Shrinking Size, Diminishing Returns? Small is HUGE!

1. Shrinking Size, Diminishing Returns?Small is HUGE! Rob Atterbury www.ConnectEdCalifornia.org

2. Why reforms fail? • Lack of real commitment, buy-in, and a confluence of effort • No outside force balancing the changes in leadership and their whims • Lack of fidelity to the model, cutting corners • Lack of a systemic approach • Involvement of everyone in the design and development • Change the structure and never change the instruction or culture

3. Professional Development Theory Of Action Thematic Pathway Teacher Student Content Relationships Structure Culture Rigor Relevance Instruction

4. Who is ConnectEd? • Began 3 years ago by the James Irvine Foundation • 16 Demonstration Schools • Data collection • Pre-service Teacher Preparation • Curriculum Development • Professional Development • Coalition – Legislation AB 2648 • District Initiative

5. Organizing Principles • Prepare students for both college and career • Lead to the full range of postsecondary options • Connect academics to real-world applications • Improve student achievement

6. Pathway Design Components • Academic core • Technical core • Work-based learning • Support services A multi-grade program of study consisting of:

7. Post-Secondary Articulation College and Career Plan----------College Tours----------Applications ------------Courses Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Middle School Articulation Multiple Post-Secondary Opportunities Math Math Math Math Technical Core Technical Core Technical Core Technical Core Introductory Level Intermediate Level Capstone Level English English English English Science Science Science Science Support Services Support Services Support Services Support Services Work-based Learning Opportunities Company Tours ----------------------------Job Shadowing------------------------------ Internships

8. Primary Goals of the District Initiative • Design high-quality pathways • Demonstrate effectiveness • Build district infrastructure for support • Build a broad-based coalition

9. Key Components of the District Initiative • Broad-Based Coalition • Certification Tool to Ensure Quality and Fidelity Strategic Partner Broker

10. Certification “Don’t call something something unless it really is something.”

11. Certification Tool Certification Elements and Quality Criteria Design Guiding Principals Engaged Learning Core Components System Support Defines the “what” and the process will determine “how deep” Evaluation and Accountability

12. Developing aSystem of Multiple Pathways District System Development Inform each other Site Pathway Development Align Policy, Structures, and Supports Multiple Pathway Certification District System of Multiple Pathways District has model sites and supports all schools in moving toward quality multiple pathways and certification

13. The Evidence • Compared with their peers, students in pathways: • Attend at higher rates • Are less likely to drop out and more likely to complete high school • Pass the California High School Exit Exam at higher rates • Are more likely to score proficient or higher on California Standardized Tests in English, science, and social studies • Need considerable help in mathematics • Earn more annually in the five years after high school graduation –$2,500 per year more!

14. Additional Information ConnectEd Website: www.connectedcalifornia.org Rob Atterbury ratterbury@connectedcalifornia.org