Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, and belated School Principals Day, to our Linked Learning field! In a year like no other, you have persisted to keep students connected to purpose and on the path to postsecondary achievements. We are so grateful for all the work each and every one of you do for your students, families, and communities.
Below, you can find information about upcoming Linked Learning Alliance events, new research on sustainable Linked Learning funding, a spotlight on eco-focused Linked Learning pathways, and more!
Linked Learning Events and Resources
Linked Learning Student Alumni Network Launch The Linked Learning Student Alumni Network launches in one week on Wednesday May 12, 3:30-4:30pm PDT! This event will feature two exciting panels, including a group of Linked Learning alumni who will share their experiences with current students and an industry panel who will share insights into their respective career fields. We look forward to your support in sharing this event with your seniors and recently graduated alumni. You can use this toolkit, which includes social media graphics (designed by a senior at Cabrillo High's Law and Justice Academy in Long Beach USD!) and sample outreach language, to invite your pathway seniors to the student alumni network launch. Register Seniors for the Alumni Launch
Reflecting & Revitalizing After a Remarkable Year: Linked Learning Alliance 2021 Symposium and Celebration Please join the Linked Learning Alliance on Wednesday May 19, 3:00-5:15pm PDT for a field-wide symposium to share, learn, and celebrate the ways in which Linked Learning, and our collective work, has kept students connected to purpose during this remarkable year. The event will feature an interactive panel with experts on the Linked Learning journey and audience members, as well as a celebration of Linked Learning pathways with certification announcements, student performances, and a conversation on the value of certification from the student, school, and community perspective. Reflecting & Revitalizing After a Remarkable Year is open to all: from those who are just getting started with Linked Learning to original Gold Certified pathways, and everyone in between! All stakeholders, including parents, students, community members, and pathway leaders, are encouraged to attend. Register for Reflecting & Revitalizing After a Remarkable Year
Realizing the Graduate Profile Through Portfolio Defense Learn how Los Angeles Unified School District is turning its vision of the Graduate Profile into practice through portfolios and defenses. On Thursday May 20, 10:30am-12:00pm PDT, participants will have a chance to see student work that demonstrates how the portfolio and defense process is being implemented, and have the opportunity to listen to a panel of educators, school leaders, and students on their experiences. This event, presented by the Los Angeles Unified School District's CTE-Linked Learning office, is open to all school leaders, teachers, district administrators, educational partners, parents, and anyone interested in learning more about authentic assessments for K-12 students. Register for Realizing the Graduate Profile Through Portfolio Defense
Funding Strategies for Linked Learning Pathways As educators and policymakers chart a path towards educational and economic recovery from COVID-19, investments in keeping young people connected to their sense of purpose are critical. We know Linked Learning is one such investment. To support districts as they implement Linked Learning with existing and new funding sources, we are pleased to share Funding Strategies for Linked Learning Pathways. In this brief and corresponding case studies, leaders from Antelope Valley Union High School District, Long Beach Unified School District, and Oakland Unified School District provide insights into how they have worked to keep students connected to high-quality college and career opportunities and the unique strategies their districts have used to secure sustainable funding for Linked Learning.
Connecting Youth to Purpose: A Framework for Integrating Linked Learning and Community Schools Webinar Recording Last week the Linked Learning Alliance hosted a robust conversation on the community schools and Linked Learning frameworks. Thank you to all the panelists and participants who contributed! If you were unable to join us, you can now access the recording, along with the community schools brief co-authored by the Linked Learning Alliance and UCLA Center for Community Schooling.
Going Green: Environmentalism in Linked Learning Pathways In honor of Earth Day, the Linked Learning Alliance sat down with environmentally focused pathways in Los Angeles, Woodlake, Oakland, and San Bernardino City Unified School Districts to hear how the next generation is preparing to lead the movement for climate justice. Find out how students are addressing local climate and environmental issues through project- and work-based learning, preparing for careers in green technology, and shaping the future of the climate justice movement through an equity-focused lens. Read Going Green: Environmentalism in Linked Learning Pathways
Partner Events and Resources
May 3-7 is Early College Week Jobs for the Future (JFF), along with early college high school administrators, teachers, students, community organizations, and more are celebrating and highlighting high school designs that give students a jumpstart on the path to college. Share your pathway's early college program by using the #EarlyCollegeWeek hashtag and be part of the movement. Learn more about Early College Week
2021 Assessment for Learning Conference The Linked Learning Alliance is hosting a panel presentation at the Assessment for Learning 2021 Spring Conference on Friday May 7th at 2:10pm PDT. This virtual learning experience features "flipped" sessions so participants can view content ahead of sessions and spend live time together in smaller group discussions of content, questions of practice, and design. Featuring Linked Learning Fellows Esther Dabagyan and David Trachtenberg from STEM Academy of Hollywood in Los Angeles USD, the conversation will focus on career relevant assessment and how their Linked Learning pathway provides students with a rigorous interdisciplinary and project-based curriculum. Register for 2021 Assessment for Learning Conference
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence Now in its fifth year, the 2021 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence will award $1 million in prizes to 18 public high school skilled trades teachers and programs. Judges will be looking for strong evidence of past teaching success and future innovations, positive data and results, inspirational storytelling, passion, leadership, and creativity in winning applicants. Applications close May 21, so be sure to apply or share with CTE teachers in your pathway!
5 Steps for Building & Strengthening Students' Networks This playbook was developed by the Clayton Christensen Institute to help K-12 and postsecondary leadership and nonprofits that work with those institutions implement and adapt strategies, tools, and metrics that build and strengthen their students' networks. Students' networks help support their well-being and can expand their postsecondary and career options. View the Playbook
