R277. Education, Administration.
R277-915. Work-based Learning Programs.
R277-915-1. Authority and Purpose.
(1) This rule is authorized by:
(a) Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;
(b) Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law; and
(c) Section 53G-7-902, which allows schools to offer WBL programs in accordance with Board rules.
(2) The purpose of this rule is to provide standards for WBL programs.
R277-915-2. Definitions.
(1) "LEA" includes, for purposes of this rule, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
(2)(a) "Participant" means a student enrolled in a school-sponsored work experience and career exploration program under Section 53G-7-902 involving both classroom instruction and work experience with a cooperating employer, for which the student may or may not receive compensation.
(b) Participant may include a student completing an apprenticeship.
(c) Participant does not include a student on work release.
(3) "School-based enterprise" means a business set up and run by supervised students learning to apply practical skills in the production of goods or services for sale or use by others.
(4) "Work site" or "workplace" means the actual location where employment occurs for a particular occupation, or an environment that simulates all aspects or elements of that employment, including school-based enterprises.
(5) "Work-based learning" or "WBL" means a continuum of awareness, exploration, preparation, and training activities that combine structured learning and authentic work experiences implemented through industry and education partnerships.
R277-915-3. Mandatory LEA Policy.
An LEA that has WBL programs that include assigning students to act as participants at off-campus sites or in on-campus simulations shall establish a policy which includes the following:
(1) training for student participants, student participant supervisors, and cooperating employers regarding health hazards and safety procedures in the workplace;
(2) standards and procedures for approval of off-campus work sites;
(3) transportation options for students to and from the work site;
(4) appropriate supervision by employers at the work site;
(5) adequate insurance coverage provided and identified either by the student, the program, or the LEA;
(6) appropriate supervision and assessment of the student by the LEA;
(7) appropriate involvement and approval by the student's parents in the WBL program;
(8) provision for risk or liability inherent in the WBL program developed in consultation with State Risk Management or the LEA's insurance provider; and
(9) a requirement that any WBL credit awarded maintains the integrity and rigor expected for high school graduation, as determined by the Board.
R277-915-4. Disbursement of Funds.
(1) The Superintendent shall align public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary or adult schools by LEA.
(2) The proportion of total WBL funding allocated for a participating LEA shall remain the same as the previous year unless:
(a) the LEA discontinues the program;
(b) the LEA does not meet program standards; or
(c) LEA proportions are adjusted by the Board.
(3) A participating LEA shall provide an equal match in funds to state appropriated WBL funds.
R277-915-5. Standards.
(1) WBL shall be integrated into all levels of the educational delivery system and shall be coordinated within the LEA and among regions.
(2) To be eligible for WBL funds, an LEA shall:
(a) have the program approved by the LEA board;
(b) employ licensed WBL coordination personnel with salaries and benefits matched by the local recipient of funds;
(c) document that a WBL committee representing all schools within the LEA:
(i) has been created;
(ii) is functioning effectively; and
(iii) regularly addresses WBL issues;
(d) conduct WBL activities utilizing information from:
(i) business and industry;
(ii) administrators;
(iii) teachers;
