Section 281.47.1. Definitions.

For purposes of these rules, the following definitions shall apply:

“Articulation” means a process of curriculum alignment, linking the secondary and postsecondary levels; the process identifies competencies required at each level, which are consistent with specific occupational levels. The process requires signed agreements between the secondary and postsecondary levels in order to facilitate student transition to the postsecondary level and reduce curricular duplication. Articulation is an ongoing process that requires regular review and renewal.

“Associate degree,” “diploma” and “certificate” in a vocational, career and technical education program are as defined in 281—subrule 21.2(10).

“Career academy” means a program of study that combines a minimum of two years of secondary education with an associate degree in a career preparatory program. A diploma or certificate may be provided as options within the associate degree program. The career academy is a program of study that is nonduplicative, sequential, and ensures that the course of study is skill standards-based, integrates academic and technical instruction, utilizes work-based and work site learning where appropriate and available, utilizes an individual career planning process with parent involvement, and prepares an individual for entry and advancement in a high-skill and rewarding career field as specified in 2003 Iowa Acts, First Extraordinary Session, chapter 2, section 76. A career academy may include articulation of the community college associate degree to a baccalaureate degree. “Nonduplicative” means that the postsecondary component of the career academy is not currently offered at a participating secondary school.

The career academy should strengthen the academic component of career and technical education through the integration of academic and career and technical education; build student competence in mathematics, science, and communications in a coherent sequence of courses; and lead to an associate degree that prepares an individual for entry and advancement in a high-skill and rewarding career field that may include further education.

“Community college” means a community college established under Iowa Code chapter 260C or a consortium of two or more community colleges.

“Skill standard” means a description of the work to be performed, how well the work must be performed and the level of knowledge and skill required to perform that work. Skill standards are developed by industry, which includes businesses, labor unions, and employee and employer organizations, in cooperation with educators.

“Work-based learning” is defined as planned and supervised connections of classroom, laboratory and work experiences that prepare students for current and future careers in a highly technical workplace. Work-based learning experiences provide students the opportunity to develop and apply knowledge, technical skills, and employability behaviors through structured classroom and laboratory experiences.

“Work site learning” means a planned and supervised work experience for students. Work site learning may include industry tours, “job shadowing,” paid and unpaid cooperative work experience programs and apprenticeship programs.

A work site component that is part of a career academy program must be in compliance with workplace laws and regulations, including the minimum wage requirements prescribed by Iowa law or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The program of study must also comply with state and federal laws pertaining to the workplace, including equal employment opportunity and accident and liability insurance requirements as described in 261—subrule 11.3(7).