What are Multiple Pathways and How Well Do They Work?

1. What are Multiple Pathways and How Well Do They Work? By Penni Hudis, ConnectEd Deanna Hanson, NAF

2. Multiple Pathways: Creating Powerful Learning Experiencesfor Students Think about a really powerful learning experience in your life… What was that experience? What made it so powerful?

3. Multiple Pathways: Creating Powerful Learning Experiencesfor Students What are the common features ofthese powerful learning experiences?

4. Multiple Pathways: A New Model for High School Improvement A dramatically different vision • All students can learn at a high level • High school must prepare all students for both college and careers • High schools can engage students in powerful learning while also addressing challenging standards

5. Multiple Pathways: A New Structure for High Schools • Personalized learning environments • Collaboration among education sectors, businesses, and community groups • Active student input through pathway choice

6. Multiple Pathways: A New Instructional Pedagogy • Combine challenging academics and professional-level technical content • Engage students in academic and technical learning through real-world applications • Focus on 21st Century Skills through problem- and project-based learning and work-based learning • Engage business and postsecondary partners in curriculum design and delivery and assessing student work

7. Key Elements of a Multiple Pathways High School Program • Challenging, college-preparatory academic courses • A sequence of rigorous, industry-focused technical courses • Work-based learning experiences that reinforce academic and technical standards • Supplemental instruction and support services aimed at ensuring high school success and postsecondary transition

8. Successful Examples of the Multiple Pathways Approach • National Academy Foundation (NAF) Academies • California Partnership Academies • Career-themed Small Learning Communities • Career-themed Small Schools

9. NAF Network • Nation-wide network of over 500 career-themed academies organized as small learning communities in comprehensive high schools or as small schools, with 35 in California • Academy of Finance • Academy of Hospitality & Tourism • Academy of Information Technology • Academy of Engineering (a partnership with Project Lead the Way and National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering) • Next model: Academy of Health Science

10. NAF’s…. • Small school vision emphasizes academic excellence preparing students to pursue professional careers • Premier reform model of education has inspired the small school/small learning community movement • Policy of including all students ensures those youth with highest needs have opportunities to succeed within a personalized, rigorous, relevant school environment • Connecting young people to role models, mentors and teachers who are fully invested in their education and career success provides results

11. Track Record of Success Various research efforts, including the most recent MDRC Career Academy 8 year longitudinal study show: • More than 90% of Academy students graduate from high school • 80% go on to 2 or 4 year colleges • 65% graduate college in four years • 90% feel academies help them develop their career readiness • 85% of 5 and 10 year alumni work in a professional field • Sustained earning gains that averaged 11% (or $2,088) more per year (African American Males averaged 17% higher) • More likely to be living independently with children and a spouse or partner in a two parent household

13. Three Pillars Essential to Success NAF’s academy model involves employers, educators, students, parents, alumni and community members who collaborate and provide resources around three essential pillars: • Curriculum development and on-going updates utilizing integrated project based instruction (Rigor) • Advisory Boards that provide resources for students and teachers (Relationships/Relevance) • Paid internships for students (Relationships/Relevance)

14. #1 Key Features of NAF Curriculum At least two projects per course, including one culminating project. Inquiry-based instructional practices that promote rigor & relevance. Evidence of student learning in written, oral, visual, or technological form. Integrated curriculum modules in partnership with ConnectEd to relate math, science, social studies, and language arts with technical courses

15. Curriculum Partners • Connect Ed CALIFORNIA • Pearson Foundation • Buck Institute • Ernst & Young • New York Life • Marriott Corporation

16. #2 Employer Involvement is Mandatory Employers are involved on Advisory Boards as: • National Corporate Partnerships • Statewide Corporate Support • Statewide Association Involvement • Local/Academy Advisory Boards • Work with Students – mentoring, in-class, field trips • Student Recruitment • Work with Educators – externships, project development • Offer paid Internships & Scholarships • Fund raising for academy needs

17. #3 Paid Internships: Key Difference in Student Success • Real World Experiences • Peer to peer adult relationships • Receive value for work • Learning experience vs. job • High percentage hired following internship • Contributions to workplace mentors

18. Student Population Who are our targeted students? • Inner-city, low income populations • Under-represented minorities and women – especially for STEM related academies • Under-credited students at-risk of dropping out

19. Recruitment Focus • Middle and high school teachers, counselors and administrators • Parents • Middle school students and freshmen • Youth providers and in-school social service professionals

20. Deanna Hanson California Director NAF 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 1200, Berkeley, CA 94704 916 296-4131 dhanson@naf.org www.naf.org Penni Hudis Director for Program & Curriculum Development ConnectEd 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 1200, Berkeley, CA 94704 510 849-4945 phudis@connectedcalifornia.org www.connectedcalifornia.org For More Information