Welcome to…

Linked Learning: Myths and Facts

Introductions

• Gretchen Livesey, Executive Director, Post-Secondary Readiness, Oakland Unified

• Brad Stam, VP/COO, ConnectEd

• Who is in the room?

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While the world has seen revolutionary changes in the last 100 years…

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…the high school classroom has not

Seven Core Competencies that Matter Most for the Future

(Global Achievement Gap, 2008 by Tony Wagner)

1. Critical thinking and problem-solving

2. Collaboration

3. Agility and adaptability

4. Initiative and entrepreneurialism

5. Effective oral and written communication

6. Accessing and analyzing information

7. Curiosity and imagination

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Why Linked Learning?

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“Student Voices” Video

IN TRIOS (4 Min.)…

• How did students describetheir experience?

• What WORDS did they use?

• What were the key elementsof their experience?

BE PREPARED TO SHARE OUT

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Linked Learning prepares students for college and career,not just one or the other

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ConnectEd Mission Statement

ConnectEd partners with communities to transform

education through Linked Learning, ensuring that

all students, regardless of background, graduate

ready for college, career, and life. Linked Learning

combines strong academics, demanding

technical education, and real-world experience.

ConnectEd was founded in 2006 with a grant from The James Irvine Foundation

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Components of Linked Learning

A comprehensive four-year program of study integrating:

• Rigorous academics

• Real-world technical skills

• Work-based learning

• Personalized supports

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Common Pathway Features

• Utilize pathway student learning outcomes to guide and align assessment, curriculum, and instruction

• Blend academic and career-themed course content through rigorous and relevant standards-aligned projects

• Students learn in cohorts; teachers use common planning time

• Provide learning beyond the classroom and the school day

• Offer dual-enrollment and dual-creditwith college institutions

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Linked Learning Delivery Models

Under the umbrella of the Linked Learning approach, there exist different delivery models:

• Career academies (CPA, NAF)

• Small career-themed schools

• Small career-themed learning communities (SLCs) in a large comprehensive high school

• Individualized pathways (e.g., Big Picture Schools)

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Arts, Media, and Entertainment

Health Science and Medical Technology

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Building and Environmental Design

Education, Child Development, and Family Services

Energy and Utilities

Engineering

Fashion Design, Manufacturing, and Production

Finance and Business

Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation

Information Technology

Manufacturing

Marketing, Sales, and Service

Public Services

Transportation

Sample Pathway ChoicesMAJOR NATIONAL INDUSTRY SECTORS

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How We Know It’s Working

Students participating in Linked Learning pathways…

• Attend school more consistently• Are more likely to graduate• Are more likely to complete college course

requirements; (57% vs. 36% statewide in CA)• Enroll and persist in postsecondary programs at

higher rates (10+%)• Earn as much as $2,500 more annually in the eight

years after high school graduation

WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS and DISCUSS AT TABLES• What questions are coming to mind for you as

you watch the video and think about Linked Learning?

• What have you heard about Linked Learning that you think might not be true or need clarification?

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Islands of Excellence

Creating a System of High-Quality Pathways

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TABLE TALKS

• What’s one thing you will take away to dispel myths and confirm truths about Linked Learning?

• bstam@connectedcalifornia.org• gretchen.livesey@ousd.k12.ca.us • www.connectedcalifornia.org• www.linkedlearning.org

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www.ConnectEdCalifornia.org