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Learning Exchanges: Models and Approaches

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Agenda

• What is a learning exchange?

• What models/approaches are other countries and US states using??

• “Lessons “for New Hampshire ???

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What is a learning exchange?• A learning exchange engages educators and

employers in building a system of career pathways that are aligned with current and future labor market demand.

• Employers provide educators with specific competencies necessary for employment.

• Educators -- with feedback and support from employers -- create education & training programs, certificate and degree programs, apprenticeships, and internships to address competencies that take students from high school through post-secondary.

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Models from abroad: Germany and Switzerland

Germany:Learning exchanges lead to recognized qualifications (certifications) in 350 occupations across the country. Employers take the role in defining occupational qualifications, providing paid apprenticeships and assessing student performance.

Switzerland:Professional associations play a quasi-governmental role in helping to outline the competencies students need to master in each occupation. Two-thirds of Swiss youth pursue vocational training as part of high school, most as part of on-the-job apprenticeship.

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US Experience • Some states have looked to the Swiss and German models

• “ In the US, we tend to involve business and industry mainly monetarily, We need to do more than ask them for money, such as involving them in the development of curriculum, problem-based learning, and the evaluation of student skills.“• John D. Barge, Georgia's schools superintendent.

• "We have folks on advisory boards everywhere, but there is no standardization or uniformity to our approach. Everyone is talking about different standards, different skills, different credentials.” • Jason A. Tyszko, the deputy chief of staff for the Illinois commerce and

economic-opportunity department

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State models: Illinois

• Created 9 learning exchanges to support STEM industry clusters

• Each exchange acts as intermediary with companies to develop curricula, expand access to labs and equipment, create work-based learning, train educators, and provide feedback on courses for high schools and colleges

• Funded by Race to the Top

• Exchange supported by a Pathways Interagency Committee, comprised of education and economic development agencies, and a Pathways Resource Center

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Functions of Learning Exchanges  in Illinois

• Provide internships and other work-based learning opportunities that connect students with adult mentors.

• Provide curriculum resources, including on-line courses, assessments and feedback systems, reference materials, and software tools.

• Expand access to classroom and laboratory space, equipment, and related educational resources necessary to support programs of study.

• Provide career development and outreach resources to expand awareness of career-related programs and careers to K-12 students.

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Functions of Learning Exchanges

• Support student organizations and their activities, including professional networking experiences, competitions, and community projects that build leadership and provide professional and peer support networks.

• Provide professional development resources for teachers and school administrators integrated and aligned across middle school, high school, and community college instruction, including STEM externships, support for web-based networks, and integrated professional development.

• Provide tools and resources to assist students and schools with implementing personalized education plans including establishing course articulation and dual credit opportunities.

• Review performance of Programs of Study through assessments and work with school partners to continuously improve performance.

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Learning Exchanges in NH ???

• In NH some industries are more active with educational institutions in defining competencies than others.

• For example, the auto dealers and some health care professions have been partnering effectively with CCSNH for years.  Also good progress in advanced manufacturing with TAACCCT grant

• There are currently limited state-wide conveners of learning exchange type activities in NH .

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Could Learning Exchange approach be beneficial in New Hampshire?

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Other State models: Georgia, IndianaGeorgia: State Board approved standards for foundational courses across 17 broad career clusters, such as energy and IT. All high school freshmen will be required to take at least one foundational course and students are encouraged to follow a pathway throughout high school.

At the end of each pathway, students receive certificates detailing the career-related courses and job specific skills acquired, as well as advising about post-secondary credits and opportunities

Indiana: Established 16 career clusters, each of which includes a pathway, or program of study that leads to an industry-recognized certificate or an associates or baccalaureate degree.