entry is .75. A student should not count individual minutes.

At the end of the week, the student will total the number hours worked for the week, Monday through Sunday, and multiply the total hours worked by the rate of pay to determine the Monthly Earnings. The student must sign the work wage report and will have his/her mentor sign the report, too.

Monthly Work Wage Reports are due to the Worked-Based Learning Coordinator on the 10th of every month (August Monthly Work Wage Reports will be turned in on September 10th. The report will be accepted through the 12th of the month without penalty. If it is submitted after the 12th of the month, points (3) will be deducted for each day it is late. Points will also be deducted if the total hours and weekly earnings are not correctly calculated. Additional points will be subtracted for missing data.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The Work-Based Learning experience is designed to instill the importance of positive work habits and attitudes both on the job and in the classroom.

You Must Assume Responsibility for Regular Attendance at:

your school your work site on the assigned days

Remember, if you do not attend school you cannot report to the job site except by special permission.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CALL YOUR WORK-BASED LEARNING COORDINATOR WHEN YOU WILL BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL. Each week of school is worth 100 points (20 points for each day). Failure to call your Work-Based Learning Coordinator or your employer will result in a deduction of 20 points from your weekly attendance grade. Failure to sign-out with your Work-Based Learning Coordinator will result in a deduction of 20 points each day from your weekly attendance grade. In addition, you will also be marked absent.

YOUR ATTENDANCE WILL AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDIT.It is also important in your evaluation by both your employer and teacher.

YOU MUST GO TO WORK EVERY DAY THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE. You are an employee of the business and your employer depends on you to be at work every day. Your employer assigns you important work every day and if you are absent then that work is not completed. YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE BUSINESS PARTNER and you must follow the same rules as other employees.

* If you are sick and cannot attend work, you MUST call your employer BEFORE you are scheduled to begin work that day. You should always carry your employer’s number and your coordinator’s number with you.

* If you know you will be unable to attend work in advance, for example, you must take a test at school, let your employer know why you are going to be absent and the days you will be absent.

* We STRONGLY encourage you to schedule all doctor and dentist appointments outside of your work hours; however, should you have an appointment, let your employer know PRIOR to the day of the appointment.

* If you are absent due to a death in the family, you must call or have someone else call your employer and coordinator.

* Unexpected absences are considered to be evidence of undesirable work behavior and are STRONGLY discouraged.

* No show to work, without a phone call and/or prior approval:

First Offense -written warning Second Offense - possible removal from the program

Mrs. Ausley, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, will have sign-in/out sheets for each day of school. You will need to sign-in/out at the front office or PREP office each day. First, locate your name on the sign-in/out sheet. Then, you will need to indicate the exact time you are signing in/out to return or leave campus. In other words, if you leave campus early, you must sign-out at the front office or PREP office each day. If you attend work before going to school each morning, then you are to sign in the exact time that you arrived on campus. Again, failure to do so will result in a deduction of 20 points from your weekly attendance grade. You may NOT have someone else sign you in/out. It is your responsibility to handle your own obligations.

Attendance at school and work is extremely important. You cannot learn if you are not in class or on your job. Your work placement is an extension of school. You are allowed to miss no more than five days of school per semester unless extenuating circumstances arise (example: medical emergency with documentation provided). There is rarely a good excuse for being tardy; therefore, you should have no more than five tardies per semester.

EMPLOYABILITY TRAITS

There are ten major topics that have been identified as important employability traits or skills that each employee should possess. Students will develop and improve their employability skills through the development of materials in their journal and portfolio. In addition, guest speakers, seminars, and training will be conducted during meetings to assist students in employability skills development.

Each Work-Based Learning student will be evaluated on his/her employability skills twice per semester and the WBL student will be evaluated on the technical skills that are listed on the training plan once per semester. A possible 140 points may be earned on the Employability Traits Evaluation. The grading scale is shown below.

126 – 140 points = A112 – 126 points = B100 – 111 points = CBelow 100 points =F

TIPS FOR SUCCEEDING ON THE JOB

Listed below are some tips that will help you succeed on the job:

* Be neat and clean.* Dress appropriately for the work environment.* Be friendly and courteous.* Keep yourself occupied at all times. If you have a job to do--do it. If you don't have

something to do, ask your mentor.* If you have a work related problem, it is your responsibility to talk with your mentor first.* If the problems continue consult with your Work-Based Learning Coordinator.* If you have a problem with school and assignments, it is your responsibility to talk

with your Work-Based Learning Coordinator immediately!* Take criticism without resentment and learn from constructive criticism.* Don't make excuses. Chronic excuse makers are rarely believed.* Give your best effort at all times. Remember, your job is important.* You are entitled to respect on your job. Your mentor and your fellow workers are

also entitled to respect. Give the same courtesy you expect in return.* Always notify your mentor if you are going to be absent. Attendance at school and

work is a must.

* Ask questions if you do not understand directions or if you need more information to do your job.

PERSONAL DRESS AND APPEARANCE

It's easy to maintain a professional look at all times at the workplace if you follow these guidelines:

Dress appropriately for the worksite. Keep your hair well groomed and in an appropriate style. If you have a uniform, keep it clean. Keep make-up, perfume and jewelry to a minimum. Jewelry should include

only a watch, class ring, and one other ring on opposite hand. Limit earrings to one pair (not dangling).

If you are unsure of the dress code, you will definitely need to ask your employer.

Once you begin working, you will be instructed about appropriate dress for your job.

DO NOT WEAR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AT THE WORKPLACE: Hats, jeans, shorts, miniskirts, sandals, sheer or low-cut blouses, tank tops, spandex, and cropped blouses that show your stomach or back.

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Performing your duties correctly will help you achieve success on the job. Responsible workers have learned that following all instructions from their employers or fellow workers completely and accurately guarantees that the job will be done right!

Follow These Steps:

1. LISTEN: Concentrate on the instructions you are receiving. Pay attention to the details, they will be important when you are completing the task. Look at the person while listening.

2. TAKE NOTES: Write down important details as you receive your instructions. You can refer to your notes as you complete the task.

3. ASK QUESTIONS: Be sure you understand the instructions. If you do not, ask your employer to repeat them or explain them further. You can be sure that your employer would rather repeat instructions than you having to repeat a task if it is not done correctly!

4. FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY: Don't try to create a short cut by leaving a step out. The task may not make sense to you, but if you follow the instructions exactly, you will get it done correctly.

COURTESY

Showing courtesy to both your supervisor and your fellow workers will make a difference.

Remember These Easy Guidelines:

Be courteous to fellow workers and others. Always say "please" and "thank you." Make courtesy a habit. Treat co-workers, patients, customers, and/or clients with respect and

sensitivity.

HANDLING PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Personal calls during work hours are not allowed. Do NOT use your cell phone while at work. Parents should only call in the case of an extreme emergency on the company phone.

Socializing is limited to break time and lunch.

Visiting fellow students during work hours is not permitted.

INTERACTING WITH AUTHORITY

The relationship you have with your employer will be one of the most important relationships you will have during your Work-Based Learning experience. Applying the guidelines you have already read and the advice below will help you have the best possible relationship with your mentor and employer.

Always treat your mentor, employer, and customer/client with courtesy and respect

If you need something, ask for it, do not demand it.

Accept constructive criticism:o Listen to ito Learn from it

o Do not feel put down

Constructive criticism is meant to help you improve your future work performance. It is an important part of working. If you accept what is being said, you can learn what to do the next time.

GRADING

Grades are an important part of the Work-Based Learning program. In order to help students keep an average that will help them succeed in high school, at work, and post-secondary the following guidelines have been established:

* At the end of each grading period the Work-Based Learning Coordinator will check the student's grades. It is the STUDENT'S responsibility to take a copy of their Progress/Report Card to the Work-Based Learning Coordinator as directed.

* In the event that the student has not maintained a C average or better the student will be placed on probationary status until the next grading period.

* In the event that the student's grades have not improved by the next grading period (brought up to C average), the student's grades will be reviewed for possible removal from the program.

Grading Scale:

GRADING SCALEPROJECTS (Portfolio and Journal Assignments) 30%EMPLOYER EVALUATIONS (Technical Skills and Employability Skills) 40%

WORK/WAGE REPORTS 20%WORK ETHICS (attending one WBL meeting per month and signing in or out daily) 10%

Failure to successfully complete ALL ASSIGNMENTS may jeopardize future participation in the Work-Based Learning Program.

MENTORS

What is a Mentor?

“Mentor” was the name of a loyal friend and advisor of Odysseus in Greek Mythology and the teacher of Odysseus’ son. The term mentor has become associated with assistance to an individual. It is commonplace to hear mentor described as a teacher, friend, advocate, trainer, coach, role model, and develop of talent. A worksite mentor can play an important part in assisting an apprentice in developing the skill and competency required for success in the workforce. With this thought in mind, the following is information to help you understand the role of your mentor.

An integral part of the Work-Based Learning Program is a supportive adult, referred to as a mentor, who is linked with the Work-Based Learning student. A mentor provides guidance and encouragement to the Work-Based Learning student as well as being involved in the teaching of work tasks and job responsibilities to the student.

Many different individuals may be involved in teaching a Work-Based Learning student or a single person may take on the entire responsibility depending upon the size of the business. In either case, one individual in a business is usually designated as the mentor.

A mentor is a friend, a counselor, a tutor, a coach, a supervisor, someone you can trust.

This may be the first job for many of you, and you are unsure of what is required of you at your work site. Your mentor will be there to answer questions and encourage you so that you can succeed on the job.

Communication is very important. If you do not understand directions or are unclear about other certain information, you are encouraged to ask questions. Share information about yourself with your mentor. Your mentor wants to get to know you and your goals for the future. Like a coach, your mentor can train you for success in the world of work.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR WORK SITE

ASK YOUR MENTOR FIRST. You many then be directed to contact another person in the office. Your mentor will explain rules and safety standards and show you how to operate equipment needed to perform your job duties. REMEMBER, THE MENTOR IS THERE TO HELP YOU.

TRAINING PLANS

The training plan is a list of processes, knowledge, and skills that the Work-Based Learning student is expected to learn in the work-based learning experience. The training plan will be used by the employer, mentor, and the Work-Based Learning Coordinator to chart student progress.

The Work-Based Learning Coordinator, student, employer, and mentor will work together to prepare a training plan for the student that lists specific tasks and competencies to be learned on the job. This plan will outline the tasks, duties, and responsibilities that the student is expected to learn. The training will progress through a logical step-by-step process, which ensures that the type and rigor of skills are diverse and continually increase. The Work-Based Learning Coordinator will secure an evaluation from the employer and mentor each nine weeks on the tasks, duties, and responsibilities to aid in assigning the final nine weeks grade. The Employer Evaluation is 40% of the student’s grade.

WORK-BASED LEARNING MONTHLY MEETINGS

You are expected to attend meetings associated with the Work-Based Learning program throughout the year. Meeting requirements are as follows:

Attend the field trips and industry tours TBA. Attend the Employer Appreciation Luncheon on April 21, 2016, at 12 noon

location TBA. Attend all regular meetings on the dates and times specified below.

It is your responsibility to make arrangements for a work schedule that allows participation in the school-based component of this program. You are expected to make arrangements with your employer well in advance of your meeting requirements so that work schedules can be arranged to accommodate your needs.

If there is an issue with the employer’s willingness to participate in establishing your work schedule to accommodate required meetings, contact your Work-Based Learning Coordinator so that an intervention can be arranged. You should bring your portfolio notebook to all meetings.

Monthly meetings will be scheduled on Wednesday at 9:40 a.m. during BLUE and GOLD club day schedule. The student will be assigned to the Club of choice for the remainder of the school year. If the club day schedule does not meet the students work schedule, a meeting will be offered on the following Thursday of each club day

(Blue and Gold) at 7:30 a.m. All meetings will be held in room 125 located in the PREP building. The schedule of your regular meetings is as follows:

JOURNALS

The journal assignments and projects are very important parts of the Work-Based Learning experience. The journal assignments should be a minimum of one-page in length (double-spaced) and must be typed. There are deadline dates for each assignment with a penalty for late work. Journal assignments may be included in the portfolio assignments.

All work should be given to and will be graded by the Work-Based Learning Coordinator. Work that is not neat, grammatically incorrect, or words incorrectly spelled may be given back to the student to revise. Also, if the coordinator feels as if the student has turned in incomplete assignments, the journal or project may be given back for further work.

YEAR ONE (Examples)

1 st Semester, 1 st Nine Weeks

Job Description/Duties 20 pointsInterview with your Mentor 20

pointsObtain a copy of Company Policies and Procedures 10 pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 50

points

1 st Semester, 2 nd Nine Weeks

Describe Work Relationships with Co-Workers 20 pointsExplain Positive Work Ethics Related to Job 20 pointsExplain Your Role as a Team Player 20 pointsOutline Your Post-Secondary Plans 20 pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 20

points

First Semester

September 2 or 16

October 21 or 28

November 4 or 18

December 9

Second Semester

January 6 or 20

February 17

March 9 or 23

April 27

2 nd Semester, 3 rd Nine Weeks

Artifacts from a Visit to a Post-Secondary School 30 points

Report on a Citizenship/Community Service Activity 30 pointsDescribe Your Use of Excellent Customer Service Skills 20

pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 20

points

2 nd Semester, 4 th Nine Weeks

Letter of Introduction to Prospective Employers 20 points

Thank You Letter to Mentor and Employer 30 pointsAnalyze and Summarize Your WBL Experience 30

pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 20

points

YEAR TWO (Examples)

1 st Semester, 1 st Nine Weeks

Demonstrate to an employer you can handle more responsibility? 20 pointsWrite a poem about your job and include your feelings about work. 20 pointsAre you open to constructive criticism? 20 pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 40 points

1 st Semester, 2 nd Nine Weeks

A “Good Attitude” most desirable trait for an employee 20 pointsYour personal mission statement 20 pointsDescribe your work relationships with co-workers 20 pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 40 points

2 nd Semester, 3 rd Nine Weeks

Explain/Demonstrate an Innovative Accomplishment 25 pointsDescribe Incident which Highlights Self-Directed Accomplishment 25 pointsReport on a Citizenship/Community Service Activity 25 pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 25 points

2 nd Semester, 4 th Nine Weeks

Thank You Letter to Mentor and Employer 40 pointsAnalyze and Summarize Your WBL Experience 40 pointsPhoto Journal (2 Photos and a Paragraph Description of Each) 20 points

STUDENT PORTFOLIO

A portfolio is required for all students enrolled in the Work-Based Learning program. Thirty percent of your grade is based on your portfolio. You should obtain a three-ring binder at least 1-inch in thickness to serve as your portfolio. You will be responsible for organizing and maintaining your portfolio. You must bring your portfolio to all meetings. DO NOT LOSE IT! The portfolio is a way for you to organize your assignments and showcase your best work. It can be used when applying for post-secondary schools, financial aid, and jobs. Therefore, it should be kept in a professional manner with cover pages, dividers and tabs for all sections, etc. You will be required to update your portfolio at all meetings. All assignments must be typed and error-free.

All late work will receive penalties. Failure to complete a portfolio may result in credit not being awarded for the Work-Based Learning course.

The specifications and procedures will be specified by the Work-Based Learning Coordinator. The Portfolio is graded each month as part of the student’s Work-Based Learning evaluation.

What are the benefits of a portfolio?

The use of portfolios enables students to:

Discover, document, and develop their employability skills; Reinforce integration of academic skills, course-specific skills, and

employability skills; Reflect on their work and goal setting; Showcase their best work; Establish and strengthen their personal integrity; Become a self-directed, life-long learner; and Document achievements in a professional manner.

The portfolio is a “work in progress” and will chronicle the student progress toward their career goal. The portfolio will include:

Letter of Introduction Materials from their application to the Work-Based Learning Program Employability Skills Work Evaluations Work Samples Post-Secondary Plans and Documentation Hours Verification Student Achievement and Awards Journal Assignments Projects Etc. (as deemed necessary by Work-Based Learning Coordinator)

PORTFOLIO OUTLINE

Cover Pageo _ Identify yourself, program you are on, school years involved, picture

Personal Informationo _ Letter of Introductiono _ Formal Picture (this could be your school picture)o _ Informal Picture (snapshot)o

Employability Skillso _ Application into Work-Based Learning program

o _ Cover Lettero _ Resumeo _ Follow-up Letter

Academic Skillso _ Examples of best work from school, like:

Newspaper articles Journals, writings Computer projects or projects in your career tech area

Activities and Honorso _ Student Achievement and Awards/Extracurricular Activities. Examples:

Certifications—ex. OSHA Safety Certificate Newspaper articles Awards Recognitions

Work-Based Learningo _ Job description in paragraph form and pictureo _ Interview of mentor with pictureo _ Samples of work and pictureso _ Photo journal

Post-Secondary Planso _ GCIS overview of your careero _ Post-Secondary Plans (Education/training needed, Program of study, time,

and schools)o _ Application to college or technical school- Seniors onlyo _ Acceptance letter- Seniors onlyo _ SAT, ACT or ASSET scores-Seniors onlyo _ College info from a college visit-Seniors only

Work-Based Learning Paperworko _ 1 copy of an evaluationo _ 1 copy of a time sheeto _ Copy of Training Plan

Thomas County Central High SchoolWBL Program Handbook Verification Form

I understand that my child, ____________________________, is enrolled in the Work-Based Learning Program at Thomas County Central High School. I have read the attached handbook for the Work-Based Learning Course. I understand the WBL course grading criteria as well as all sections listed in this handbook.

THE STUDENT MUST HAVE A JOB BY THE END OF THE SECOND WEEK OF SCHOOL. If at that time a student is still unemployed, he/she will be enrolled in a regular class. If a period of unemployment occurs during the year and lasts for more than two weeks, the student may not receive credit for the period(s) that he/she co-ops. Additionally, the WBL student will not be scheduled for another class. Termination of any kind will require a student, parent, and coordinator conference.

___________________________________________________ __________________________Student Signature Date

___________________________________________________ __________________________Parent Signature Date

Thomas County Central High SchoolWork-Based Learning Program

Student Name _____________________________

Program Area _____________________________

WBL Program ____________________________

Student Handbook2015-2016

Michelle AusleyWork-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator

4686 U.S. Highway 84 BypassThomasville, Georgia 31792Office: 229.-225.5050 x192

Fax: 229.227-2404E-mail: mausley@thomas.k12.ga.us