Shrinking Size, Diminishing Returns? Small is HUGE! Rob Atterbury

Why reforms fail? Lack of real commitment, buy-in, and a confluence of effort No outside force balancing the changes in leadership and their whims Lack of fidelity to the model, cutting corners Lack of a systemic approach Involvement of everyone in the design and development Change the structure and never change the instruction or culture

Culture Instruction Structure Rigor Relevance Relationships Theory Of Action

Who is ConnectEd? Began 3 years ago by the James Irvine Foundation 16 Demonstration Schools Data collection Pre-service Teacher Preparation Curriculum Development Professional Development Coalition – Legislation AB 2648 District Initiative

Organizing Principles Prepare students for both college and career Lead to the full range of postsecondary options Connect academics to real-world applications Improve student achievement

Pathway Design Components Academic core Technical core Work-based learning Support services A multi-grade program of study consisting of:

Social Studies Science English Math Social Studies Science English Math Social Studies Science English Math Social Studies Science English Math Technical Core Middle School Articulation Multiple Post- Secondary Opportunities Post-Secondary Articulation College and Career Plan College Tours Applications Courses Technical Core Support Services Support Services Support Services Support Services Introductory Level Intermediate Level Capstone Level Work-based Learning Opportunities Company Tours Job Shadowing Internships

Primary Goals of the District Initiative Design high-quality pathways Demonstrate effectiveness Build district infrastructure for support Build a broad-based coalition

Key Components of the District Initiative Broad-Based Coalition Certification Tool to Ensure Quality and Fidelity Strategic Partner BrokerBroker

Certification “Don’t call something something unless it really is something.”

Certification Elements and Quality Criteria Certification Tool Guiding Principals DesignDesign Evaluation and Accountability System Support EngagedLearningEngagedLearning Core Components Defines the “what” and the process will determine “how deep”

Developing a System of Multiple Pathways District System Development Site Pathway Development Inform each other Multiple Pathway Certification Multiple Pathway Certification Align Policy, Structures, and Supports Align Policy, Structures, and Supports District System of Multiple Pathways District has model sites and supports all schools in moving toward quality multiple pathways and certification District System of Multiple Pathways District has model sites and supports all schools in moving toward quality multiple pathways and certification

The Evidence Compared with their peers, students in pathways: o Attend at higher rates o Are less likely to drop out and more likely to complete high school o Pass the California High School Exit Exam at higher rates o Are more likely to score proficient or higher on California Standardized Tests in English, science, and social studies o Need considerable help in mathematics o Earn more annually in the five years after high school graduation – $2,500 per year more!

Additional Information ConnectEd Website: Rob Atterbury