Back to: Alliance Blog

What We're Reading: Week of November 30

December 5, 2020

Welcome to What We're Reading! Each week, the Alliance will be highlighting news and articles we think will resonate with the Linked Learning field. This week, we recommend a moving piece from the New York Times on teaching in the pandemic, coverage of the FAFSA application dip, as well as a few pieces of good news. Know a story you think would benefit the field? Email Ava Marinelli at ava@linkedlearning.org.


Teaching in the Pandemic: ‘This Is Not Sustainable’ (New York Times)
For those in the classroom, this New York Times piece tells an all too familiar story. Teachers across the country are facing untold challenges, whether they are teaching in a virtual, hybrid, or in-person setting as the COVID-19 pandemic upends teaching and learning for millions.


Many Universities Lag on Social Mobility Indicators, Report Finds (Inside Higher Ed)
While the headline of this Inside Higher Ed article underscores a pressing equity issue in higher education, it brings good news as well: Linked Learning partner and California State University Long Beach topped Education Reform Now’s list of “social mobility elevator” colleges.


The ‘Fauci effect’: Inspired by front-line health care workers, record numbers apply to medical schools (The Hechinger Report)
It’s important in Linked Learning pathways and beyond that industry represents the communities they serve. Young people are stepping up to serve their communities in the healthcare sector more and more as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.


College freshman and high school seniors lagging in completing financial aid applications (EdSource)
Fewer first-generation and low-income college students in California are completing the FAFSA this year. The financial impacts of COVID-19 may be to blame, as fewer students are confident in their financial futures and are enrolling in higher education at lower rates.


How California community college vocational programs have adapted to COVID-19 (CalMatters)
Despite the challenges this year has brought CTE programs in high school and higher education, educators around the state are stepping up to continue high-quality work-based learning opportunities. Through creative in-person set ups to improved online learning systems, students continue to learn vital industry skills that keep them on a path to purpose despite COVID-19.