Resource Library

SRI’s fifth annual evaluation report on the progress of the California Linked Learning District Initiative offers updated findings on student engagement and achievement outcomes from the nine districts participating in the initiative. Additionally, for the first time, our report takes an in-depth look at the issue of student equity and access to pathways through an analysis of student enrollment patterns across pathway career themes and of pathway retention among student subgroup populations. Finally, it assesses pathway students’ experiences with academic and technical curriculum and work-based learning, their perceptions of the skills they are gaining as a result of their pathway experiences, and their plans for the future.

Research, Equity, 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

This report draws on research, actual practice of states and nations, and input from leading policymakers, researchers, administrators, and practitioners to develop a vision of new accountability, which is portrayed in an imagined “51st state.”

Research, Policy

America’s Edge is a membership organization of business leaders who work to strengthen businesses and the economy through proven investments in children and youth. They “educate policymakers and the public about research-based investments that will enable their businesses to compete in today’s competitive global marketplace, build a foundation for lasting economic security and help our nation’s children get on the right track.” This fact sheet summarizes the findings from an America’s Edge report, Can California Compete? Reducing the Skills Gap and Creating a Skilled Workforce through Linked Learning.

Research, Workforce Development

This document is a technical supplement to SRI International’s fourth annual evaluation report on the progress of the California Linked Learning District Initiative. This document provides information and data supporting the analysis of student engagement and achievement outcomes and the student survey.

Research, Outcomes

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

Research, Lessons Learned, Outcomes

In this fourth annual evaluation of the California Linked Learning District Initiative, SRI looks back at the development of Linked Learning systems in the nine districts and examines their experiences to assess the initiative’s progress toward reaching its systems- and student-level goals. The fourth year of the evaluation yields new data on student engagement and achievement outcomes from eight of the nine districts participating in the initiative. It also offers lessons from the experiences of all nine districts based on interviews, focus groups, and a student survey.

Research, Lessons Learned, Outcomes

As the country shifts to higher standards of learning for students, the ways in which we measure learning are shifting too. Rather than relying on traditional high-stakes one-shot tests, new assessment approaches foster continuous learning, improvement, and subject mastery. A new study offers insights into how teachers can use these practices in their classrooms and schools using examples from several schools implementing the performance assessment approaches effectively.

Research, Lessons Learned, Rigorous Academics

This brief is one in a series on the Linked Learning high school reform effort that focuses on preparing graduates for both college and career. This first brief will discuss achievement gaps and employment and economic trends that support the need for high schools that prepare all students for both career and college. The following briefs will be informed by interviews with members of governance teams from districts that are implementing the Linked Learning approach, and will explore how career and college preparation programs—including Regional Occupational Programs/Centers (ROP/C)—promote success for underserved and underperforming students.

Research, Equity, Workforce Development

The idea of linking hands-on learning with academics is not a new one. John Dewey advocated education through experience at the turn of the last century. Unfortunately, relatively few schools offer this integrated approach, typically limiting instruction to textbooks and lectures.

Yet, evidence suggests that students who engage in experiences that connect school learning to the real world are more likely to stay in school. Furthermore, such experiences increase the chances that students will be both college and career ready. Work-based learning (WBL) programs are an integral part of Linked Learning and help foster the goal of providing students with the skills they need to succeed in college and career.

This brief describes the successful elements of WBL programs and offers guidance for implementation.

Research, Lessons Learned, Work-Based Learning