Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Work Based Learning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students and teachers showcase expanded work‑based learning program
Summary
Sherry Bowman presented the Brunswick district's revamped work‑based learning program and students described hands‑on achievements including assembling 30 stand‑up desks, job shadows with local businesses and progress toward CDOS/SAC credentials.
Sherry Bowman, who identified herself as helping coordinate the district's work‑based learning (WBL) program and as a board member of the Berlin District, presented an overview of the program and its curriculum to the board and a packed audience. She said WBL uses New York State CDOS and SAC frameworks to help students develop career skills and earn certification.
Bowman described a curriculum of career development, integrated learning and universal foundation skills that emphasizes technology, managing resources, interpersonal and thinking skills. She said students complete assessments and receive teacher evaluations, and the program tracks required WBL hours.
Students and staff highlighted concrete outcomes from the year. Bowman said students built and delivered 30 stand‑up desks and completed inventory and courtyard renovation projects with grounds staff. She credited district staff and community partners including Patty Lyon, Kevin McCormick and Dr. Maloney for supporting the program.
Multiple students spoke about what the program taught them. One student said, "The WBL program has positively impacted me this year," and described learning assembly and customer‑service skills; another student noted increased social skills and access to community shadowing opportunities. Bowman listed student placements and next steps: part‑time retail employment, job shadows with a school resource officer and Tractor Supply, and planned job‑shadow and internship experiences coordinated with AccessVR and ARC.
Bowman also flagged operational challenges and next steps: the program will lose its current room because of growth and will be reconfigured in a new space; staff are pursuing program certification to allow the district to offer WBL services to other schools; and administrators are working to expand local business partnerships. She asked board members and the public to help recruit local employers and distributed a flyer with contact information.
The presentation closed with an outline of short‑term goals (expanding partnerships, a school store, a morning coffee cart) and long‑term aims (certification and growth). District staff described transition partners that support students with disabilities into adulthood, including Living Resources, ARC and AccessVR, and shared a partner quote praising the program's person‑centered approach.
The board applauded the students' presentations and Bowman invited additional questions and follow‑up contact information on the distributed materials. The board moved on to regular business at the close of the presentation.
