Linked Learning Alliance Introduces Certification and Analytics Tools to Incentivize and Support High Quality Pathway Experiences for All Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2017
Hilary McLean, Executive Vice President | E: hilary@linkedlearning.org | T: 916.248.4848
OAKLAND, CA – Today the Linked Learning Alliance launched Certification and Analytics- tools that, recognize, incentivize, and support expansion of high quality Linked Learning pathways.
During the opening plenary of the Linked Learning Convention, Linked Learning Alliance President Christopher Cabaldon introduced these first-of-their kind tools that will support the Linked Learning field’s goals of preparing all students for college, career, and life. Linked Learning Certification and Analytics are designed to support continuous improvement in pathways, help districts and schools close achievement gaps, and drive equity in student preparation for success after high school.
“By 2025, California will need to produce an additional 1 million career-ready college graduates to meet employers’ needs,” said Cabaldon, “Today, only 40% of California’s 2.2 million young adults hold an associate’s degree or higher, and many don’t have the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Research shows that when students experience quality Linked Learning they are more likely to graduate high school, earn more college preparatory credits, and students who had low achievement scores in earlier grades make significant progress. Certification and Analytics are tools that the Linked Learning field will use to ensuring many more students graduate ready to succeed in college, career, and life.”
Linked Learning Certification
Through Linked Learning Certification the field will gain a clear standard of excellence, with shared standards, requirements, and definitions. The certification process allow district, schools, and pathways to measure progress along a continuum of quality practices and student outcomes. The feedback from the system helps them identify what is working well and what aspects of Linked Learning implementation need improvement to better impact student success.
Because Linked Learning Certification indicates a high quality pathway program, benefits are opened up to students in pathways that choose to participate in the certification system. For example, students in pathway that reach the Candidate level are eligible to apply for a Linked Learning scholarship. In the future, qualified students in Linked Learning pathways that have achieved higher levels of certification will be eligible to benefit from preferences offered by employers and accelerated opportunities at postsecondary institutions.
“The Linked Learning approach is not new for our district, but because of the proven impact it has on students, we are committed to continual improvement of our pathways and ensuring that more students experience high quality Linked Learning,” said Kent Pickering, Head Coordinator for the Technology and Digital Arts Academy at Elk Grove High School.
Linked Learning Analytics
Linked Learning Analytics is a data system that helps districts track pathway progress, demographics, and improvement in student outcomes, including college and career readiness indicators. Participating districts will have access to predictive analytics, performance dashboards, and a centralized platform. These tools make it possible for pathways, districts, and regions to track progress, reflect, and improve on pathway implementation.
Seven trailblazer districts have formed a data collaborative to help inform key predictive indicators and dashboard and reporting priorities. These districts include Sacramento City Unified, Oakland Unified, Fresno Unified, Oxnard Union High School District, Los Angeles Unified, San Bernardino Unified, and Long Beach Unified.
Linked Learning is helping to address California’s need to better prepare students to graduate from high school ready for college, and with the 21st Century skills needed to thrive in the workplace. Linked Learning involves collaboration between high school and postsecondary educators, employers and community leaders, and is a strategy for transforming education and regional economic development.
For more information and to view the tools, visit: http://www.linkedlearning.org/certification-analytics/
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About Linked Learning Alliance
The Linked Learning Alliance is a statewide coalition of education, industry, and community organizations dedicated to improving California’s high schools and preparing students for success in college, career, and life. Established in May 2008, the Linked Learning Alliance aims to build a collective voice and coordinate efforts to expand access to Linked Learning in California-an approach to high school that integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning opportunities in fields of engineering, health care, performing arts, law, and more. | www.linkedlearning.org