I liked how ACTE talked about how WBL Coordinator has duties/responsibilities overlapping with other school-based counselors (guidance, etc.). I liked how ACTE introduced importance/concepts of FERPA and HIPPA; by age, some students are minors and some are adults but each in K-12. I liked how ACTE discussed the potential challenges of when the WBL coordinator is trying to set up a school-sponsored/credit-based WBL with an employer who had already become familiar with a student as a part-time paid employee over the summer, over holidays and/or school year.
Comments/Feedback: The second webpage of this section really caught my eye because it makes the process sound overwhelming, whereas in NJ, NJDOE and NJSS or NJDOE and NJLWD, have done a lot to get forms templates ready (e.g., student training plans, the IEP/ILP) or provide working papers templates (NJ A300/NJ A310), respectively, provide trainings, etc. But, I was surprised how, on a future page of Section III, no link to USDOL ODEP “soft skills” webpage was given? ACTE briefly/incompletely summarized these six soft skills for employment and professionalism? https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/individuals/youth/transition/soft-skills
It's important that the instructor retain the power to adapt the tools to work for their program and placements. The coordinator ensures alignment and fidelity to the overall big picture system, while making room for customization so the tools are useful.
WBL Coordinator responsibilities - budget, legal - I assume in tandem with DO folks, engage with stakeholders, plan employer/employee recognition event, advise CTSO. A lot to do. I assume this would be considered an admin position or can it be a certified employee?
It is important to be an advocate to your own program. A social media campaign & marketing campaign is huge to get the word out about a program. I am hesitant to do this right now since this is a new program. I will establish social media accounts for our program though and use them to highlight students and employers in the program.
I believe recognizing the different roles a WBL Coordinator plays is important to the success of any program. I also believe being dedicated to the success of your students will translate in the success of your program.
