Keeping the Field Linked: New Resources, Networks, and Realizing the California Dream
October is shaping up to be a busy month here at the Linked Learning Alliance, and across our districts! We are looking forward to seeing you at upcoming workshops, webinars, and network meetings throughout the month. We're also excited to share a new set of tools and resources designed to support pathways at the school and district level from creation to continuous improvement.
Linked Learning News, Events, and Resources
New Tools and Resources: Getting Started with Linked Learning
The Linked Learning Alliance is working throughout California and the nation to advance practices and policies to ensure one million more young people have access to high-quality, equitable education practices proven to lead to postsecondary success. To that effort, we have released two new resources to support pathway development and continuous improvement: A Guide for Pathway Educators and School Leaders, and A Guide for School District Leaders. A Guide for Pathway Educators and School Leaders helps establish and strengthen pathways guided by the standards that define Linked Learning at its most effective. A Guide for School District Leaders supports districts as they prepare a framework of the systems and capacities essential to the Linked Learning approach. | Explore Getting Started with Linked Learning
Realizing the California Dream Through Linked Learning
Over 3 million of our nation's youth are disconnected, neither in school nor working. We know that in order for our communities to thrive, young people must have access to high-quality, relevant workforce preparation sooner. Linked Learning alumni share how their pathway experiences kept them connected to their dreams and on a path to economic prosperity in a new video, Realizing the California Dream Through Linked Learning. | Watch Realizing the California Dream Through Linked Learning
Linked Learning Educator Named Los Angeles County Office of Education Teacher of the Year
We are so excited to share that Rafael Cruz, a Linked Learning middle school forensics and robotics educator at Hollenbeck Middle School in Los Angeles USD, has been named a Los Angeles County Office of Education Teacher of the Year! Mr. Cruz is bringing real, relevant, high-quality college and career education to younger students, expanding the possibilities for students sooner, and preparing them more deeply for their futures. Congratulations, Mr. Cruz! | Learn More About Rafael Cruz, LACOE Teacher of the Year
Linked Learning 101 Continues with Integrated Program of Study Workshop
Join us on Thursday October 7th at 3:30pm PT for the next Linked Learning 101 workshop, Designing an Equitable Integrated Program of Study. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how an integrated program of study can create real-world learning experiences that prepare students for college, career, and civic life. Participants will have the chance to explore the behaviors of teaching and learning, what it takes to build a program of study, and the importance of developing clear pathway outcomes. | RSVP for Designing an Equitable Integrated Program of Study
Join the 2021-22 Linked Learning Middle School Network
The Linked Learning Middle School Network brings together middle school educators in Linked Learning districts to expand and deepen college and career learning opportunities for their students. Join us on Tuesday October 19th at 3:30pm PT for the launch of this school year's network! Members will have the opportunity to network with each other and explore a draft framework and certification process that will be piloted this year with Los Angeles Unified School District. | Join the Linked Learning Middle School Network
Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders Through Linked Learning Pathways
September was Workforce Development Month, so we took a look at how Linked Learning pathways are preparing young people to enter careers in the healthcare field. In rural, suburban, and urban districts across California, pathways are innovating work-based learning and internship opportunities to ensure young people graduate with the in-demand skills they need to thrive in the healthcare industry. | Read Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders Through Linked Learning Pathways
What We're Reading This Week
This week, we share articles covering COVID-19's impact on high school graduates, access to computer science courses in California high schools, the role of dual enrollment in the free community college conversation, and more. Do you have a story to share with the Linked Learning field? Reach out to Ava Marinelli, Communications Manager! | Check Out What We're Reading
2022-23 FAFSA Applications Are Open
Last week, the 2022-23 FAFSA applications opened! We know that completing the FAFSA application helps ensure young people have access to the full range of financial supports needed to thrive on their higher education journey. Please be sure to share the application with your students and young people in your life applying for college! | Complete the 2022-23 FAFSA Application
New Cradle-to-Career System Site
California is building the Cradle-to-Career System to provide tools that help students reach their goals and deliver information on education and workforce outcomes. The Cradle-to-Career System seeks to build more equitable futures and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Their new site aims to provide information about the new data system and provide stakeholders with valuable tools they can use today. | Explore the New Cradle-to-Career System Site