Approximately one-third of all California high school students today drop out of school. Experts estimate that as many as another third receive their diplomas, but are unprepared to succeed in college or the workplace.
Many theories have been posed about the reasons behind this sobering trend. But one thing is abundantly clear: California’s one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning no longer works for too many of our young people.
California needs a new approach to education that will ignite students’ passion to learn and prepare them for the challenges of college and career. Now is the time to transform how California high school students learn so more of them graduate prepared for life’s challenges and opportunities.
ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career is the new organization dedicated to anchoring that conversation and identifying, supporting and expanding pathways that prepare students for college and career, not one or the other. By pioneering groundbreaking school programs and partnering with innovative educators and decision makers, ConnectEd will provide the next generation of young adults with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully compete in California’s growing and dynamic economy.
Hundreds of schools across California are using elements of the pathways approach. ConnectEd has identified a handful of model programs to showcase best practices and innovative ideas. Profiles posted on this site provide a snapshot of the various ways that pathway programs are being implemented. Check out the nine new program profiles recently posted.
ConnectEd and its partners are developing curricula that integrate academic and technical coursework around an industry theme. Take a look at the unit overviews for a Health Science and Biomedical Program of Study.
