Local Program Eligibility and Requirements

School districts offering this program must provide DPI-licensed teachers that will work with students, their parents, and employers to implement the program. Supervising teachers should be provided one-half hour per student per week to coordinate the program, conduct work site visits, etc. The certificate becomes a part of the student’s career portfolio. School districts implementing this program must be approved by DPI on an annual basis as meeting the program requirements.

The supervising teacher, along with input from the employer and the student, is responsible for assessing student progress during each grading period on the learning goals and employability skills identified on the Student Employability Skills Record. For those tasks on which the student receives a low rating, the teacher identifies specific areas where improvement is needed and suggests ways the student can improve performance. For tasks on which the student receives high marks, the teacher may give examples that illustrate the outstanding performance.

Local Program Requirements

School districts that are interested in offering the Wisconsin Employability Skills Certificate Program must register the program with DPI. High schools seeking program approval must agree to the following requirements and methods of implementation:

1. The program must be operated by the local school district in partnership with business and/or industry. This includes a business/industry advisory council consisting of local employers, parents, labor representatives, and educators that are in involved in the planning and evaluation of the program. Existing School-to-Work, Education for Employment, or other similar advisory groups may be used to meet this requirement. .



2. Students are to be placed with employers in accordance with their abilities and career objectives through a comprehensive career development process. For some students without a career interest area, the work-based experience will serve as a career exploration activity. The student selection process must be fair, equitable, address the needs of all student populations, and adhere to all state and federal laws..



3. The learning activities at school and in the community must be rigorous in providing for opportunities to achieve the employability skills and learning goals listed in the Student Achievement Record issued by DPI.



4. A licensed teacher serves as the supervising teacher for the program in accordance with all program requirements.



5. A Training Agreement is on file for every student participating in the program. This written agreement specifies commitment and responsibilities of the employer, the student, the school and the parent/guardian, and is signed by each prior to the start of the work-based experience. This agreement prevents any misunderstandings about the program and the procedures to be followed during the work-based experience.



6. The school must put a process in place that ensures the completion of an Individual Learning Plan by each student applying for an Employability Skills Certificate.


For questions about this information, contact Denise L. Byrd (608) 266-7262

Last updated on 11/22/2011 2:31:57 PM