Definition
Cooperative Education refers to a structured and coordinated work experience that relates closely to the occupational aspect of the student's educational program. Cooperative education programs involve:

• A combination of academic course work and work based experiences
• Students earning high school credit while on the job
• A written cooperative agreement between the high school and the employer
• Connecting activities between the classroom and the work experience.

Work Experience Goals

• Academic development: Students apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the workplace setting.
• Skill development: Students apply skills required in the workplace and career field.
• Career development: Students enhance personal knowledge of the qualifications and responsibilities of a career field and the processes for accessing that career field.
• Personal development: Students strengthen decision-making and critical-thinking skills, personal responsibility, confidence, and self esteem.
• Technology utilization: Students use technology as it applies to the industry. Achievement of these goals will be demonstrated by student participation in academic courses, experiences at the work site, and connecting activities.