(105 ILCS 5/2-3.66a) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.66a)

Sec. 2-3.66a. WECE program. The State Board of Education is authorized to develop and establish a work experience and career exploration program. Such program, if established as authorized by this Section shall be designed to provide career related classroom instruction and cooperative work experience for 14 and 15 year old potential dropouts who are full time students in the regular school program. Participation in any work experience and career exploration program established under this Section shall provide school credit for successful completion of the class and paid work experience. The purpose of the program shall be to help academically disadvantaged students with the following special services: (1) basic education development and enrichment leading to improved self-image; (2) career education coupled with work training experiences, not exceeding 23 hours per week, provided by the private sector; and (3) motivation leading to continuation in school after age 16.

The State Board of Education is authorized to fund school district work experience and career exploration programs, with priority being given to those school districts which have annual dropout rate data and unemployment rates greater than the Statewide average for the previous year.

Funds for a work experience and career exploration program established under this Section shall be distributed to eligible school districts based on relative ability to pay factors and upon the number of economically disadvantaged students (E.C.I.A. Chapter I pupils) in the districts. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for implementation and continuation of any work experience and career exploration program established as authorized by this Section.

From funds distributed for purposes of this Section, the State Board of Education is authorized to approve applications from qualifying school districts to help meet each such district's costs of employing teacher coordinators, teacher coordinators' travel expenses, student transportation costs and added training costs to employers.

Each person employed as a teacher coordinator pursuant to this Section shall possess one year (2,000 hours) of employment in an occupation or occupations directly related to those career or employment areas with respect to which classroom instruction or cooperative work experience is to be provided under the program, and 6 semester hours of formal coursework in the area of organization and administration of work experience and career exploration education, including techniques of coordinating on-the-job experiences and individualized instructional methodology.

Each work experience and career exploration program shall be limited to a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 25 students per full-time teacher coordinator. Student limitation is based on the need for individual instruction and supervision time equivalent to one-half hour or more per week per student. Also, each qualified teacher coordinator shall be required to provide a minimum of 200 minutes of instruction per week on general and specific topics related to careers and employment.

School district applications for participation in a work experience and career exploration program established under this Section shall be approved by the State Board of Education.

(Source: P.A. 86-1441.)