The Linked Learning Alliance is in the process of launching a strategic planning process as we look ahead to the future. We hope to build on the foundation laid out by the Vision 2020 Plan from 2016 and play to the Alliance's strengths. 
 
I am excited to embark on this journey of reflection so we can ensure that the Alliance will impact even more young people's lives for years to come.  Read Anne's full blog post here .

Anne B. Stanton
President, Linked Learning Alliance
April 18, 2018

The deadline to submit an application for the Linked Learning Scholarship Program is May 4th. Students who are graduating seniors from pathways that have achieved Candidate status or higher in Linked Learning Certification are encouraged to apply. Up to five $1000 scholarships will be awarded to students to support their postsecondary education expenses. For requirements and information on how to submit, visit linkedlearning.org/scholarships.
The Alliance monitors legislative proposals that could impact Linked Learning practice and policy. Below are some of the bills on the Alliance watch list that are currently going through the legislative review process:
  • AB 3188 - Recognizes and supports the integration of college and career readiness within California's accountability framework.
  • AB 1743 - Permanently provides $500 million annual funding for the California Career Technical Incentive Grant Program.
  • SB 1243 - Establishes a public-private partnership program called the California State Pathways in Technology (CA P-TECH)  for the purposes of preparing high-school students for high-skill jobs in technology, manufacturing, health care, and finance. 
The Alliance is educating stakeholders and policymakers on the impact of these bills on the Linked Learning field. If you have questions or wish to communicate your viewpoints to the legislature, contact Anna Fontus (anna@linkedlearning.org) on the Alliance policy team with questions or for more information.

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Linked Learning Alliance would like to introduce Jennifer Louie as the new Government Affairs Manager. She formerly served in the California State Legislature, working on education budget and policy. She joins Anna Fontus, who serves as the Alliance's policy analyst and leads work to identify and evaluate local, state, and federal policies that may impact the Linked Learning field.
The Alliance recently added "Advanced Innovation and Design" to the approved Linked Learning Course List. This course includes signature elements of Linked Learning and is approved by UC/CSU as a 'g' college preparatory elective.
  
It is also the time of year when the Alliance is seeking to develop new courses to add to the Linked Learning Course List. Keep an eye out for a call for courses. If you have a course in mind or have any questions, reach out to the Alliance at info@linkedlearning.org.

To see the complete list of courses and to learn more about the process for adding courses, visit linkedlearning.org/courselist.
San Bernardino and Solano County will launch LaunchPath instances this year to expand work-based learning opportunities for Linked Learning students. Both regions, led by their respective workforce development boards and funded by the California Workforce Development Board, hope to better prepare students with the skills needed to succeed in their careers of interest through expanded access to work-based learning opportunities such as guest speakers, job shadows, and internships.

LaunchPath is a work-based learning management tool that helps organize and connect students and employers for a range of work-based learning experiences. LaunchPath Instances have the same functionality but are developed with a unique network of partners, and custom branding that aligns with the region or initiative. Instances have already been launched in San Diego, Sacramento, West Sacramento, Sonoma County, Portland and Central Or., and Seattle, WA.
Linked Learning Alliance is offering in-person and virtual Linked Learning Certification trainings for districts hosting professional development or teacher preparation days over the summer.

Last year, the Alliance visited Los Angeles, Tulare, and Kings Canyon Unified school districts, where educators and administrators had an opportunity to ask questions regarding standards, evidence, and Silver certification reviews. If interested in having the Alliance come to your district please reach out by email (natalie@linkedlearning.org) to learn more!

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New toolkits are now available to help you communicate about Linked Learning certification and celebrate your success at achieving pathway quality. The toolkits are filled with materials, messages, and usage tips that help pathways convey their commitment to quality. The communication toolkits are customized for pathways that achieve Candidate and Silver-level certification. A toolkit for Gold will be available later this year. The toolkits are available through the Linked Learning Certification platform.

The Linked Learning Alliance hosted a webinar about using the communications toolkits on April 11. For those who missed it or would like to watch it again, click here for the recording of the webinar.
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