“‘Why do we need to learn this?’ That was always my question. But (in the Linked Learning academy), they’re showing us that we’re actually going to need these skills when we get to the real world. Now I see I’ve always liked learning. I see there’s a future for me, so I actually apply myself.”
Construction Tech Academy, San Diego
Linked Learning in Practice
The Linked Learning approach is currently in practice at three levels in California’s educational system:
High Schools
School Districts
Community Colleges
High Schools
The ConnectEd Network of Schools was developed to provide a demonstration of the Linked Learning approach in action and showcase effective, well-designed Linked Learning programs, revealing how pathways work and what they can accomplish.
The Network of Schools consists of 16 sites throughout the state that vary in structure, ranging from small autonomous schools to regional occupational programs (often called ROPs) serving several districts, to elective course sequences and a program run by a nonprofit organization. The Network of Schools offer pathways in 12 of California’s 15 major industry sectors and serve thousands of students around the state. ConnectEd did not create these programs, but offers them additional support including both funding for program improvement and technical assistance for pathway design.
During the 2007-08 academic year, The James Irvine Foundation commissioned an evaluation of the Network of Schools. The evaluation revealed that, in certain areas, network sites were producing better student outcomes compared to the statewide average. For example, network sites on average had higher graduation rates, better pass rates on the California High School Exit Exam, increased numbers of students completing courses needed to prepare students for California's four-year public colleges, and greater student engagement in school.
The network helped inform the development of the California Linked Learning District Initiative, which is discussed below.
School Districts
In order to make Linked Learning available to more students, successful district-level models are needed that demonstrate the feasibility and impact of giving students a range of options to choose from, relating to their career and academic interests. While hundreds of pathways exist throughout California, there are few districts that have developed a comprehensive approach to offering Linked Learning.
Through funding from The James Irvine Foundation, ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career has established the California Linked Learning District Initiative. Through technical assistance and coaching, ConnectED is aiding school districts with developing and implementing plans for expanding Linked Learning in their high schools. Over the grant period, participating districts will develop between six and eight high-quality Linked Learning pathways, greatly increasing the options for students.
Some participating districts have created web pages highlighting the work being done to develop and implement systems of Linked Learning:
Antioch Unified School District
Long Beach Unified School District
Los Angeles Unified School District 4
Oakland Unified School District
Pasadena Unified School District
Montebello Unified School District
Porterville Unified School District
Sacramento City Unified School District
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Community Colleges
Dual, or concurrent, enrollment programs offer high school students the chance to take college-level courses on a high school or college campus. These programs engage students with challenging curricula, experience in a college environment, and the opportunity to earn college credits before graduation. Dual-enrollment programs can help a broader range of students make the transition from high school to college. Research shows that students in these programs are more likely to earn a high school diploma, enter college, and maintain higher grade-point averages.
The Concurrent Courses Initiative is managed by the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University. There are currently eight partnerships between high schools and community colleges funded through this initiative.
