The California Linked Learning District Initiative, led by ConnectEd, supports selected California school districts in system-wide implementation of the Linked Learning approach in their high schools. Linked Learning prepares students for success in postsecondary education and careers by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences. Each Linked Learning pathway is organized around one of California’s 15 major industries.

SRI’s evaluation involves nine districts awarded two-year implementation grants by ConnectEd: Antioch Unified, Long Beach Unified, Los Angeles Unified, Montebello Unified, Oakland Unified, Pasadena Unified, Porterville Unified, Sacramento City Unified, and West Contra Costa Unified.

SRI is documenting the implementation of district-wide systems of Linked Learning pathways, assessing district support for selected pathways, and estimating the effect of pathway enrollment on key student outcomes. Outcomes include attendance, grade progression, credit accumulation, completion of college preparatory coursework, achievement on state assessments, and high school graduation.

SRI is also assessing district-level outcomes by tracking the availability of a range of high-quality pathway options for all students in each district. SRI is examining district policies, leadership, and infrastructure that support and sustain effective pathway systems.

The qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis include interviews, student focus groups and surveys, document collection, and analyses of student data to compare outcomes for pathway students with those of nonparticipating peers.