Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that engages youth, transforms systems, and advances equity. Research and experience show that real educational solutions exist in the “and:” when we combine college and career preparation, we put every student in a position to pursue the full range of postsecondary options.
Rejecting the outmoded and usually inequitable separation of students into vocational and academic tracks, Linked Learning pathways integrate four core components throughout the student experience: rigorous academics that prepare students to succeed in college; career-technical education courses in sequence, emphasizing real-world applications of academic learning; work-based learning that provides exposure to real-world workplaces and teaches the professional skills needed to thrive in a career; and comprehensive support services to address the individual needs of all students, ensuring equity of access, opportunity, and success.
How are you developing your pathway and shifting your practices to ensure each young person is at the center of high-quality learning, surrounded by adults and structures dedicated to their growth?
What is this Self-Study Tool?
Check in on your pathway development progress using our Linked Learning Pathway Self-Study Tool! Your answers will help you visualize what you've accomplished, note areas you're making strides, and create an action plan to continue strengthening your program.*
How do I use this Tool?
- Collaborate with your team to quickly self-assess your pathways growth, plan next steps, and keep improving pathways to produce greater outcomes for students! The self-study tool is aligned to the Linked Learning certification standards but is not part of the formal certification process. However, the tool can be an easy way to assess your pathway as part of a continuous improvement process and prepare for Linked Learning Silver or Gold certification.
- Review pathway data to enrich your experience using this tool and its reporting, however, data is not required to answer most questions. Data is required for Linked Learning certification. Here's a list of the data that you may want to consider reviewing before using the self-study tool:
- Student participation and attendance data, disaggregated by student subgroups where possible, including English Learners
- Academic coursework and pathway program requirements
- Teacher/educator and industry partner data, including specific supports and frequency of participation
- Student, educator, industry partner, and community member engagement (opportunities for input, collaboration, evaluation)
- Complete the self-study sections as many times as you'd like. Earning your Silver or Gold Certification is great, but even more important is the process of tracking your progress and continually improving. You can use the self-study to review your entire program or pick specific areas you want to focus on for improvement. After you complete the self-assessment you will be able to instantly download a report with your results.
What are the Linked Learning Certification Standards?
Developed in partnership with educators, industry partners, and community leaders, Linked Learning certification standards set a benchmark for quality and equitable practice in integrated college and career preparation. The certification process helps ensure high-quality implementation, which is key to ensuring positive student and community outcomes.
How do I learn more?
- For more information about the Linked Learning Alliance, please visit their website.
- Additional details regarding the California CTEIG standards referenced throughout this self-study tool can be found here.
*The Linked Learning Self-Study tool is intended to help your team understand how you’re doing in relation to the Linked Learning standards. It is not a formal part of our certification platform.
1. Before you begin, please provide a bit of information about yourself! (This information is required, because when you hit the "Submit" button a summary report of your responses will be sent to you via email in pdf format. Please save this pdf report so you'll be able to compare your responses over time and see how your pathway is progressing!) *This question is required.