The Linked Learning Alliance Responds to Governor Newsom’s May Revise to the 2021–22 State Budget

San Francisco, CA – The Linked Learning Alliance issues the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s May Revise to the 2021–22 State Budget

A Vital Investment in Students, Equity, and the Future of California

The Linked Learning Alliance applauds Governor Newsom and the state legislature for recognizing and responding to a critical need: serious investment in our state’s public education continuum.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus longstanding inequities that stall the success of our state. We already know that California high school students are opting out of learning during a most pivotal time in their lives. In high school, young people develop core intellectual, emotional, and social abilities in these years, forming their adult identity. Yet as schools open their doors, too many high school students are not returning to classrooms. Far too many young people are ending this school year how it began—at a distance from their teachers, peers, and counselors—and further away from their high school graduation and college aspirations.

The Linked Learning Alliance appreciates a May Revise that reflects the needs and realities of young people and the educators determined to see their success. The Governor’s proposed investments in the following areas set up a genuine opportunity to transform students’ lives:

• Comprehensive student supports, including mental health services and Community Schools aimed at connecting students to life-long learning and success through meaningful in-school and out-of-school educational experiences that address student needs;
• Expanded learning opportunities that are proven to accelerate teaching and learning after a year of school closures and missed hands-on and experiential educational opportunities;
• Additional staff to ensure students have the rich relationships they want and need to discover their aspirations and seize on their purpose; and
• Collaboratives that bring together K-12, postsecondary and workforce leaders around shared goals and outcomes for young people post-pandemic.
  

We encourage lawmakers to work with Governor Newsom to maximize this once-in-a-generation investment to practically and creatively imagine how we reengage and motivate high school students. We have a real and ripe opportunity to ensure more young people—especially those from historically marginalized communities—gain exposure to a range of career paths and college-level courses in a supportive and nurturing learning environment and stay on a path to a postsecondary credential and high-paying career.

“As policymakers look forward, we must continue to deeply consider the realities of our students: who they are and what they are facing, what they are telling us they need and want most, and what has already proven to work for them,” said Anne Stanton, president and CEO of the Linked Learning Alliance. “Relevance. Relationships. And equity of opportunity and access and continuity between high school, postsecondary, and the workforce. These things matter to our students, California’s recovery, and our shared future.”

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About the Linked Learning Alliance
The Linked Learning Alliance is the engine that drives a movement to help every young person determine their own future through a proven approach to education called Linked Learning. Linked Learning integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning and strong support services to prepare students for success in college, career, and life. The Alliance helps create public will for equity and excellence in education, elevate the practice of Linked Learning across America, and advance policies that serve and support all youth. LinkedLearning.org