1. A pupil enrolled at a public school must be allowed to apply one or more credits toward the total number of credits required for graduation from high school if the pupil successfully completes a work-based learning program which has been approved pursuant to subsection 2. Any credits earned for successful completion of a work-based learning program must be applied toward the pupil’s elective course credits and not toward a course that is required for graduation from high school.

2. The board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school may offer a work-based learning program upon application to and with the approval of the State Board. An application to offer a work-based learning program must include, without limitation:

(a) The fields, trades or occupations in which a work-based learning program will be offered.

(b) The qualifications of a pupil to participate in the work-based learning program. Such qualifications must allow a majority of pupils to be eligible to participate in the work-based learning program.

(c) A description of the application that will be used by pupils to apply to participate in a work-based learning program.

(d) A description of the manner in which participation in a work-based learning program and completion of the requirements of a work-based learning program will be verified.

3. Upon approval by the State Board of an application to offer a work-based learning program submitted pursuant to subsection 2, the board of trustees or the governing body:

(a) Shall designate an employee of the school district or charter school, as applicable, to serve as a work-based learning coordinator to coordinate and oversee work-based learning programs. Such an employee must approve each business, agency or organization that will offer employment and supervision of a pupil as part of the work-based learning program.

(b) May authorize pupils enrolled in the school district or charter school, as applicable, who satisfy the qualifications prescribed by the school district or charter school to participate in a work-based learning program for the purpose of obtaining credit pursuant to subsection 1.

(c) Shall establish and maintain a list of businesses, agencies and organizations that have been approved by the work-based learning coordinator pursuant to paragraph (a).

4. To receive approval from the State Board to offer a work-based learning program, the work-based learning program must include, without limitation:

(a) A requirement that a business, agency or organization that offers employment and supervision of a pupil participating in the work-based learning program establish a detailed training agreement and training plan with each pupil participating in the work-based training program that identifies the specific tasks in which the pupil will participate that will develop competency of the pupil in the workplace;

(b) The required number of hours a pupil must complete in the work-based learning program to qualify for credit for participation in the work-based learning program;

(c) A requirement that a pupil participating in the work-based learning program:

(1) Is allowed leave to the public school in which he or she is enrolled during the school day to participate in such a program;

(2) Receives an on-site evaluation of his or her performance; and

(3) Complete an assessment prescribed by the State Board related to his or her chosen career pathway; and

(d) A requirement that participation by a pupil in the work-based learning program will develop a broad range of skills and will allow a pupil to focus on his or her chosen career pathway.

5. Participation by a pupil in a work-based learning program must lead to the pupil receiving a high school diploma.

6. A school district or charter school may allow a pupil who successfully completes a work-based learning program to earn dual credit for participation in the work-based learning program.

7. On or before January 15 of each odd-numbered year, the board of trustees of a school district and the governing body of a charter school that offers a work-based learning program shall prepare a report concerning the manner in which the work-based learning program has been carried out and submit the report to the State Board and the Legislature.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 1006; A 2017, 4334)