Resource Library

An executive summary highlighting key findings from the sixth-year evaluation report.

Research, Lessons Learned, Outcomes

This report proposes effective approaches that policymakers and administrators can use to address these new questions and priorities. It also proposes ways that student accomplishments illustrating career readiness can be included in graduation standards and conveyed to prospective colleges and employers.

Research, Policy

The proposed $2 billion in funding for Golden State Pathways and dual enrollment in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2022-23 budget is a vital investment in California’s young people at a pivotal stage of their development — and in the workforce that’s counting on these adolescents to help them innovate and grow, writes Long Beach USD Superintendent Jill Baker and Oakland USD Superintendent Kayla Johnson-Trammell.

Communications, Stories, College & Career Readiness, Policy

According to this report, nearly half (47 percent) of California jobs are in “middle skills” occupations that require education beyond a high school diploma, but less than a 4-year college degree. The report estimates that only 38 percent of California workers have the skills to fill these positions, creating a nearly 10 percent skills gap. When coupled with a shortage of workers with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, business leaders are voicing concern about California’s competitive viability in a global marketplace.

Research, Workforce Development

The pandemic exacerbated teacher shortages that must be addressed, and it also shined a light on the need to find new ways to engage and empower our young people. With thoughtful implementation to reach the communities and students who need it most, Golden State Pathways promises to help us do both, writes Teach Plus California's Sarah Lillis and Linked Learning Alliance's Anne Stanton.

Communications, Stories, Career-Technical Education, College & Career Readiness, Lessons Learned, Policy

The Golden State Pathway program builds on our state’s existing pathways to college and career while fostering a shared vision of student success. Communities have an opportunity to bring together existing programs and approaches under the umbrella of Golden State Pathways to create coherent, engaging, supportive pathways toward postsecondary achievement.

Policy

To meet California’s demand for a more educated workforce, high schools must dramatically increase the number of students who graduate and graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in college and career. Yet disturbingly, few students graduate with the college-ready coursework needed to access our state’s public university system. This is especially true for low-income students and students of color, who are also disproportionately tracked into less rigorous “career education” courses. This report highlights these troubling trends and calls for a more integrated and equitable approach to college and career preparation—so that high school serves to open doors to both college and career options for all students.

Research, College & Career Readiness, Equity, Workforce Development

What kind of leadership does the University of California most need to carry it into tomorrow? Which skills and experiences should the UC look for in a new president? What are the top issues facing today’s students and how should UC leadership address them?

Before commencing the search for the next President of the University of California, the University of California Regents requested observations and advice to inform the search process. The Linked Learning Alliance provided testimony at a public forum at the University of California, Los Angeles. Our remarks begin 46 minutes in.

Stories, College & Career Readiness, Postsecondary, Student Supports

This brief describes distributive leadership, shares an example of a California district using this practice to implement reform, surfaces potential challenges, and offers questions to consider.

Successful reform can go beyond a single classroom or school, and outlast an individual. Successful, ongoing reform initiatives exist and they are supported by some key attributes—chief among them is the practice of distributive leadership. This brief describes distributive leadership, shares an example of a California district using this practice to implement reform, surfaces potential challenges, and offers questions to consider.

Research, Lessons Learned

This year is pivotal as school communities across California translate $470 million in Golden State Pathways funding into action—building career-integrated, collegepreparatory learning experiences modeled on the Linked Learning approach. And with growing attention to postsecondary success and the next generation of California's workforce, the foundational K–12 years take on heightened importance.

Centering student voice remains mission critical. The Linked Learning Alliance surveys thousands of Linked Learning students statewide so their voices may drive this work. This document presents findings from the most recent academic year.

Communications, Research, College & Career Readiness