WORKABILITY
I
WorkAbility I is a nationally recognized school-to-work
program that provides comprehensive preemployment
training, employment placement, and follow-up for
middle and high school students in special education
who are making the transition from school to work.
WorkAbility I focuses on the students ability to
live and work independently, becoming gainfully
employed and active members of their communities.
REGIONAL
OCCUPATIONAL CENTERS (ROCs)
Vocational training in a variety of careers offered
for high school credit at the four LAUSD Occupational
Centers in the 11th and 12th grade may be concurrently
enrolled in a career training program of his/her
choice.
REGIONAL
OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAMS (ROPs)
ROPs offer training to high school juniors and seniors.
Classes are usually 2-3 hours during the day, evening,
or weekends. Several of the ROP programs offer classes
for credit at selected area businesses. Instruction
is given in an authentic career context and provided
by employees of the business. ROP is a great way
to experiment with different careers and learn valuable
skills. Enrollment in the class sometimes results
in employment for the participant.
TECH
PREP
Tech Prep links classes from the 11th and 12th grade
with courses in the Community Colleges or Regional
Occupational Programs (ROP). It leads to a 2-year
Associate Degree or certification in a specific
field. When a student completes Tech Prep, he or
she can continue at a 4-year college or work with
a strong background in academics and on-the-job
training in areas such as auto mechanics, fashion
design, food service, computer networking, etc.
CONCURRENT
ENROLLMENT
A great way to experience education at a college
level, eligible high schools may enroll at a community
college while earning college credit. Student may
enroll in up to two (maximum) college courses provided
that a minimum daily attendance in high school is
maintained. Concurrent enrollment for high school
students is free of charge.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE/VOLUNTEER
Students voluntarily serve unpaid at a non-profit
public service or humanitarian agency. Participants
learn about different job categories and gain pre-employment
skills.
JOB
SHADOW
Transition Teachers can arrange for students to
spend a certain amount of time (half a day or a
few hours) with a person who will serve as a career
model in your area of career interest. For example,
if a student is interested in becoming a plumber,
Transition Teacher can arrange for the student to
spend time with a plumber while he or she works.
PART-TIME
ENROLLMENT
Many students gain employment in a part-time jobs
while in school. Most students work after school
or during the weekends. A valid work permit is required.
WORKFORCE
INVESTMENT ACT (WIA)
The Workforce Investment Act program is a comprehensive
work-based learning program funded by the City of
Los Angeles. Student participants are enrolled in
the program until graduation from high school. WIA
offers assessment, skill remediation, 150 hours
of paid work-based learning and follow up services.
Students in special education are automatically
qualified for the program.
CAREER
FAIRS
Students with their parents or accompanied by Transition
Teachers travel to a location where large number
of employers have gathered. At the event, students
talk with employers and gather information about
careers they are interested in.
GENERAL
WORK EXPERIENCE
This is a work-based learning program
for academic credit and grade. Participants acquire
general and specific occupational skills through
a combination of supervised paid employment and
related classroom instruction. Students must be
16 years old or in the 11th grade to enroll and
work 180 hours and attend one hour of weekly instruction
for 5 credits.
EXPLORATORY
WORK EXPERIENCE
This work-based learning opportunity trains participants
without compensation at a business or industry worksite.
Participants enrolled in Exploratory Work Experience
Education receive academic credit and a grade for
their unpaid work experience and weekly class lessons.
A company of business permits students to work under
direct supervision to gain exposure to a particular
occupation. A training plan is required. Students
with Exploratory Work Experience Education are granted
credits for a minimum of 90 hours and this involves
a minimum of 5 hours per week for 18 weeks. A student
may earn a maximum of 20 credits in grades 9-12.
IN-SCHOOL
PLACEMENT
This work-based learning experience is
unpaid. Participants are placed in a school setting
such as a classroom, school office, cafeteria, or
with the Plant Manager. Supervision is provided
by school staff and the DOTS Teacher. The purpose
of this placement is exploration and opportunity
for participants to learn about related occupations
and pre-employment skills.
FIELD
TRIPS
Students may participate in field trips where they
are accompanied by DOTS Teachers and travel to an
industry site to tour the worksites. Students hear
presentations by employers about the world of work
and the application of subjects studied in the classroom
to skills required in the industry.
CAREER
ACADEMIES
Several high schools have selected career
path and classroom instruction is organized around
specific career or industry. This instructional
model is designed to increase career awareness opportunities
within a particular occupational area and teach
the basic, life and employment skills necessary
for success in a specific industry.
