AB2648 Report
This AB2648 report provides a blueprint for California as it expands pathways in the state.
Policy Guide
In 2008, ConnectEd produced a policy guide (PDF, 1.05 MB) outlining ten major policy areas, and specific recommendations within each, to support the expansion of quality pathways in California. It is updated here with the term Linked Learning, which is the new name for the educational approach formerly known in California as "multiple pathways."
Pathways Design and Curriculum Development
1. State Endorsement of Linked Learning: persuading elected officials and educational leaders to recognize Linked Learning as a key strategy for preparing students for postsecondary
and career success in California. 
- Establish a common definition of Linked Learning and its key components and incorporate this definition into the California Education Code. This first step will establish a universal understanding of Linked Learning and how they can be implemented, and it will help guide funding designated for high school reform.
- Use the state’s 15 industry sectors as an organizing framework for Linked Learning to provide an accessible, standardized structure for integrating curricula around a pathway focus.
- Develop resources and tools to assist schools and districts with implementing pathways.
- View related Senate bills
- View related Assembly bills
2. Curriculum and Instruction: developing models for curriculum and instruction to provide schools with solid examples of the Linked Learning approach.
- For each of the 15 industry themes, create models that are aligned with standards for application to postsecondary education and training programs.
- Supplement the existing core academic curriculum frameworks and create professional development approaches for teacher preparation.
- View related Senate bills
- View related Assembly bills
3. Work-Based Learning: providing opportunities for high-quality learning based on real-world career applications to students in grades nine through 12.
- Develop and disseminate criteria for high-quality work-based learning.
- Identify the challenges to implementing work-based learning programs and address issues such as liability, transportation, supervision, and scheduling.
- Convene state-level groups of influential business, labor, civic, and other key leaders representing each of the 15 industry sectors to advocate for regional and local development of industry-school partnerships.
- Convene state-level, industry-focused advisory committees to identify and target specific funding sources.
- View related Senate bills
- View related Assembly bills
4. Student Support Services: bolstering existing in-school support services to help students master rigorous curriculum and map their college and career options.
- Redesign supplemental instruction offerings—especially in reading, writing, and mathematics—to utilize applied learning strategies.
- Increase the capacity of counselors to help high school students plan and map specific programs of study that will meet eligibility requirements for postsecondary opportunities.
- Disseminate to students, parents, and school staff information about the full range of postsecondary options, and the progress of individual students toward meeting entry requirements.
- View related Assembly bills
Teacher Development
5. Teacher Preparation and Development: increasing the supply of teachers who can prepare students for both college and career, including developing supplemental credentials that certify
teacher readiness for effective delivery of Linked Learning.
- Develop guidelines for teacher qualifications and include training on instructional approaches for delivering integrated curricula in teacher preparation and development programs.
- Charge the California Department of Education and the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing with determining the desirability and feasibility of adding a supplemental designation to teaching credentials for training in pathways instruction.
- View related Senate bills
- View related Assembly bills
Leadership
6. Regional Implementation: supporting regional coalitions in planning and implementing Linked Learning pathways that match area industries and circumstances.
- Provide incentives to new or existing regional coalitions that include representatives from secondary and postsecondary education, business, industry, and the community.
- Provide relevant resources and tools for regional coalitions.
- View related Assembly bills
7. Scheduling and Instructional Time: ensuring widespread adoption of block scheduling, seven- and eight-period days, and other strategies for increasing the time available for students to complete Linked Learning pathways.
- Provide technical assistance and professional development to schools desiring to adopt block scheduling, seven- and eight-period days, and other scheduling strategies that are more flexible than the standard six-period day.
- Ensure that a sufficient number of course sections are available for all students participating in Linked Learning and create incentives to place qualified teachers at schools with the greatest need.
- View related Senate bills
- View related Assembly bills
8. Alignment with Postsecondary Education: improving coordination between high schools and
postsecondary institutions to advance student preparation and access to these institutions.
- Encourage approval of selected CTE courses under the a–g classifications that determine eligibility and examine the extent to which CTE courses might be recognized in admissions processes.
- Encourage improved communication regarding requirements and the transfer of college credit for dual or concurrent enrollment coursework.
- Ensure that high school programs align course offerings with and make students aware of requirements for entrance into these institutions and programs.
- View related Senate bills
- View related Assembly bills
9. Strong Leadership: providing information and assistance to principals, superintendents, board members, and other education leaders to ensure quality implementation of Linked Learning.
- Provide professional development opportunities covering topics such as flexible scheduling options, legal responsibilities related to work-based learning opportunities for students, and managing change (including engaging stakeholders, securing resources, and building partnerships with industry and community).
- Assess the desirability and feasibility of adding a supplement to credentials indicating principals’ and assistant principals’ formal preparation in pathways program management.
- View related Assembly bills
Program Impact
10. Assessment, Accountability, and Evaluation: assessing student learning, incorporating new measures into the state’s accountability system, and evaluating the effectiveness of Linked Learning in action.
- Establish state standards to measure the success of pathways in achieving performance at grade level in core academic subjects, mastery of industry-defined knowledge and skills, high school completion, postsecondary transition, postsecondary persistence, attainment of a formal credential, employment, and earnings.
- Determine whether current data systems can effectively monitor projected outcomes, and fund further data system development where needed.
- Determine how and when the state should incorporate the intended outcomes of Linked Learning into state accountability measures.
- Evaluate outcomes and implementation of the Linked Learning approach.
- View related Senate bills
- View related Assembly bills
Expanding Pathways: Transforming High School Education in California
January 2008
This policy paper defines Linked Learning, offers evidence for its effectiveness, and outlines policy and implementation recommendations for expanding high quality pathways in California. ConnectEd hopes the paper will spark ideas and discussion about how to move from its general policy recommendations to more specific programmatic and legislative ideas for expanding pathways.
