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This study describes three key pieces of evidence supporting adoption of the Linked Learning approach. Those attending California Partnership Academies had better California High School Exit Exam pass rates, completed more rigorous courses, and had better high school graduation rates. Operating in more than 300 high schools, California Partnership Academies are one model of Linked Learning pathways.

Research, Career-Technical Education, Outcomes, Rigorous Academics

This report shows that schools utilizing a Linked Learning approach have achieved higher graduation rates and exit exam passing rates, with a greater percentage of students eligible for California State University (CSU) or the University of California (UC). Researchers found that 50 percent of students in California Partnership Academies completed the “A–G” requirements needed to be eligible for admission to California’s public universities – compared with only 39 percent of graduates statewide. More than 70 percent of the academies’ African-American students passed the math portion of the California High School Exit Exam, compared with 55 percent of African-American high school students in the state. Furthermore, 96 percent of academy seniors graduated, compared with 87 percent statewide.

Research, Career-Technical Education, Outcomes, Rigorous Academics

This study offers strong evidence that rigorous academics integrated with technical curriculum leads to higher test scores if successfully implemented. In this research, career and technical education (CTE) teachers were paired with math teachers who identified the mathematical content embedded in the CTE teachers’ subjects and developed lesson plans to teach the math within the occupational context. The 57 CTE teachers who helped develop the math–enhanced lessons were randomly assigned to classrooms and delivered the curriculum for about 10 percent of class time over the course of one year; 74 CTE teachers not participating in such development taught other classrooms with traditional instruction. The almost 3,000 enrolled students were given math pre-tests and were tested again a year later. Those taught the integrated curriculum significantly outscored the control group on two tests of math ability.

Research, Career-Technical Education, Outcomes, Rigorous Academics