Linked Learning Job-Alike Presentation August 2014 Adam Stephens

1. Linked Learning Job-Alike Presentation August 2014 Adam Stephens Assistant Superintendent of Linked Learning HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

3. FIST-to-FIVE FIST Linked Learning? Is that like LinkedIn? Lincoln Logs? What in the world is Linked Learning????? to FIVE I am leading Linked Learning work at my campus and could teach this session. Right now. Really.

4. Session Outcomes • By the end of this session, you will be able to: • Explain the Linked Learning approach: • why Linked Learning? why now? • how it fits into the bigger picture of high school transformation • its key components • Identify your own role within Linked Learning

5. By 2020: 90% of new jobs in growing industries with high wages will require some postsecondary education. (Carnevale, Smith, & Strohl, 2010).

6. This job may not have required post-high school education …

7. … but this one will.

8. In Harris County, 1 in 4 adults 25 and over did not finish high school – twice the national average. ttp://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48201.html

12. 1 in 10 SOURCE: Alliance for Excellent Education, “The High Cost of High School Dropouts: What the Nation Pays for Inadequate High Schools,” (Washington, DC: 2008).

13. Yes … and … College and career are no longer an either-or proposition.

14. A NEW GOAL: graduate  enroll  persist  complete

15. More of the same won’t engage today’s students

16. Tower of Babel Moving from English to Algebra to World Geography to French to Principles of Engineering to Biology can feel like traveling six different countries – each with its own language, rules, and culture.

17. Linked Learning provides a new approach

18. What is Linked Learning? Linked Learning is an approach to education that transformsthe traditional high school experience by bringing together strong academics, a demanding technical education, and real-world experienceto help students gain an advantage in high school, postsecondary education, and careers. Students can choose amongindustry-themed pathways in fields such as engineering, arts and media, and biomedicine and health.

19. LINKED LEARNING work-based learning personalized supports real-world technical skills rigorous academics

20. What is Linked Learning?

21. Four Pathway Components A comprehensive four-year program of study: rigorous academics: Students enroll in college-prep core courses emphasizing industry-themed real-world applications. real-world technical skills:Students proceed through a CTE program of study (three or more courses meeting industry standards and offering certification) work-based learning: all pathway students engage in meaningful, rigorous, relevant WBL. personalized supports: Students receive the academic, social-emotional, college/career guidance, and transportation support they need.

22. Common features STUDENT COHORT • Open and equity-driven enrollment • A diverse, voluntary student cohort • Small school feel 250 – 500 students (9 – 12) • Industry theme unifies instruction • Personalized supports • Work-based learning • Personalized, relevant learning • Student voice and choice

23. Common features PATHWAY TEAM • A pathway teacher team: core and CTE/elective • Common set of pathway outcomes • Intentional course of study • A pathway lead teacher and dedicated administrator • Common planning time • Collegial data-driven planning • Trans-disciplinary projects

24. The research is in … Linked Learning students: attend high school more consistently (2-4% improvement) and accrue credits at faster rates are more likely to graduate; less likely to drop out (57% vs. 36% statewide in CA) enroll and persist in postsecondary programs at higher rates (10+%) earnas much as $2,500 more annually in the eight years after high school graduation

25. Race to the Top (RTTT-D): Funding • The $30 million federal grant funds our district-wide Linked Learning implementation • By 2018, 27 high schools will offer at least 1 pathway • Feeder elementary and middle schools will provide career awareness and exploration

26. RTTT-D Success Measures SHORT-TERM (2 years): 95% LL teachers trained in differentiated instruction 6%  LL students aspiring to pursue college education BY THE END OF THE GRANT PERIOD: 75% of LL teachers will use differentiated instruction at least 40% of the time 25%  LL students on track to CCR (SAT CRS) 60% of all LL cohort students will go on to attain a postsecondary degree within 6 years.

27. ConnectEd: Partner has supported the design and implementation of the Linked Learning approach in California, Florida, and Texas. provides technical assistance and coaching support ConnectEd:

28. Cohort 1 (2014-15) Chavez Eastwood Furr Lee Milby Reagan Sterling Westside

29. Future Cohorts

30. Benefits for students • Engaging, hands-on learning with real-world connections • Personalized college and career exploration • Intensive college and career prep • Summer Bridge programs • AP and dual-credit opportunities • College visits • Industry visits and internships • Family supports (e.g., Super Saturdays)

31. Benefits for campuses: • Continuation/expansion of effective practices and programs (e.g., AVID, CTE) • Professional development and coaching • Additional technology, funds, and supplies

32. Benefits for pathways • Full-time pathway counselor • Intensive professional development and coaching • Collegial planning time • Cohorted students

33. For more information http://www.houstonisd.org/linkedlearning