What is Linked Learning?
The Linked Learning approach integrates rigorous academics that meet college-ready standards with sequenced, high-quality career-technical education, work-based learning, and supports to help students stay on track. For Linked Learning students, education is organized around industry-sector themes. The industry theme is woven into lessons taught by teachers who collaborate across subject areas with input from working professionals, and reinforced by work-based learning with real employers. This makes learning more like the real world of work, and helps students answer the question, “Why do I need to know this?”
The goal of a Linked Learning pathway is to prepare all students for success in college AND career. Linked Learning pathways include many different delivery models. Examples can include: NAF academies, career academies, CA Partnership Academies, career pathways, small schools, charter schools, and P-TECH. The approach can be used as a district-wide strategy for high school improvement.
What is a Linked Learning Pathway?
Linked Learning pathways identified in the Linked Learning Data Mart have registered on Linked Learning Certification to indicate that they offer, or are working to offer students an educational experience that integrates rigorous academics that meet college-ready standards with sequenced, high-quality career-technical education, work-based learning, and comprehensive student support services that address each student’s academic and non-academic barriers to learning to ensure they stay on track.
What is a Linked Learning Certified Pathway?
Linked Learning certified pathways are part of a growing number of pathways that voluntarily affiliate with the Linked Learning movement and seek to validation of their pathway quality. While not an end goal, Linked Learning Certification is an indicator of pathway progress and impact on student achievement at specific points along the journey of a pathway.
Registered Linked Learning pathways that have submitted evidence that indicate a level of pathway quality can become Linked Learning Certified. There are three tiers of Linked Learning Certification, each tier demonstrating a higher level of quality and evaluation.
Linked Learning Candidate Pathway: The pathway reports that it has the basic program elements in place to provide students with an integrated college and career prep experience.
Linked Learning Silver Pathway: The pathway has provided evidence that the core components of a Linked Learning pathway are in place, and can use basic data about its pathway to inform program design and improve students outcomes.
Linked Learning Gold Pathway: The pathways has developed beyond the core components and is providing an exceptional pathway experience for students. The pathway has evidence of achieving positive student outcomes in domains related to readiness for college, career, and life.