Resource Library

This cross-case analysis draws upon case studies that examine how the California Linked Learning District Initiative (CLLDI) has played out in the Pasadena, Porterville, and Sacramento City Unified School Districts. It draws lessons from the experiences of leaders in these districts regarding the importance of reform coherence, distributed leadership, strategic planning and communication to the successful implementation of Linked Learning. Leaders in each district found in Linked Learning an answer to an important problem facing their district that also allowed them to bring greater coherence, relevance, and rigor to the daily work of both staff and students. The highly collaborative nature of Linked Learning required these districts to change and expand leadership responsibilities throughout the districts and the communities they serve. The degree of success of Linked Learning so far can be attributed in part to the ways in which leaders planned the introduction and expansion of the initiative. District leaders have identified clear, consistent, and constant communication about Linked Learning to be a critical component of their success to date.

Research, Leadership Development, Lessons Learned

LEAs participating in the Golden State Pathways Program can use this framework as guidance to develop sustainable new pathways or expand current pathways.

Curriculum & Instruction, Policy

A new analysis from The Linked Learning Alliance and The Alliance for Excellent Education shows that the students who could benefit the most from Linked Learning are also the least likely to have the internet & devices needed to experience it from home.

Research, COVID19, Equity, Outcomes, Partnerships, Policy, Student Supports

This study describes three key pieces of evidence supporting adoption of the Linked Learning approach. Those attending California Partnership Academies had better California High School Exit Exam pass rates, completed more rigorous courses, and had better high school graduation rates. Operating in more than 300 high schools, California Partnership Academies are one model of Linked Learning pathways.

Research, Career-Technical Education, Outcomes, Rigorous Academics

A new analysis from the Alliance for Excellent Education, the Linked Learning Alliance, and the Small School Districts’ Association shows that Black, Latino and American Indian/Alaska Native students living in rural communities in California are far more likely than their peers in cities to fall into the homework gap with no access to high-speed home internet or digital devices.

Linked Learning pathways deliver high-quality academics in concert with career-technical education and work-based learning opportunities, access to early college credit, and integrated student supports. First piloted in nine California districts in 2009, Linked Learning is now embraced as the high school strategy for a growing number of districts across the state and beyond. Today Linked Learning is at work in more than 80 California school districts, with 600 educational pathways operating in 250 schools, and reaches more than 330,000 students statewide.

Communications, General

An executive summary highlighting key findings from the seventh-year evaluation report.

Research, Lessons Learned, Outcomes

This report shows that schools utilizing a Linked Learning approach have achieved higher graduation rates and exit exam passing rates, with a greater percentage of students eligible for California State University (CSU) or the University of California (UC). Researchers found that 50 percent of students in California Partnership Academies completed the “A–G” requirements needed to be eligible for admission to California’s public universities – compared with only 39 percent of graduates statewide. More than 70 percent of the academies’ African-American students passed the math portion of the California High School Exit Exam, compared with 55 percent of African-American high school students in the state. Furthermore, 96 percent of academy seniors graduated, compared with 87 percent statewide.

Research, Career-Technical Education, Outcomes, Rigorous Academics

This report examines preliminary data on student outcomes from four selected Linked Learning districts. Each of these districts focuses on pathways to college and career that meet criteria for quality certification by ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, the national hub for Linked Learning practice. This summary also assesses implementation progress across all nine school districts participating in this initiative, drawing on interviews, student focus groups and student surveys.

Research, Lessons Learned, Outcomes

An executive summary highlighting key findings from the third-year evaluation report.