AUGUSTA - The Legislature voted to advance a bill this week sponsored by Rep. Mark Worth, D-Ellsworth, that would expand hands-on learning opportunities for Maine students.
LD 2131 would help increase Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), which are programs for high school students that include paid meaningful work experiences and skills development that could be applied towards an academic credit or professional certification upon graduation.
"This bill has the potential to be a game changer for our students," said Worth. "It can open doors to new opportunities and even help them decide on a future career path. These credit-eligible experiences will be enriching, and I hope to see Maine students taking advantage of this in the near future. I was pleased to see members of both parties in both chambers support this."
The bill would require a learning plan to be created collaboratively between a teacher and student with an emphasis on community-based career exploration. It would include a research reflection or presentation by the student upon completion.
The bill received support from the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Education Association and the Maine School Management Association.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Worth is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 13, which includes Fletcher's Landing Township, Waltham, Ellsworth and Central Hancock. He serves on the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Worth], c. 305-965-2744