Irvine Foundation Links Learning

From irvine.org 2010

Why Linked Learning?

Linked Learning addresses the fundamental challenges facing California’s system of high school education. Too often, traditional academic courses are not relevant to the lives and aspirations of many students. At the same time, vocational education often lacks the academic and technical rigor required for success in postsecondary education and high-skilled careers. Linked Learning offers a new way.

The Linked Learning approach to high school education combines strong academics and real-world experience to help students build a strong foundation for success in college and careers—and life. Students in Linked Learning programs follow a pathway, a comprehensive program of study that connects learning in the classroom with real-world applications outside of school. They integrate rigorous academic instruction with a demanding technical curriculum and field-based learning — all set in the context of one of California's 15 major industry sectors. The “Linked Learning” Name Linked Learning is the new name for the educational approach formerly known in California as "multiple pathways." After extensive public opinion research, the schools and organizations implementing this approach selected the Linked Learning name to more clearly convey its unique benefits to students, educators, parents and policymakers. Students pursue a pathway from grades nine to 12 and graduate prepared for the full range of post-graduation options — whether that means a two- or four-year college, an apprenticeship or formal job training. The Linked Learning approach challenges and inspires students to learn, and creates well-rounded, highly skilled individuals with the foundation for lifelong success. The Linked Learning approach is gaining in popularity because it can make schools more competitive and attractive to students. Research shows that it can generate higher academic achievement and can lead to increased college attendance rates, higher earning potential after graduation and greater civic engagement. To read more on Linked Learning initiative by the James Irvine Foundation, go to Irvine.org

Tech Talk

Obama's New Digital Learning Plan
Posted: November 11, 2010
Fred Belmont Math Teacher
Albert Einstein Distinguished Education Fellow


Education Secretary Arne Duncan unveiled the final version of the National Education Technology Plan on Tuesday -- proposals to use social networking, data collection and multi-media to get U.S. kids to learn more. According to Duncan, the plan -- almost two years in the making -- will help American education "transition to digital classrooms and transform learning" for the Facebook and IPhone generation and beyond.
As a middle school math teacher and a long-time union member, I had heard it all before. Dozens of "solutions du jour" have come and gone -- with little if any measurable improvement. I figured that this was one more attempt that was destined to fail.
As I read Duncan's speech about the plan, my skepticism evaporated. Not only could this plan prompt Democrats and Republicans in the incoming Congress to cross the aisle to focus on a crucial learning roadmap, but the plan -- and each of its five very specific goals -- makes sense!
For more on this story, see The Huffington Post.com