Batavia schools outline new field experience course and work'based learning expansion
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Summary
District leaders presented a multi'year plan to expand work'based learning and college'career pathway endorsements, including a new field experience course carrying a 60'hour workplace requirement and a fall 2026 pilot cohort; administrators estimate initial capacity of roughly 40'45 students.
District administrators told the Batavia USD 101 board on March 16 that the district is launching a field experience course to meet state college'career pathway endorsement requirements and to expand work'based learning opportunities across grades K'12.
Brian Gamlin, an assistant principal, and teachers Mike Theriot and Austin Sedaty explained the work'based learning continuum, described the field experience as the mechanism to deliver the state'required 60 hours of workplace experience, and said the program will include a 2' to 3'week boot camp focused on employability skills followed by internship placements. The district reported more than 100 students attended informational meetings and narrowed to roughly 180 interested applicants; administrators said a final cohort capacity for year one is likely in the 40'45 student range depending on partnerships and placement availability.
Presenters emphasized a multi'step screening process (applications, staff recommendation, interview) to ensure readiness and to align students with appropriate technical coursework before placement. The district plans spring outreach to local businesses and chamber partners to match internship opportunities and discussed building both school'based enterprise options and external community internships. A student video with testimonials illustrated current link and internship experiences, including Bulldog Media and small student enterprises.
Board members asked about placement guarantees and transportation; administrators said placements are not guaranteed and that students must interview for positions, while the district will help identify and coordinate opportunities. The board did not take action; administrators requested continued support for course planning and business outreach ahead of the fall 2026 launch.
