Educators, Leaders, Industry Partners, and Alumni Share Insights and Best Practices on Adopting the Linked Learning Approach
Students, educators, and communities are finding that our current approach to academic and career technical education is not meaningful, relevant, or preparing young people for the full range of college and career opportunities they deserve. How do we prepare students for success and provide them the tools to thrive? As communities begin to recover from the economic and educational impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's never been a better time to reimagine college and career preparation.
On Wednesday, April 13th, we heard from individuals who have experienced Linked Learning in a variety of capacities - as educators, school and district leaders, alumni, and industry partners. Their ultimate message? Linked Learning works for students, it effectively prepares everyones for both college and career, and leads to stronger communities. Presenters and panelists shared several tips and best practices on how to get started with Linked Learning, including how to build strong relationships between schools and industry for work-based learning opportunities. Rose Gonzalez from San Bernardino Unified shared the district’s implementation of “micro internships,” a 90-minute connection between industry professionals and students focused on teaching a specific skill. What began as micro internships blossomed into longer term, in-depth partnerships with the district. In addition to Rose, a powerhouse of Linked Learning community members shared their perspectives on Linked Learning. Panelists, moderators, and presenters included:
- Matin Abdel-Qawi, High School Network Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
- Kerin Coffey, Biomedical Science Coordinator, Eastside High School, Antelope Valley Union School District
- Marlon De Silva, Linked Learning Alumni, Hollywood High School Class of 2016; Assistant Editor, NBCUniversal Media LLC
- Hernán Gallo, Linked Learning Alumni, Life Academy High School Class of 2013; Manager of External Relations at Linked Learning Alliance
- Ben Gertner, Principal, Roosevelt High School, LA Unified School District
- Rose Gonzalez, Workforce Development Coordinator, San Bernardino City Unified School District
- Alejandra Güitrón, Senior Port Communications Specialist, Port of Long Beach
- Mikle McBride, Assistant Director of Workforce Readiness, Long Beach Unified School District
To see the full recording of the webinar, click here.
About the Linked Learning Approach
Linked Learning began over a decade ago with nine pilot districts across California committed to systemically transforming education. The success from this pilot program drove a large investment from the California state legislature, allowing the movement to deepen and expand beyond the initial pilot. Today, the Linked Learning movement serves over 130,000 students in over 80 districts nationwide through 450 Linked Learning pathways.
And now, Linked Learning is taking place in schools and districts throughout the country in a variety of contexts. We want to make sure that everyone in this movement has the tools and insights they need to implement with quality in their particular community, so more students and communities can thrive using the Linked Learning approach.
The Alliance leads a movement to help every young person determine their own future. We support education systems and communities as they engage youth, strengthen workforce readiness, and advance equity and economic justice through Linked Learning.
Resources
Rigor. Relevance. Purpose.: An Introduction to the Linked Learning Approach Recording