Despite looming budgets, we found a way to support middle schools with Linked Learning and CTE pathways.

1. Educating for Careers
Presentation
Budgeting for Innovation: Linked Learning
Pathways in Middle School

2. AGENDA
1. Introductions
2. What is Linked Learning?
3. Linked Learning in Middle Schools
4. Onboarding & Coaching Support
5. Budgeting for Innovation
6. Two Signature Practices: PBL & Portfolio Defense

3. WHO’S IN THE AUDIENCE

4. What is your role in your organization?
1. Teacher
2. Coordinator
3. Administrator
4. Coach
5. District Support
6. Industry Partner
7. Other

5. What’s Our Innovation?

6. What is Linked Learning
● Linked Learning is a proven approach that combines rigorous
academics, sequenced technical training, work-based learning and
integrated student supports. By centering high school around industry
themes, learning becomes relevant.
● The goal of Linked Learning is to graduate students with the skills and
confidence to succeed in college, career and life.

7. Why Linked Learning in Middle Schools
•Strong pipeline from Middle School to High School
•Connecting education to student interests and talents
•Working with professionals = deeper learning
•Preparation for college, career, and life

8. HOW WE BUDGET FOR INNOVATION

9. California Career Pathways Trust Grant (CCPT)
What is CCPT ?
The purpose of the CCPT is to provide funding to motivate the development of sustained kindergarten through grade fourteen
(K–14) career pathways programs that connect businesses, kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) schools, and community
colleges together in order to better prepare students for the 21st century workplace.
How much is available for a middle school pathway?
On May 30, 2014, the SSPI announced the award of $248.3 million in CCPT grants to 39 fiscal agents including kindergarten
through grade twelve local educational agencies (LEAs) and community college districts representing a variety of consortia
throughout the state. LAUSD was awarded a CCPT Grant of $15 million dollars

10. Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG)
What is CTEIG ?
Career Technical Education Incentive Grant is a competitive
grant program awarded to initiate, expand and enhance CTE
programs at high schools in the district.
How much funding is available for a CTE pathway?
The maximum amount for a middle school is $250,000, and the
maximum amount for high schools is $350,000.

11. Allocations
● Curriculum (PLTW)
● Equipment
● Extra pay for teachers
● Professional development
● Substitute teachers
● Field trips
● Administrator extra pay
● CTE Salary FTE.5 (first year only)

12. ONBOARDING & COACHING
SUPPORT

13. The Onboarding Process
visual/graphic

14. Criteria to Become a Pathway (Documentation)
● Faculty in support and committed to doing the work
● Pathway students must be cohorted
● Potential teachers identified
● A commitment to professional development around Linked Learning and the
Behaviors of Teaching and Learning
● Letter of Intent
● New Pathway Application

15. Criteria to Become a Pathway (Site Visit)
● Focus group with Students and Teachers
● School Leadership
● School Culture
● Classroom Visitations
● Faculty Collaboration

16. Conditional Acceptance & Next Steps
● Pathway faculty attended mandatory LL onboarding information meetings
● Pathway provide a copy of the coming year’s school matrix
● Each student in the pathway will be enrolled in Advisory
● Pathway teachers are provided with common planning time

17. Coaching Support Middle School
● Project Based Learning Instructional Support
● Work-based Learning Support at the Middle School level
● Weekly Pathway Team Meetings
● Ongoing Professional Development
● Classroom Instructional Coaching
● Actionable Feedback
● Increasing overall student academic achievement

18. Coaching the Team
● Implementing a Distributive Leadership Model
● Creating Cohesion on the Pathway Team (Team Building)
● Insuring active collaboration across the team
● Managing Learning Styles and Personalities
● Establishing Norms
● Leading the team in dialogues prior to discussions
● Insuring a balance in participation
● Planning and Organizing Pathway Events

19. Challenges to Implementation
● Master Scheduling Challenges
● Common Planning Time
● Teacher Buy-in
● Obtaining Resources
● WBL Experiences at the Middle School Level
● Establishing a Linked Learning Certification for Middle Schools

20. SIGNATURE PRACTICES

21. DEEPENING LEARNING
THROUGH PORTFOLIO AND
DEFENSE

22. LIVE

23. Students showcase three years worth
of rigorous coursework through an
oral presentation that encapsulates
their academic development and
ability to flourish in high school,
college, and beyond.
What is Portfolio & Defense?
What if the DMV issued a license
with a written test only?

24. Portfolio & Defense Overview
8th Grade Pathway Outcomes
Critical Thinkers address global issues,
evaluate, and propose solutions using the
marvels of STEM.
Leaders and Contributors mentor 6th and 7th
graders and take active roles in the cultural
activities of the whole school.
Effective Communicators use various
forms of communication to address the
impact of their work on other nations.
Innovators demonstrate advanced
concepts to address the global scale
implications of their creations.
Student Portfolio
Defense
Presentation

25. Nightingale Portfolio & Defense Documents
gmayorga.weebly.com

26. Student Portfolio & Defense

27. Step One: Building the Portfolio
Begin in 6th Grade
Digital Citizenship and Usage Rights
Use Free Website Hosts
High-Quality Resolution Pictures 1 , 2
Artifact Organization
jreyesstem.weebly.com

28. Step Two: Collecting the Artifacts
Artifact Selection:
● Pathway Outcomes
● Academic Growth
● College and Career

29. Step Three: Putting It All Together

30. How It benefits Our students
Real-World Connections
Deeper Learning
Reflection
Ownership
Choice
Accomplishment

31. ENGAGING STUDENTS
THROUGH PROJECT BASED
LEARNING

32. Project Based Learning

33. Who’s Involved in PBL Design
Grade Level teams collaborate on PBL that
incorporates the Pathway Outcomes
(Industry Input is utilized in all aspects)

34. The Why Of Project Based Learning
● PBL makes school more engaging for students
● PBL improves learning and address standards
● PBL builds success skills for college, career, and life
● PBL provides opportunities for students to use technology.
● PBL connects students and schools with communities and the real
world
● PBL promotes educational equity
Source: BIE.org

35. The How of Project Based learning
● The Common Core is the “what.” PBL is the “how.”
● Essential Driving Questions
● Student Voice and Choice
● Focus on Deeper Learning
● Real-world Connections
● Interdisciplinary Approach

36. Putting it All Together
● Project Design
● Project Launch
● Project Management
● Reflection and Revision

37. ● What components of what you heard today would you like to implement in
your district?
● What components of what you heard today would you like to enhance or
modify in your district?
● What opportunities would support your implementation, i.e., funding, teacher
buy-in, systems?
● What would be possible barriers or threats to the implementation?
● What, if any, additional supports are needed for this to occur?
Implementing in Your Workplace

38. Implementation Insights
What insights emerged during your discussion conversation
about implementing the Linked Learning approach with
fidelity?

39. Contact Information
Jorge Reyes, Lead Teacher, Nightingale Middle School
Email:jorge.reyes@lausd.net
Neil Virani, Instructional Coach, Los Angeles Unified School District
Email: neil.virani@lausd.net
Dr. Marguerite Williams, Director, Los Angeles Unified School District
Email: marguerite.williams@lausd.net