Linked Learning Resources
Linked Learning Materials
- Fact Sheet on Linked Learning
This 2-page document briefly describes Linked Learning and support for the approach.
- Why Pathways (PDF, 221 KB)
A ConnectEd publication that explains the pathways approach and how it works.
- Expanding Pathways (PDF, 1.05 MB)
This policy paper developed by ConnectEd defines Linked Learning (formerly multiple pathways), offers evidence for its effectiveness, and outlines policy recommendations for expanding high quality programs in California.
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 51 KB)
ConnectEd has answered some frequently asked questions about Linked Learning.
- Beyond Tracking
In this book edited by Jeannie Oakes, the Linked Learning (formerly multiple pathways) approach is defined and examined as an innovative way to improve high schools.
- Career Academies: A Proven Strategy to Prepare High School Students for College and Careers (PDF, 266 KB)
This paper outlines quantitative evidence showing the success of students who participated in Career Academies, one model for implementing Linked Learning pathways. It includes information on academic performance, high school completion, enrollment in postsecondary education, and employment after high school.
- Profile of California Partnership Academies (PDF, 1.50 MB)
In this report from ConnectEd and the Career Academy Support Network, the evidence suggests that the partnership academies are succeeding on several important fronts.
- Career Academies Long Term Impact (PDF, 1.32 MB)
A report that describes how Career Academy students fare in post-secondary education and labor market prospects.
- In the News
A selection of news articles on or related to Linked Learning and the schools and districts implementing the approach.
Best Practices
Planning & Evaluation
- Work-Based Learning in California: Opportunities and Models for Expansion (PDF, 427 KB)
This WestEd report examines work-based learning in California, detailing implementation strategies and opportunities for expanding the approach to engage more students.
- The Status of the Teaching Profession - 2009 (PDF, 2.03 MB)
In chapters 4 and 5 of this report, the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning outlines the skills and knowledge teachers need to succeed in redesigned schools and the preparation and ongoing professional development needed to support their work.
- Evaluation of ConnectEd Network Schools
The James Irvine Foundation commissioned an evaluation of 16 demonstration sites implementing pathways that were founding members of the ConnectEd Network of Schools. Challenges and potential solutions highlighted in this study are helping to inform pathway implementation at other schools.
Summary (PDF, 2.29 MB)
Full Report (PDF, 1.15 MB)
Implications – ConnectEd Summary (PDF, 109 KB)
- Linked Learning Feasibility Study
Website with information on the feasibility study for establishing and expanding Linked Learning in California that WestEd is conducting for AB2648.
- Planning Guide for Career Academies (PDF, 518 KB)
A comprehensive guide for successfully starting a career academy.
- Academy Planning Guide
National Academy Foundation’s detailed guide for developing an academy.
- Self Assessment Guide (PDF, 208 KB)
A checklist and scoring summary to indicate how well a Small Learning Community or Career Academy performs within nationally defined criteria for implementation.
- Linked Learning Pathway Assessment Rubric (PDF, 224 KB)
Developed by ConnectEd, this rubric describes varying levels of development for pathways. Schools and districts can use this tool as a guide for developing improvement plans.
- Steps To Building and Maintaining a Large Business Partner Base For a Career Academy
A resource for developing and maintaining business partners.
- Alliance for Education Academy (PDF, 413 KB)
A resource for developing a small learning community, from the planning stage to evaluation and assessment.
- Establishing Partnerships Academy Steering Committee
A resource for developing an academy steering committee.
- Aiming High
A guide developed by the California Department of Education as a resource for high school reform.
- Breaking Ranks (PDF, 147 KB)
A guide for high school principals to improve student performance and personalize education for each student.
- Career Tech Education (PDF, 9.81 MB)
California’s framework for career technical education.
Networks
- Linked Learning Alliance
A broad-based coalition composed of members from education, industry, and community organizations supporting Linked Learning.
- ConnectEd Demonstration Sites
ConnectEd’s network of schools includes 16 demonstration sites that feature model pathways. Many networks and organizations support the design and implementation of pathway programs but may or may not adhere to the four components and guiding principles that ConnectEd has identified as essential.
- Academy Directory (CASN)
The Career Academy Support Network’s database of career academies in the US.
- California Partnership Academy
An initiative of the California Department of Education that provides funds for high schools implementing career academies.
- Specialized Secondary Programs
Learning communities funded by the California Department of Education that provide students with advanced learning opportunities through themed curriculum while integrating the use of technology.
- NAF Network of Academies
A national network of over 500 high school career academies supported by the National Academy Foundation.
