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?

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

4 …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

6 Why Linked Learning?

7 “Student Voices” Video IN TRIOS (4 Min.)… How did students describe their experience? What WORDS did they use? What were the key elements of their experience? BE PREPARED TO SHARE OUT

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

9 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

10 Components of Linked Learning A comprehensive four-year program of study integrating: Rigorous academics Real-world technical skills Work-based learning Personalized supports

11 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-credit with college institutions

12 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)

13 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 Choices MAJOR NATIONAL INDUSTRY SECTORS

14 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?

16 Islands of Excellence

Creating a System of High-Quality Pathways 17

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

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