Top 10 Goals for Districts in the New School Year

The Linked Learning Alliance is celebrating the start of the 2017-18 school year with a list of 10 GOALS for districts and pathways.

#1 Certify pathways.

#2 Use LaunchPath to connect students to internships and other work-based learning opportunities.

#3 Join Linked Learning Analytics to use data to improve pathways.

#4 Save the date and attend the Linked Learning Convention 2018.

#5 Develop course descriptions for the Linked Learning Course List.

#6 Gain insights from research about Linked Learning.

#7 Encourage graduating seniors to apply for a Linked Learning scholarship.

#8 Plan a Linked Learning pathway showcase for middle school students.

#9 Partner with postsecondary institutions to smooth transitions for graduating Linked Learning students.

#10 Invite a policymaker to visit your pathways.

#1 Certify pathways.
Any pathway, academy, small school, partnership academy, or school within a school that offers students an experience that incorporates the four core components of Linked Learning can pursue Linked Learning Certification. A seven year evaluation of Linked Learning by SRI shows that quality matters. Linked Learning students in certified pathways are earning more credits and are more likely to complete high school than similar peers in traditional programs. Certified pathways are recognized on graduated levels of quality indicators as certification standards are achieved.

#2 Use LaunchPath to connect students to internships and other work-based learning opportunities. LaunchPath is a work-based learning management system that supports connections between districts, schools, students, employers, and intermediary organizations. It matches high school and community college students to internship opportunities aligned with their interests so they can gain valuable experience and make substantive contributions in the workplace. More than 2000 students were matched to internships via LaunchPath last year.

#3 Join Linked Learning Analytics to use data to improve pathways.
Participating districts and consortia can use the power of data to assess pathway impact and progress, monitor demographic trends, and identify successes and opportunities to improve student outcomes, including college and career readiness indicators.

#4 Save the date and attend the Linked Learning Convention 2018 in Anaheim, CA February 12-14. This is the premier networking and professional learning conference for the Linked Learning field.

#5 Develop course descriptions for the Linked Learning Course List.
Linked Learning courses integrate college preparatory academics, career technical skills, and work-based learning in a manner consistent with the Linked Learning approach. Courses on the Linked Learning Course List reflect signature elements that help provide a teaching and learning experience that effectively prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and habits that are vital to their success in college, career, and life.

#6 Gain insights from research about Linked Learning. Multiple studies show that Linked Learning improves student outcomes and provides a basis for systemic high school improvement.

#7 Encourage graduating seniors to apply for a Linked Learning scholarship.
High school seniors enrolled in a Linked Learning pathway that has reached Candidate level or above in Linked Learning Certification can apply for a Linked Learning scholarship in the spring semester. Scholarship winners receive a $1,000 one-time scholarship to help cover educational expenses

#8 Plan a Linked Learning pathway showcase for middle school students.
Help middle school students learn about pathway options inspired by industry sectors in your community so they will be ready to choose a pathway aligned to their interests when they matriculate to high school.

#9 Partner with post-secondary institutions to smooth transitions for graduating Linked Learning students. The California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley recently announced a Vision for Success to better meet the needs of California students, which includes expanding guided pathways to help students attain degrees efficiently, and a campaign to build students’ knowledge about career education options. The California State University supports inter-segmental partnerships that promotes and scaffolds high quality Linked Learning.

#10 Invite a policymaker to visit your pathways.
Seeing Linked Learning in action is believing. The more that city council members, mayors, members of the Legislature and Congress know about Linked Learning, the better equipped they will be to support policies that advance scale and quality of this approach.