Work-Based Learning

The Texas Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, a collaboration of the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Workforce Commission, has identified work-based learning as a strategy for supporting efficient and flexible pathways to earning a high-value credential linked to high-wage, in-demand jobs.  The three agencies aim to collectively expand work-based learning experiences by 1) accelerating the development of high-quality work-based learning experiences that provide participants with meaningful opportunities; and 2) supporting engagement by industry partners.  For more information, please visit the Tri-Agency website. 

The Texas Education Agency encourages shared ownership in providing work-based learning experiences that expands beyond the school district and includes community, regional, and statewide partners. 

Work-Based Learning Framework

The Texas Education Agency has collaborated with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission to develop a Work-Based Learning Framework. For more information, please review the Tri-Agency Strategic Framework for Work-Based Learning Report. 

Work-Based Learning Initiatives

Work-Based Learning is infused into several TEA initiatives.  These initiatives aim to support students’ career development and leverage work-based learning as an opportunity to support students in informed career decision making and career preparation.  These initiatives include: 

• GEAR UP
• College and Career Readiness School Model: P-TECH Blueprint (Benchmark 5)
• College and Career Readiness School Model:  T-STEM Blueprint (Benchmark 5)  
• Effective Advising Framework
• Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN)

Resources

Texas CTE Resource Center lists work-based learning in the main navigation menu and provides various resources related to work-based learning that are relevant to many stakeholders.  This resource also provides a free CTE Work-Based Learning Course that introduces basic laws, rules, and procedures relevant to teaching career and technical education (CTE) courses that involve work-based learning at the secondary level in Texas.

*Please note: if you are teaching a Career Preparation or Career Practicum course and need to complete the Work-Based Learning Course for a professional development requirement, this training can be found on TEALearn as of August 3, 2021.  Please visit the CTE Professional Development webpage for more information.

Texas OnCourse Academy has over 30 learning modules for school counselors and advisors, including modules on work-based learning at the middle school and high school levels, to support students’ academic and career development and prepare for college and career success.  Visit the Academy to learn more about a school counselor’s role in work-based learning through effective advising and comprehensive school counseling programs. 

The Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN) external webpage provides links to resources related to each of the seven components of high-quality career and education pathways.  Resources linked on this webpage are relevant to all stakeholders, including workforce boards, industry partners, higher education institutions, and K-12 educators.