talking points - linked learning alliance · web viewthis toolkit also includes a variety of...

Table of ContentsBusiness leadersTalking Points...............................................................................................................................................................3Best Practices Tip Sheet for Communicating with Business Leaders............................................................................5Frequently Asked Questions........................................................................................................................................7Business Leader Fact Sheet........................................................................................................................................10Template Introductory Email/Letter to Business Leaders..........................................................................................11Phone Outreach to Business Leaders Tips and Script.................................................................................................12Business Leader Recruitment Meeting Script and Tips..............................................................................................14Business Leader (Chamber, Rotary or Association) Meeting Script and Tips.............................................................17Template PowerPoint Slides......................................................................................................................................20Template Employee Newsletter Article......................................................................................................................21Template Business Leader Blog Post..........................................................................................................................22Template Business Partnership Press Release...........................................................................................................23

PolicymakersTalking Points.............................................................................................................................................................26Best Practices Tip Sheet for Communicating with Policymakers................................................................................29Frequently Asked Questions......................................................................................................................................31Policymaker Fact Sheet..............................................................................................................................................34Template Introductory Email/Letter to Policymakers and Their Staff........................................................................35Policymaker Meeting Script and Tips.........................................................................................................................36Template PowerPoint Slides......................................................................................................................................39Linked Learning, the Common Core State Standards and New Assessments.............................................................40

Potential Community PartnersTalking Points.............................................................................................................................................................42Best Practices Tip Sheet for Communicating with Potential Community Partners.....................................................44Frequently Asked Questions......................................................................................................................................46Potential Community Partner Fact Sheet...................................................................................................................48Template Introductory Email/Letter to Potential Community Partners.....................................................................49Phone Outreach to Potential Community Partners Tips and Script...........................................................................50Potential Community Partner Meeting Script and Tips..............................................................................................52Template PowerPoint Slides......................................................................................................................................55

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FOR EXTERNAL AUDIENCES | p 1

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in Linked Learning and your commitment to expanding educational opportunities for all California students. Successful implementation of new Linked Learning pathways and expansion of existing ones will require the efforts of everyone, not just those most closely connected to schools. That is why we provided this toolkit to help with outreach to external groups, including business leaders, policymakers and other potential community partners. This toolkit also includes a variety of tools and templates to help business leaders spread the word about their involvement with Linked Learning. Linked Learning’s long-term success will depend on the contributions and active participation of these groups to help ensure that pathways are aligned with the realities of the 21st century economy and the political landscape.

The toolkit is a guide and resource and is organized by audience. Within each section, you’ll find materials that are specifically tailored to each group and that will help guide outreach and communications at every step of the way. Refer to this toolkit often and make use of the messaging documents, such as the talking points, fact sheets and frequently asked questions. Before conducting any outreach, you should practice your approach and make sure you feel comfortable before you start any conversation or communication.

These materials were developed with the support and help of The James Irvine Foundation, the Linked Learning Alliance and ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, as well as with advice from Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE), the National Academy Foundation, America’s Edge, Hanson Consulting Group. This document also incorporates the feedback of California educators in the Linked Learning District Initiative who attended communications trainings in Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco in March 2013.

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Business, large corporate, industry and union leaders

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Talking Points

Basic Definition:Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. By centering high school around industry themes, learning becomes relevant. Students graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career and life.

Elevator Speech: Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. By centering high school around industry themes, it makes learning relevant. Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction.

One reason is that Linked Learning answers the question “Why do I need to learn this?” and inspires students to work harder, dream bigger and learn more by exposing them to previously unimagined career opportunities. Students graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career and life.

Four Core Components: Linked Learning encompasses four core components which are woven together in industry-themed pathways: Rigorous academics. Core subjects that prepare all students for college, including the a-g coursework required

by California’s public universities and aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Career-based learning in the classroom. Professional skills and industry-related knowledge woven into lessons

and projects to give students context for what they’re learning. Work-based learning in professional settings. A range of real-world experiences, from mentoring and job

shadowing to internships, that expose students to possible career paths. Integrated student supports. Dedicated support services tailored to the needs of students, such as counseling

and supplemental instruction, that help ensure students are successful in school and life.

Primary (for All Audiences): Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based

learning and integrated student supports.

Centered around industry themes in high school that make learning relevant, Linked Learning ensures that students graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career and life.

Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction.

Linked Learning answers the question “Why do I need to learn this?” and inspires students to work harder, dream bigger and learn more by exposing them to previously unimagined career opportunities.

Each career-oriented pathway is centered on one of California’s 15 largest industries, such as engineering, health care, performing arts, energy and law, ensuring that students graduate with skills applicable to actual jobs.

Linked Learning is helping to create an engaged and productive future workforce for California and is bringing employers into the classroom to ensure that students learn the skills they need to succeed.

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Linked Learning is a way to implement the Common Core State Standards. The framework for the Common Core State Standards is directly aligned with Linked Learning—a focus on critical thinking, analysis and applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Secondary (for All Audiences): Students in the Linked Learning approach understand how their high school education leads to their next

academic or career steps.

Students engage in professional learning via job shadowing, apprenticeships, internships and professional skill-building before they leave high school. They begin to understand all the possible choices available to them after high school and raise their aspirations accordingly.

Employers are critical partners in Linked Learning. Employers provide essential work-based learning opportunities for students. Students interact with professionals in California’s top industries in real-world settings and graduate with a clear understanding of what they need to do to be successful in any postsecondary education program or career.

Linked Learning creates more opportunity for students to discover new aspirations and graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and career. Linked Learning improves equity for all California students. It inspires students who may never have imagined going to college to excel in high school, graduate and succeed in college and life.

Improving educational achievement for all students will require the help of entire communities—including business leaders, parents, community organizations and higher education—working together with educators as stakeholders in the public education of their communities.

Secondary (for Business Leaders): California’s businesses need a better educated workforce to meet current and future demands. But right now

not enough students are graduating high school and those that do often lack the skills and knowledge to succeed in college and career.

Linked Learning pathways are giving students more exposure to California’s major industries, giving them a better understanding of the types of career paths and jobs available and helping them develop the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed.

The Linked Learning approach invites employers to partner with schools to ensure that both the academic and professional learning curricula are preparing students to succeed in a career within the pathway’s field.

Businesses can invest in the future of their workforce by providing students in Linked Learning pathways with exposure to high-quality work-based learning opportunities from a variety of industries and sectors.

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Communicate with business leaders to strengthen work-based learning

and leverage their voice and perspective in building support for

Linked Learning.

Best Practices Tip Sheet for Communicating with Business Leaders

Why Speaking to Business Leaders is ImportantBusiness and industry leaders have a significant role to play in expanding Linked Learning opportunities through developing partnerships with schools, providing work-based learning opportunities and ensuring that Linked Learning pathways are relevant to current economic needs and complement rigorous academics.

It is critical to engage a variety of employers, business leaders, corporations and organizations to ensure that all of California’s industry sectors are involved in expanding Linked Learning and to give students choices among different Linked Learning pathways. For Linked Learning to engage and inspire the passions of all students, it needs to offer opportunities in different industry sectors and show students a full range of possibilities for their future.

Finally, the business community is an essential partner in advocating for expanded Linked Learning opportunities. Business leaders lend a credible voice to the argument that Linked Learning will benefit California’s workforce and economy. Business leaders involved in Linked Learning can attest to the difference that Linked Learning makes in preparing students for success in college and career.

General Communications TipsWhen speaking with any audience, keep these communications tips in mind: Remember your key messages: Know your audience, venue and format, as well as questions you might be

asked and recent news. Be especially clear about the main message you want to get across and what you want to persuade your audience to do.

Prepare your reasons and examples: Having three key points supported by examples will help you communicate your message effectively. While data and statistics are important for providing objective measures of success, it is also important to provide real-world stories that allow you to connect with your audience and give them a clear idea of why Linked Learning works.

Be brief: People are busy with many competing priorities. Keep your points and presentations short and concise.

Be persuasive: Structuring your arguments carefully will help get your point across clearly and more convincingly. o Begin with a brief background of the situation and context. Describe the issue and why your audience

should care. For example: Right now, our system is failing California’s students and too many fail to graduate on time. Linked Learning is a promising practice that is helping address this problem by combining college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports.

o Make your recommendation. Adjust your tone depending on whether you are making a request or strongly suggesting an action. For example: You should become a supporter of Linked Learning to help establish new pathways and expand existing ones in your community.

o Clearly lay out the reasons for your request or recommendation. List your strongest argument first and your second strongest argument last. For example: I have seen more students at my school complete high school and continue on prepared for college, career and life. Linked Learning has also opened up new opportunities for businesses to nurture and recruit local talent and to garner positive publicity.

o Prescribe the specific action steps that your audience can take to do something about the issue. For example: Start by learning more about Linked Learning at www.LinkedLearning.org or by taking a tour of a local Linked Learning pathway. You can also join the Linked Learning Alliance (www.LinkedLearning.org /linked-learning-alliance/become-a-member ).

http://www.LinkedLearning.org/linked-learning-alliance/become-a-member

http://www.LinkedLearning.org/

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Speak simply: Speak so anyone can understand you. Avoid education jargon. If you must use jargon, explain it. For example: Don’t assume everyone knows what the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are. Explain that they are consistent learning goals in English language arts and mathematics that were adopted by California, as well as 44 other states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Schools.

Things to Consider when Speaking with Business LeadersExpanded Linked Learning opportunities have the potential to benefit business leaders in a direct way. However, many businesses and corporations may be unfamiliar with working collaboratively and closely with schools. As you prepare to speak with representatives of the business community, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Emphasize return on investment: Members of the business community may not immediately recognize the importance of being involved in Linked Learning. Remember to emphasize the long-term economic benefits of the Linked Learning approach and how it can contribute to developing a productive future workforce in your community and in our state. Companies are results-oriented. Use your communications efforts to help business leaders see that Linked Learning can be a long-term investment in producing successful future employees. Make the case for why it makes sense for them to direct limited resources to being an advisory board member or a partner for Linked Learning pathway.

Seeking engagement, not money: Many businesses expect nonprofits and other organizations to ask for money. When you conduct outreach to business on behalf of Linked Learning, remember to be clear that business can contribute to Linked Learning in different ways. Successful Linked Learning pathways require the active participation and input of business leaders, corporations and unions in shaping and implementing those pathways. A good first step is for a business leader or industry leader to serve on a pathway’s advisory committee to help inform projects and other work. Employers and industry leaders also can help develop and implement work-based learning opportunities, internships and externships, support industry-themed projects and other real-world experiences.

Be clear: When you speak with employers, be clear about why or how they are an ideal partner for a specific Linked Learning pathway. Let them know that their industry sector is valuable for Linked Learning students or that the local pathway has a desire to build connections with professionals in their industry.

Be brief: Use your time wisely with business leaders, whether it is on the phone or in-person. Their time is valuable. Focus on a few core points to get your message across clearly and quickly. Later, when your outreach is successful, remember to be responsive and share materials and information as quickly as possible.

Build relationships: With business leaders, relationships count—a lot. The most successful and long-term partnerships are built and nurtured over time. A truly successful partnership between the business community and schools will require patience and continued effort, especially on the part of the school. Focus on building a real, personal relationship with the business leaders you engage.

Take the first step: Don’t be afraid to start small. Whether that means starting with smaller asks—such as a follow-up conversation or a visit to a Linked Learning school—or a small number of outreach targets, your outreach activity should be viewed as the first step in building a relationship that will lead to a more productive partnership. You may also want to start with outreach to smaller companies that have flexibility and a close relationship with the community. Winning the support of the business community and convincing them to play an active role in the expansion of Linked Learning can be accomplished over time. The hardest part is initiating those conversations and getting companies to take that first step.

Be persistent: Do not take “no” personally. Each company, organization or group will have different priorities at different times. Sometimes working to expand Linked Learning will fit into those business plans; other times it will not. Try to follow as many new leads as possible so that you cast a wide net. Also, look for innovative ways to nurture existing relationships and move them further along to full partnerships.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions about Linked Learning

Q: What is Linked Learning?A: Linked Learning is an approach to education that transforms the traditional school experience by combining college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports to help students gain an advantage in high school, postsecondary education and career. Students can choose among industry-themed pathways in fields such as engineering, health care, performing arts, law and more.

Pathways connect learning with student interests and career aspirations, making their high school education personally relevant and providing them with experimental learning experiences beyond the classroom where they can engage with working adults on important problems. Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction. All pathways, by design, offer students a college preparatory education, leaving the door open for students to pursue any career goal or interest after high school.

Q: How does Linked Learning work and what are its components?A: Linked Learning pathways currently offer high school students from grades 9 through 12 a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with career-based learning in the classroom and work-based learning in real-world workplaces as well as integrated support to help students succeed. This approach prepares students for the full range of postsecondary options. Linked Learning can be implemented using different models and in various settings. Linked Learning also can be applied in middle school or even earlier, as well as in college-level learning.

All Linked Learning pathways include: A rigorous academic component that includes English, mathematics, science, history and other pertinent

courses. A career-based learning component of three or more courses that help students graduate with the skills and

confidence to succeed in college, career and life. Work-based learning in real-world workplaces, via job shadowing, apprenticeships, internships and

professional skill-building before they leave high school, helping them understand all the possible choices available to them after high school and raise their aspirations accordingly.

Integrated student support services including resume and interview counseling and supplemental instruction in reading, writing and mathematics that that help ensure students are successful in school and life.

Q: Why Linked Learning?A: Linked Learning addresses some of the fundamental challenges facing California’s high schools. Many traditional academic programs do not feel relevant to students’ lives and aspirations. At the same time, career and technical education (CTE) often lacks the academic rigor required for access to and success in college. Linked Learning provides students of all levels and abilities with the best possible chance for success in college and career.

Q: Are Linked Learning pathways proven to be effective?A: The Linked Learning approach already has transformed the lives of thousands of students in California. Districts and schools currently offering a Linked Learning approach consistently demonstrate better student outcomes than traditional high schools. Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction. Though Linked Learning is a relatively new model for improving education, research supports the case for making the Linked Learning approach a focus of high school reform.

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Q: How is Linked Learning different from Career Technical Education (CTE) and career academies or charter schools?A: Linked Learning is unique in its approach that encompasses effective features of CTE and the flexibility of charter schools, paired with rigorous and relevant college-prep academics, to prepare students for college, career and life. Linked Learning allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations. Through its integration of college- and career-readiness practices, Linked Learning ensures that every student will be equipped with the necessary experience and training to succeed in school and become a skilled member of the California workforce.

Q: Who is an advocate of Linked Learning?A: A broad and diverse community of educators, employers, policymakers and community-based organizations champion Linked Learning, aiming to expand and improve programs and offer them to more students across the state. The Linked Learning Alliance, a statewide coalition comprised of more than 250 educators, industry professionals and community leaders, is a hub of information and works to build awareness about Linked Learning, advocate for policies that support high-quality implementation and expand Linked Learning opportunities for students.

An important member of the Linked Learning Alliance, ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, helps districts build systems of high-quality Linked Learning pathways by developing tools, supporting demonstrations, providing technical assistance and professional development, leading collaboration efforts and promoting policies that expand Linked Learning overall. The National Academy Foundation, the College & Career Academy Support Network and the Los Angeles Small Schools Center are other key providers of technical assistance to Linked Learning pathways and districts.

Linked Learning also is supported by students, parents and educators around the state who are passionate about improving education for all high school students and helping them to be successful in school and career.

Business Leader-specific Questions

Q: What is the incentive for employers and businesses to become involved in Linked Learning?A: By becoming involved with Linked Learning, employers and businesses have the opportunity to produce positive results from their investment of time and other resources. Linked Learning offers employers the chance to work directly with local students and help train the next generation of California’s workforce. Productive partnerships can produce real benefits for businesses, including increased recruiting opportunities for future entry-level workers, lower recruiting and training costs, greater morale among current employees and positive publicity. There are also social benefits that may align with an organization’s current commitment to social responsibility. Linked Learning gives an organization the chance to give back to the community, to affect positive change in education and to make a difference in the lives of local students.

Q: As a member of the business community, what are some of the different ways I can support Linked Learning?A: There are a variety of ways to get involved, all which afford students opportunities to become more deeply engaged in their work and better prepared for success in college and career. A good first step for involvement could mean serving on a pathway’s advisory committee. The full continuum of engagement includes activities such as speaking to classes about your profession, meeting with students at career fairs, assisting with industry-themed class projects, helping conduct informational and mock interviews and assisting with college visits and other field trips. Offering internships, externships and job shadow opportunities are additional ways that employers, business leaders and industry leaders can help students gain practical job experience and apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations. You can even volunteer to help teachers develop their curriculum.

In addition, we encourage business leaders and other employers to speak up to policymakers—via direct contact, social media, op-eds, etc.—to help them understand the need for expanded Linked Learning across the state.

Q: Whom can I contact to discuss more opportunities to get involved in Linked Learning?

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A: Reaching out to your local school district is a great first step to learning more about the ways you can be a part of Linked Learning locally. You’ll be able to learn about the needs of local schools for your support and find out more about the ways you can help. You can also join the Linked Learning Alliance to help advocate for expanded Linked Learning across the state.

Q: I’d like to support my local Linked Learning school/academy, but I can’t offer any job shadows or internships right now. Are there other ways to get involved?A: Absolutely. Members of the business and labor community are a key component to helping students get the real-world experience that will help them succeed in college, career and life. While job shadows, internships and externships offer valuable depth, insight and experience to students, employers, business leaders and industry leaders are also able to lend their expertise by giving presentations or offering site tours to students enrolled in a Linked Learning pathway. Even offering a small amount of time to discuss how Linked Learning helps students become prepared for the working world would make a significant contribution to their learning experience.

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Business Leader Fact Sheet

The fact sheets provide important statistics and data to help make the case for the Linked Learning approach. Feel free to use the Business Leader Fact Sheet in all your outreach to this audience, whether you use it to bolster your case or as a “leave-behind” handout following a meeting.

To download the fact sheet tailored to business leaders, please visit www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources.

http://www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources

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Template Introductory Email/Letter to Business Leaders

You now have the knowledge and tools you need to talk about the Linked Learning approach. You also have specific guidance on how to speak to the business community. The remaining materials in this section provide you with templates and examples to help you with your outreach.

The first step in your outreach will be to get in contact with the business organization to begin introducing them to Linked Learning. Adapt and customize this template email to help you with your outreach.

Subject: Your help developing CA’s workforce with Linked Learning

Hello [CONTACT NAME],

I’m reaching out to you because I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss how you are in a position to help improve California’s workforce and provide more opportunities for our students.

As you know, California’s businesses and employers need a better educated workforce to meet current and future demands. But right now not enough students are graduating high school, and those that do often lack the skills and knowledge to succeed in college and career.

That’s where Linked Learning comes in. Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. All Linked Learning students follow an industry-themed pathway, including project-based learning in the classroom and career exposure and practical applications in a real-world setting. Students also get a complete picture of the many career paths and jobs available to them in addition to the skills and knowledge they need to reach and excel in a potential career.

Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction. What’s more, Linked Learning pathways are giving students more exposure to California’s major industries, giving them a better understanding of the types of career paths and jobs available and helping them develop the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed. That leads to an engaged and productive future workforce for California.

Linked Learning has already been successfully implemented in many schools and districts across the state, helping to prepare students for a full range of post-graduation opportunities. But Linked Learning also needs the help of employers to partner with schools to ensure that both academics and career-focused learning are preparing students to succeed.

I really believe Linked Learning makes a difference for students and our state. We need your help to invest in the future workforce by providing students in Linked Learning pathways with exposure to high-quality work-based learning opportunities from a variety of industries and sectors. I will follow up with you next week to discuss scheduling [a brief meeting OR a quick phone call] to discuss Linked Learning in more detail.

Thank you—I look forward to talking with you soon.

Sincerely,[NAME]

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Phone Outreach to Business Leaders Tips and Script

Once you have sent your introductory email, follow up with a phone call. This document will help you in your outreach by phone to leaders and members of the business community. Within each initial call, you should make a connection, state who you are, state why you are calling and wrap up the call with next steps. The tips provide context, and the script provides guidance on what to say during each phase of the call.

Phone Outreach TipsI. Making the connection Whenever possible, reference a contact name in your introduction. This includes anyone at the organization

who may have helped you by setting up the call or by providing a contact name: “Beth Smith in the human resources department gave me your name.”

Make sure it’s a good time to talk. If it is not a good time, ask the contact when you can call back. Try to avoid letting them call you back—they rarely do. If this is your only option, wait a week and then try them again. You can also ask if there is someone else in the company or organization with whom you should speak.

Be prepared to leave a voicemail message. Remember to leave your name and number at the beginning of the message and keep the message short: “This is [NAME] with [ORGANIZATION] at [PHONE] (Enunciate the number clearly and slowly. Many of us tend to speak too hurriedly on voice recordings.) Beth Smith gave me your name and suggested I speak with you about workforce readiness and an approach that serves [COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION]’s interests. I will try to reach you again later in the day [OR OTHER SPECIFIC TIME]. I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

II. Stating who you are Explain who you are and on whose behalf you are calling to establish credibility.

III. Stating why you are calling Make clear quickly that you are not selling anything and get right to the point of the call. Tailor your program description to the person’s knowledge as well as your personal role in Linked Learning.

Keep your descriptions simple and avoid using terms or acronyms that your contact may not be familiar with. Do your homework on the person or organization you are contacting if possible so that you can highlight

specific ways that Linked Learning could benefit them. For example, “[ORGANIZATION]’s leadership on workforce readiness is impressive. It’s one of the reasons we think [ORGANIZATION] would be a great potential partner to our local Linked Learning pathways.”

Make sure to have the FAQ sheet, fact sheet and communicator tips on hand during the call in case your contact asks you difficult or challenging questions about Linked Learning.

IV. Wrapping up the phone call Don’t forget to make “the ask.” During this first call, your objective may be to find out if your contact is

interested in meeting with you in person to engage more fully with Linked Learning. Most people will want you to send additional information that they can review before making a decision.

Before you end your call, be sure you have a next step, such as setting a date for your next call, sending program information or setting up a meeting or school visit.

If your contact was made through a friend or colleague, keep them in the loop about your progress.

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Call ScriptI. Making the connection Hi, this is [NAME] with [ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL]. I am following up from an email I sent you about a proven approach in high schools called Linked Learning. It

combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. It’s helping to strengthen California’s future workforce by ensuring that more students graduate high school with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career and life.

Do you have a few minutes to talk?

II. Stating who you are I am a [TITLE] at [YOUR ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL], and we are working with businesses, policymakers and

schools across California to spread the word about the value to students and to our local economy that comes from implementing the Linked Learning approach within public education in their communities.

III. Stating why you are calling Our goal is to raise awareness among business leaders like you about Linked Learning and to increase

participation in this proven approach for our students. Linked Learning is transforming high school education in California and helping address the skills gaps that you

know so well. In fact, research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction, and many of them are graduating high school with competitive skills in engineering, computer science, health professions and other industries critical to California.

Ultimately, we want more and more businesses to become involved in Linked Learning by providing students with invaluable work experience before they graduate from high school, whether that’s job shadowing or an internship.

Businesses, in return, help to improve the community by ensuring that its citizens are educated and able to contribute to a thriving community and by ensuring that California will have a better-educated workforce that can meet the current and future workforce demands of businesses.

Students in Linked Learning understand how their high school education leads to their next educational or career steps. Employers are critical to making Linked Learning work by providing essential work-based learning opportunities for students. Students interact with professionals in California’s top industries in real-world settings and graduate with a clear understanding of what they need to do to be successful in any postsecondary education program or career.

Could we set up a meeting with in person to discuss further?

IV. Wrapping up the phone call Thanks for taking the time to talk today. I’m excited to meet with you to discuss Linked Learning. Is there anyone else at [BUSINESS] you would like me to talk to about Linked Learning? Is there any additional information I can provide? When is a convenient time for you to meet? [NOTE: Try to confirm the date/location while on the phone.] If you have any questions or need further information, please call or email. [NOTE: Provide contact

information and use your direct line or business cell if you have one.]

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Business Leader Recruitment Meeting Script and Tips

Now that you have scheduled a meeting with a business leader contact, the following script and tips will help guide your meeting to foster their engagement at the local level or statewide. The focus of this script is on recruiting a business or organization to support Linked Learning or form a partnership with a pathway. You may also want to supplement your meeting with other items from the Linked Learning toolkit such as the fact sheet.

I. Starting your meeting Hi, I’m [NAME] with [ORGANIZATION]. I am happy we can connect in person to talk about Linked Learning. Tips

o Always agree to meet at a time and location that is convenient for the business leader.o Remember to bring a business card and any other materials that could be helpful in guiding your

conversation, including a brochure and/or fact sheet.

II. Discussing Linked LearningExplain what Linked Learning is, how it works and how it is effective. This approach will make clear what it means for our students and our state. What it is

o Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports.

o Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction

o Linked Learning answers the question “Why do I need to learn this?” and inspires students to work harder, dream bigger and learn more by exposing them to previously unimagined career opportunities.

o Linked Learning is helping to create a productive future workforce for California.o Linked Learning pathways are giving students more exposure to California’s major industries, giving them

a better understanding of the types of career paths and jobs available and helping them develop the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed.

o The Linked Learning approach invites employers to partner with schools to ensure that both the academic and professional learning curricula are preparing students to succeed in a pathway’s industry.

How it workso All Linked Learning students follow a topic specific pathway, designed as a multi-year, comprehensive

program that engages them through project-based learning in the classroom paired with career exposure and practical applications in a real-world setting. All Linked Learning pathways include: Rigorous academics Career-based learning in the classroom Work-based learning in real-world workplaces Integrated student support

How it is effectiveo Making school relevant: Linked Learning connects what students learn in school to the real-world and

their career goals. The curriculum combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports, helping students connect what they learn now to what they hope to do in the future.

O Graduating college ready: Linked Learning prepares students for a postsecondary education by helping them successfully complete the necessary a-g coursework required by California’s public universities.

O Graduating career ready: Linked Learning’s combination of college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports provides students with communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills that are needed in any profession. No matter what pathway a student chooses,

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Linked Learning is designed to arm students with a robust array of skills that will better prepare them for college, career and life.

Explain how businesses play a key role in Linked Learning’s success o Linked Learning is helping to create a productive future workforce for California.o Employers are critical to making Linked Learning work. Work-based learning opportunities allow students

to interact with professionals in real-world settings in order to graduate with a clear understanding of what they need to do to succeed in any postsecondary education program or career.

o At [YOUR ORGANIZATION] we have [INTERNSHIP PROGRAM] with [SCHOOL]. This is an opportunity to discuss firsthand your positive experience with Linked Learning students.

Explain how Linked Learning benefits the economy o College and career prep: Linked Learning prepares students for a full range of opportunities after high

school. It combines academics and professional skills—which are both necessary for a complete education and a successful future.

o Need for skilled workers: As you know, skilled and productive employees are the backbone of any successful business. Today, 59 percent of jobs require a postsecondary credential. By 2018, this figure will reach 63 percent of all jobs, a trend that is likely to continue to grow. Right now, there aren’t enough skilled workers in California to fill open job positions that require education beyond high school.

o Demonstrated success: Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction.

o Increasing opportunity: Linked Learning creates more opportunity and improves equity among all California students. It helps students who may never have imagined going to college excel in high school, discover new aspirations and graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

If they ask questions, offer additional supportive points, as appropriate:o Economic success: Linked Learning arms students with real-world workplace experience, career-based

learning and a rigorous academic foundation to earn postsecondary credentials that allow them to meet the demands of today’s job market and enjoy a meaningful career. Linked Learning pathways are aligned with California’s major growth industries.

o Broad support: A number of organizations champion Linked Learning. The Linked Learning Alliance, a statewide coalition comprised of more than 250 educators, industry professionals and community leaders, is a hub of information and works to build awareness, to advise school districts and to expand the Alliance to include more representation from the community. Alliance partners include ConnectEd, The National Academy Foundation, the Los Angeles Small Schools Center and College & Career Academy Support Network.

o Leveling the playing field: Linked Learning creates more opportunity for students to discover new aspirations and graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and career. Linked Learning improves equity for all California students. It inspires students who may never have imagined going to college to excel in high school, graduate and succeed in college and life.

Tipso Make Linked Learning personal. If you work in a Linked Learning school or had Linked Learning interns

work at your organization, discuss any relevant anecdotes or success stories you or your company, school or organization have witnessed. Student examples best illustrate the positive outcomes of Linked Learning and show how it’s effective.

o Keep the conversation an open dialogue. While there is a lot of good information to communicate about Linked Learning, it is important the meeting remains a two-way discussion. Pause and ask if the person you’re meeting with has any questions or needs further clarification on a topic before moving forward.

o Use any materials you brought to the meeting like a brochure and/or fact sheet to support your points through the discussion. Visuals can be helpful for understanding complex topics. Be concise. Again, while there is a lot of good information to communicate about Linked Learning, business leaders are busy. Stick with the key talking points.

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o Keep your descriptions simple and avoid using terms or acronyms that a business leader may not be familiar with unless you also explain them.

III. Making the ask and wrapping up the meeting I’m glad we were able to connect in person today and hope you have all the information you need about

Linked Learning. I’ve shared some information about Linked Learning, but nothing replaces seeing it yourself. Would you be

interested in visiting a school to see Linked Learning in action? I can help set that up. We would love to have your support as a Linked Learning partner. [NOTE: Be specific. For example, you could

say, “Businesses can help invest in the future of their workforce by providing students in Linked Learning pathways with exposure to high-quality work-based learning programs from a variety of industries and sectors. If you are interested in becoming an advocate or even implementing a Linked Learning work-based learning program at [BUSINESS], I am happy to provide you with additional materials and support to do so.”]

Thank you so much for your time. Please consider me a resource if you need any additional information and support. I would like to follow up in a few weeks on the discussion we had today.

Tipso Be direct and concise.o Don’t forget to make “the ask.”o Be sure to tailor your ask to employers, business leaders and industry leaders to help explain why or how

they are an ideal partner for a particular pathway. Be clear that there are many ways, big and small, that they can partner with a pathway.

o Before you end your meeting, be sure you have a next step, such as asking to follow up by phone a few weeks after the meeting.

o If your contact was made through a friend or colleague, keep them in the loop about your progress.o Leave materials with important information behind such as links to resource websites, toolkits, fact sheets,

pamphlets and your contact information.o If possible, offer the person a tour or visit of a Linked Learning school, so they can get a first-hand sense of

the approach and pathways in action. We find that seeing is believing.o

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Business Leader (Chamber, Rotary or Association) Meeting Script and Tips

The following script and tips are also meant to be used in a meeting with a business leader. The focus of this script is on recruiting an organization to support Linked Learning and advocate for its expansion at the local level or statewide. Again, you can supplement your meeting with other materials from the Linked Learning toolkit such as the fact sheet.


o Always agree to meet at a time and location that is convenient for the business leader.o Remember to bring a business card and any other materials that could be helpful in guiding your




o Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction


o Linked Learning is helping to create a productive future workforce for California.o Linked Learning pathways are giving students more exposure to California’s major industries, giving them

a better understanding of the types of career paths and jobs available and helping them develop the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed.

o The Linked Learning approach invites employers to partner with schools to ensure that both the academic and professional learning curricula are preparing students to succeed in a pathway’s industry.






O Graduating career ready: Linked Learning’s combination of college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports provides students with communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills that are needed in any profession. No matter what pathway a student chooses,

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Linked Learning is designed to arm students with a robust array of skills that will better prepare them for college, career and life.

Explain how businesses play a key role in Linked Learning’s success o Linked Learning is helping to create a productive future workforce for California.o Employers are critical to making Linked Learning work. Work-based learning opportunities allow students

to interact with professionals in real-world settings in order to graduate with a clear understanding of what they need to do to succeed in any postsecondary education program or career.

o At [YOUR ORGANIZATION] we have [INTERNSHIP PROGRAM] with [SCHOOL]. This is an opportunity to discuss firsthand your positive experience with Linked Learning students.

Explain how Linked Learning benefits the economy o College and career prep: Linked Learning prepares students for a full range of opportunities after high

school. It combines academics and professional skills—which are both necessary for a complete education and a successful future.

o Need for skilled workers: As you know, skilled and productive employees are the backbone of any successful business. Today, 59 percent of jobs require a postsecondary credential. By 2018, this figure will reach 63 percent of all jobs, a trend that is likely to continue to grow. Right now, there aren’t enough skilled workers in California to fill open job positions that require education beyond high school.

o Demonstrated success: Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction.

o Increasing opportunity: Linked Learning creates more opportunity and improves equity among all California students. It helps students who may never have imagined going to college excel in high school, discover new aspirations and graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

f they ask questions, offer additional supportive points, as appropriate:o Economic success: Linked Learning arms students with real-world workplace experience, career-based




o Non-prescriptive: Linked Learning is flexible, adaptable and can be tailored to the unique needs of most districts, schools and communities.

Tipso Make Linked Learning personal. If you work in a Linked Learning school or had Linked Learning interns

work at your organization, discuss any relevant anecdotes or success stories you or your company, school or organization have witnessed. Student examples best illustrate the positive outcomes of Linked Learning and show how it’s effective.

o Keep the conversation an open dialogue. While there is a lot of good information to communicate about Linked Learning, it is important the meeting remains a two-way discussion. Pause and ask if the person you’re meeting with has any questions or needs further clarification on a topic before moving forward.

o Use any materials you brought to the meeting like a brochure and/or fact sheet to support your points through the discussion. Visuals can be helpful for understanding complex topics. Be concise. Again, while

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there is a lot of good information to communicate about Linked Learning, business leaders are busy. Stick with the key talking points.

o Keep your descriptions simple and avoid using terms or acronyms that a business leader may not be familiar with unless you also explain them.



interested in visiting a school to see Linked Learning in action? I can help set that up. We would love for you to voice your support publically for Linked Learning. [NOTE: Be specific. For example,

you could say, “The Linked Learning approach invites employers to partner with schools to ensure that both the academic and professional learning curricula are preparing students to succeed in a career within the pathway’s field.”]

Given your leadership role in [CITY’S] business community, we think you would be an ideal advocate for Linked Learning within your extensive network. I am happy to provide you with additional materials and support to do so.

Thank you so much for your time. Please consider me a resource if you need any additional information and support. I would like to follow up in a few weeks on the discussion we had today, both to see how your efforts are going and to talk more about how we might work together.

Tipso Be direct and concise.o Don’t forget to make “the ask.” o Before you end your meeting, be sure you have a next step, such as asking to follow up by phone a few

weeks after the meeting. o If your contact was made through a friend or colleague, keep them in the loop about your progress.o Leave materials with important information behind such as links to resource websites, toolkits, fact sheets,


the approach and pathways in action. We find that seeing is believing.

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Template PowerPoint Slides

The template PowerPoint slides can be used as a cohesive introductory presentation or added to a longer PowerPoint. To download the PowerPoint template tailored for addressing business leaders, please visit www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources.

The notes section provides you with talking points for each slide that help act as a script for the presentation. You will also find citations for the data used in the slides and links to the original source.

When copying slides into a separate deck: Copy your selected slide by right-clicking or using “Ctrl + C” When pasting, use “Keep Source Formatting” as your paste option to ensure design or layout is not altered.

The font used throughout the slides is Calibri. The RGB/Web Safe color signatures for the color palette used in the PowerPoint template slides include: Primary Text Color:

o Dark Brown: R 65, G 48, B 0 Secondary/Emphasis Text Colors:

o Blue: R 0, G 180, B 205o Orange: R 230, G 105, B 30o Golden Brown: R 109, G 86, B 0

For more guidance on PowerPoint slides, refer to the Linked Learning style guide on www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources.




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Template Employee Newsletter Article

This sample newsletter article can be adapted and inserted to a business’s or employer’s newsletter that is circulated to their employees.

Our Commitment to the Future: Linked Learning

Here at [COMPANY NAME], we are constantly looking to find ways that we can grow our business, develop talent and invest in our future and the community’s future. The demands of the global economy mean that California’s businesses will need a better educated workforce for the future. But right now, not enough students are graduating high school, and those that do often lack the skills and knowledge to succeed in college and career.

But we are doing something to address this issue, by partnering with [SCHOOL NAME] in the implementation of a Linked Learning pathway. Linked Learning is a proven to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. Each career-oriented pathway is centered on one of California’s 15 largest industries, such as engineering, health care, performing arts, energy and law , and we’re proud to be helping to show students the possibilities in [INDUSTRY].

[INSERT 2-3 SENTENCE DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP WITH AN EXAMPLE OF YOUR FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE WITH LINKED LEARNING’S POSITIVE EFFECT.]

Our commitment to Linked Learning is part of our commitment to helping create an engaged and productive future workforce for California. Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction.

Linked Learning is already demonstrating its ability to develop the talents of the next generation. [INSERT A POSITIVE LINKED LEARNING EXAMPLE FROM YOUR PARNTERSHIP].

To find out more about Linked Learning pathways or about how you can get involved in our partnership, talk to [COMPANY CONTACT] or go to www.LinkedLearning.org.


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Template Business Leader Blog Post

This blog post can be adapted and authored by a business leader or other prominent community member talking about their experiences with Linked Learning or the value of Linked Learning to their industry. The final blog post can then be submitted as a guest post to a local blog, such as a local newspaper’s blog on education or business/economy issues.

The process of submitting a guest blog post is similar to that of submitting an op-ed (see the toolkit for conducting earned and social media outreach for more information): First, get familiar with the blog. Check to see if the blogger even accepts guest posts. Look at the subjects

covered and tone. Make sure that Linked Learning will be a topic of interest for the audience. Try to tailor your post to make it relevant to the blog or to a recent event. Small additions or edits can make

your blog post a better fit for the particular blog you are targeting. Finally, submit your blog post to the blogger and follow up by phone if possible. It may take a few days or even

weeks for the post to run. Be patient and be responsive. You’re building long-term relationships.

Linked Learning: Ensuring Success for the FutureBy [NAME], [TITLE]

California businesses face many challenges in today’s global economy. What has allowed for our continued success is the ability to adapt and innovate; the ability to create solutions that not only affect our bottom lines, but also affect individual lives. In the same spirit, a proven approach to education is gaining popularity across the state that can help us achieve our business goals while improving educational outcomes: Linked Learning.

Linked Learning pathways combine college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. It’s helping to create an engaged, productive future workforce for California. Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction. Linked Learning works because it helps students see that what they do in the classroom connects to the work they do outside of the classroom.

In my community at [SCHOOL], there is a Linked Learning pathway tied to [INDUSTRY]. Students are able to interact with and learn from local businesses. [INSERT 1-2 SENTENCES WITH ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION ABOUT LOCAL PATHWAY].

This local pathway, like other Linked Learning pathways, answers the question “Why do I need to learn this?” And that’s leading them to consider and explore previously unimagined college and career opportunities. When students love what they’re learning, they work harder, dream bigger and learn more. And in the end, when students are excited and learning, that benefits us all.

Already, I have seen the long-term effects that Linked Learning can have on students and the community. [INSERT 2-3 SENTENCES WITH EXAMPLE OF HOW LINKED LEARNING PATHWAYS HAVE HELPED PREPARE A STUDENT OR HOW A BUSINESS HELPED INSPIRE A STUDENT.]

While Linked Learning is already demonstrating success, more must be done to ensure that it is available for all students in California. Teachers, educators, policymakers, community leaders and—perhaps most importantly—business leaders must all work together to implement and expand high-quality pathways.

To find out more about how you can partner with a Linked Learning pathway in your community and help invest in California’s future workforce go to www.LinkedLearning.com.

http://www.LinkedLearning.com/

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Template Business Partnership Press Release

Once you have secured a partnership between a business and a Linked Learning pathway, you can use this press release to publicize the partnership. Customize the information to help give the flavor of the partnership. Be sure to include at least one quotation from a district official and a business leader explaining why this is important, why it matters and why it is exciting.

Once you have the final press release, consider distributing it to local news media, including local bloggers. Also be sure to post the final press release in the news section of your website, the business’s website and the school or district’s website.

For Immediate Release: Contact:[DATE] [CONTACT NAME]

[CONTACT PHONE][CONTACT EMAIL]

[BUSINESS] PARTNERS WITH [SCHOOL] ON PROVEN APPROACH TO EDUCATION[BUSINESS] starts internship program with local school to tie learning to real-world experience and help prepare

California’s future workforce

[CITY, STATE] — Beginning [DATE], [BUSINESS] will begin implementing an internship program for local students at [HIGH SCHOOL] as part of the school’s Linked Learning pathway. The opportunity to gain real-world experience in [CAREER FIELD] will be combined with college-focused academics to help prepare them to succeed in college, career and life. “Partnering with [BUSINESS] will give [SCHOOL] a unique opportunity to make sure that our students have an experience that can help better prepare them for the future,” said [NAME], principal of [HIGH SCHOOL]. “Our goal for the internship program is to help students apply the academic skills they are learning in school to solve real-world issues and, ultimately, show them how their high school education directly relates to their career interests and aspirations. We want students to be able to answer the age-old question, ‘why do I need to learn this?’”

[BUSINESS’s] internship program is part of a successful and increasingly popular approach to education called Linked Learning. Linked Learning pathways work by combining college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. Centered around industry themes in high school that make learning relevant, Linked Learning ensures that students graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career and life. By making education a more engaging and relevant academic experience, Linked Learning shows students exactly how their high school education leads to their next academic stage or career steps.

The involvement of the business community is critical to making Linked Learning work. Employers provide essential exposure to high-quality work-based learning opportunities from a variety of industries and sectors. Successful Linked Learning pathways require the involvement and contributions of business leaders who can ensure that pathways offer students opportunities to interact with professionals in California’s top industries in real-world settings and to gain a clear understanding of what they need to do to be successful in any postsecondary education program or career.

“We’re excited to be giving [COMMUNITY] students more exposure to one of California’s major industries and giving them a better understanding of the types of career paths and jobs that are available to them,” said [NAME], [TITLE] at [BUSINESS]. “We view this internship program as an investment in potential future [BUSINESS] employees by ensuring students graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career and life. This

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solution can help us ensure we have enough workers with the necessary training and credentials to fill the increasingly skilled jobs our company and economy demands.”

[INSERT DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH ABOUT THE SPECIFIC BUSINESS AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM]

To learn more about the [BUSINESS] internship program or how you can become involved in Linked Learning in your own community, please contact [NAME] at [CONTACT INFORMATION] or visit the Linked Learning website at www.LinkedLearning.org.

###

[INSERT BOILERPLATE LANGUAGE ABOUT ORGANIZATION/SCHOOL RELEASING ANNOUNCEMENT][INSERT BOILERPLATE LANGUAGE ABOUT BUSINESS PARTNER]


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Policymakers

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Talking Points
















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Secondary (for State Policymakers): By creating a workforce that is better equipped to succeed in postsecondary education programs and handle

the jobs of the future, Linked Learning makes California more competitive and benefits the state’s businesses, tax base and economy.

The Linked Learning approach is an affordable and sustainable long-term investment in student success, even in the current fiscal environment.

Linked Learning is a way for the state’s schools to implement the Common Core State Standards. The framework for the Common Core State Standards is directly aligned with Linked Learning—a focus on critical thinking, analysis and applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Linked Learning pathways are an approach to learning within our public schools. They are not charter schools.

Policymakers need to work together and with local communities to ensure that a favorable policy environment and funding are available to help expand Linked Learning opportunities for more students in the state.

Secondary (for Local Policymakers): Linked Learning exposes students to real-world work-based experiences in their communities—helping to

prepare the future workforce of the region and strengthen the community.

The Linked Learning approach is an affordable and sustainable long-term investment in student success, even in the current fiscal environment.

While Linked Learning can benefit from additional resources, the districts already practicing Linked Learning prove that successful implementation can be achieved by reallocating existing resources.

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Linked Learning is a way for the state’s schools to implement the Common Core State Standards. The framework for the Common Core State Standards is directly aligned with Linked Learning —a focus on critical thinking, analysis and applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Secondary (for Teachers Unions): Linked Learning provides many benefits to teachers by offering an enriching framework and proven approach

that help them fulfill their mission of helping all students succeed and the unique opportunity to work with teachers and professionals outside of their schools.

Teachers working in Linked Learning pathways are energized, engaged and enthusiastic. They collaborate with their peers, interact with the larger community, are invested in their students’ success and are fully supported by their principals and districts.


While Linked Learning pathways have the same length school day, teachers in Linked Learning pathways have more time to plan and collaborate with colleagues to create a more enriching and rewarding classroom experience.

Linked Learning pathways are an approach to learning within our public schools. They are not charter schools.

Secondary (about Common Core and Linked Learning): Linked Learning is a way to implement the Common Core State Standards. The framework for the Common

Core State Standards is directly aligned with Linked Learning—a focus on critical thinking, analysis and applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

By challenging students to think critically, work collaboratively and solve complex problems, Linked Learning emphasizes many of the same skills the Common Core does.

By engaging students in a deeper understanding of the world around them, Linked Learning helps students develop the knowledge that they need to be prepare for college and career.

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Communicate with policymakers to create a policy and regulatory

environment that is favorable to expanding and maintaining high-quality Linked Learning pathways.

Best Practices Tip Sheet for Communicating with Policymakers

Why Speaking to Policymakers is ImportantPolicymakers at the state level, including state legislators, the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, will have significant influence on the ability of Linked Learning pathways to succeed and expand. They can create a favorable policy environment for Linked Learning, and they direct resources needed by schools and districts to implement and expand new and existing pathways.

Additionally, state policymakers have a role to play in overseeing existing Linked Learning pathways. They are responsible for regulating and validating the quality of Linked Learning pathways through setting consistent standards that will help ensure all students are receiving a high-quality education. The Linked Learning field must work with the State Board of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide validation for Linked Learning pathways.








o Clearly lay out the reasons for your request or recommendation. List your strongest argument first and your second strongest argument last. For example: I have seen more students at my school complete high school and continue on prepared for college, career and life. I have seen students become more engaged with their school work as it has become more relevant to their interests and career goals. Lastly, Linked Learning is financially sustainable and the benefits far outweigh the costs.

o Prescribe the specific action steps that your audience can take to do something about the issue. For example: Start by learning more about Linked Learning at www.LinkedLearning.org or connect with educators already implementing the Linked Learning approach through ConnectEd Studios (www.connectedstudios.org) to discuss their experiences with Linked Learning. You can also join the Linked Learning Alliance (www.LinkedLearning.org /linked-learning-alliance/become-a-member ).



http://www.connectedstudios.org/


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Things to Consider when Speaking with Policymakers Linked Learning already has significant support from policymakers, including state legislators. You may want to consider the following guidelines when approaching policymakers and discussing legislation and regulation related to Linked Learning.

The biggest challenge to communicating with policymakers is that they contend with many competing priorities. Policymakers may recognize the importance of Linked Learning, but also regularly receive requests for support for a variety of issues, including other education issues. Communications with policymakers should focus on how Linked Learning can help them serve many constituencies and purposes at once. Linked Learning not only benefits students by fostering better education outcomes and offering them more real-world opportunities, it also directly benefits businesses and the state’s economy, inspires teachers and boosts the community as a whole.

The ability of policymakers to direct more resources to Linked Learning pathways and schools is constrained by the state’s budget realities. Recent policy changes will provide a more stable source of funding for California schools in the short-term, but state policymakers are still dealing with large budget deficits. When speaking with policymakers, Linked Learning should be portrayed as a long-term investment that is effective, affordable and sustainable. It should be portrayed as a cost-effective solution to our education needs. Linked Learning’s cost is far outweighed by its return on investment.

Lastly, remember that policymakers turn over quickly because of term limits, new administrations and the realities of political positions. As such, working with policymakers to win their support for Linked Learning requires a careful balance of patience and expedience. Before beginning any outreach, set clear, realistic objectives and use your time with policymakers wisely to build relationships while also advancing your goals in a timely manner.

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Policymaker-specific Questions

Q: What role do policymakers play in sustaining and expanding Linked Learning?A: Policymakers have played a critical role in the development and expansion of Linked Learning in California. As leaders of education reform, their support helps build awareness, change mindsets and implement strategies that promote Linked Learning on a broader scale. The Linked Learning Alliance, an organization that supports and works to sustain Linked Learning, coordinates a Policy Development Working Group to develop and promote strategies to improve California high schools through Linked Learning. The group serves as a way for its members to develop policy priorities, brainstorm ways for the Alliance to support the implementation of policy and identifying opportunities and challenges in the state budget plans that would impact Linked Learning and its expansion. Additional policymakers are invited to become a part of the working group and help support the policy goals of the Alliance that aim to sustain and expand Linked Learning in California.

Q: What are some of the current policy goals and priorities that will enhance and expand Linked Learning?A: Organizations including the Linked Learning Alliance and ConnectEd have identified key policy goals that support overall Linked Learning strategy. Current policy goals aim to recognize Linked Learning as a key strategy for preparing students for postsecondary and career success in California. Other goals are to help develop teaching models and more teacher preparation and development. To support students, policy goals have been established to ensure that high-quality programs are available in tandem with work-based learning opportunities and student support services. You can read updates on Linked Learning related policy at www.LinkedLearning.org.

Q: How much does implementing Linked Learning cost?A: The Linked Learning approach is an affordable and sustainable long-term investment in student success, even in the current fiscal environment. By creating a workforce that is better equipped to succeed in a postsecondary education program and handle the jobs of the future, Linked Learning benefits the state’s businesses, tax base and economy.


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Linked Learning does entail start-up costs and will benefit from higher ongoing expenditures. However, successfully implementing Linked Learning is first and foremost about using existing resources differently. While Linked Learning can benefit from additional resources, the districts already practicing Linked Learning prove that successful implementation can be achieved by reallocating existing resources. Resources already earmarked for teacher prep time, professional development, counseling, supplemental instruction and after-school activities need to be squarely focused on advancing a district-wide system of Linked Learning.

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Policymaker Fact Sheet

The fact sheets provide important statistics and data to help make the case for the Linked Learning approach. Feel free to use the Policymaker Fact Sheet in all your outreach to this audience, whether you use it to bolster your case or as a “leave-behind” handout following a meeting.

To download the fact sheet tailored to policymakers, please visit www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources.


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Template Introductory Email/Letter to Policymakers and Their Staff

You now have the knowledge and tools you need to talk about the Linked Learning approach to policymakers. The remaining materials in this section provide you with templates and examples to help you with your outreach.

With policymakers, you will often be dealing with their legislative staff. Try to identify the best possible contact either through connections or through research online. Then, adapt and customize this template email to begin the conversation about Linked Learning with your contact.

Subject: Your help closing the skills gap with Linked Learning



As you know, many students in California are not getting the academic education, professional training or work experience they need to succeed. Our students are falling behind, while our state’s most important industries struggle to find well-qualified employees.

That’s where Linked Learning comes in. Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. Each career-oriented pathway is centered on one of California’s 15 largest industries, such as engineering, health care, performing arts, energy and law, ensuring that students graduate with skills applicable to actual jobs.

Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction. What’s more, Linked Learning is helping to create students who are prepared to succeed in college, career and life. By creating a workforce that is better equipped to succeed in postsecondary education programs and handle the jobs of the future, Linked Learning makes California more competitive and benefits the state’s businesses, tax base and economy.

Linked Learning has already been successfully implemented in many public schools and districts across the state, helping to prepare students for a full range of post-graduation opportunities.

Policymakers need to work together and with local communities to ensure that a favorable policy environment and funding are available to help expand Linked Learning opportunities for more students in the state. I would like to schedule [a brief meeting OR a quick phone call] to discuss Linked Learning in more detail. I will plan to follow up with your staff next week.


Sincerely,[NAME]

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Policymaker Meeting Script and Tips

With policymakers and their staff, phone outreach may not be possible or may be very difficult and most of your initial correspondence may occur over email. But once you are able to set up a meeting through your contact at their office, you should use that time to provide as much useful information as possible.

The following script and tips are meant to guide a meeting with a policymaker to foster their engagement at the local level or statewide. You may also want to supplement your meeting with other items from the Linked Learning toolkit such as the brochure and/or an audience-appropriate fact sheet.


o Always agree to meet at a time and location that is convenient for the policymaker or the staff member.o Remember to bring a business card and any other materials that could be helpful in guiding your




o Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction.


o Linked Learning is helping to create a productive future workforce for California.o By creating a workforce that is better equipped to succeed in postsecondary education programs and

handle the jobs of the future, Linked Learning makes California more competitive and benefits the state’s businesses, tax base and economy.

o The Linked Learning approach is an affordable and sustainable long-term investment in student success, even in the current fiscal environment.

o Linked Learning is a way for the state’s schools to implement the Common Core State Standards. The framework for the Common Core State Standards is directly aligned with Linked Learning—a focus on critical thinking, analysis and applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

o Linked Learning pathways are an approach to learning within our public schools. They are not charter schools.




their career goals. The curriculum c combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and

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integrated student supports, helping students connect what they learn now to what they hope to do in the future.

O Graduating college ready: Linked Learning prepares students for a postsecondary education by helping them successfully complete the necessary a-g coursework required by California’s public universities and aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

o Graduating career ready: Linked Learning’s combination of college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports provides students with communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills that are needed in any profession. No matter what pathway a student chooses, Linked Learning is designed to arm students with a robust array of skills that will better prepare them for college, career and life.




o Teaching support and professional development: Many resources and tools are available from the Linked Learning Alliance, ConnectEd and other organizations that provide teachers with the help they need to make Linked Learning instruction a success. Most teachers in Linked Learning pathways love the approach and think it is worth a little extra effort.



Tipso Keep the conversation an open dialogue. While there is a lot of good information to communicate about

Linked Learning, it is important the meeting remains a two-way discussion. Pause and ask if the person you’re meeting with has any questions or needs further clarification on a topic before moving forward.

o Use any materials you brought to the meeting like a brochure and/or fact sheet to support your points through the discussion. Visuals can be helpful for understanding complex topics.

o Make Linked Learning personal. If you work in a Linked Learning school or had Linked Learning interns work at your organization, discuss any relevant anecdotes or success stories you or your company, school or organization have witnessed. Student examples best illustrate the positive outcomes of Linked Learning and show how it’s effective.

o Be concise. Again, while there is a lot of good information to communicate about Linked Learning, policymakers and legislative staff are busy and meet with many people. Stick with the key talking points.

o Keep your descriptions simple and avoid using terms or acronyms that a policymaker may not be familiar with unless you also explain them.



interested in visiting a school to see Linked Learning in action? I can help set that up.

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We would love for you to voice your support publically for Linked Learning. [NOTE: Be specific. For example, you could say, “California’s policymakers have a responsibility to provide all students with a high-quality education that will prepare them for success in college and career and provide the state with a productive future workforce. We would love to have your support in the legislature to help expand Linked Learning opportunities.”] I am happy to provide you with additional materials and support to do so.

There is a strong alliance of local community/statewide partners ready and willing to substantiate support for local communities to ensure that a favorable policy environment and funding is available to help expand Linked Learning opportunities for more students in the state. [NOTE: Again, be specific. For example, you could say, “We have business and community advocates ready to stand by your side to support Linked Learning, and we have internal support to help activate Linked Learning advocates,” or “We have a number of template materials available for use in rallying public support. All that we ask of you is to work together and with local communities to ensure that a favorable policy environment and funding are available to help expand Linked Learning opportunities for more students in the state. We will provide talking points, printed materials and anything else you may need.”]

Thank you so much for your time. Please consider me a resource if you need any additional information and support. I would like to follow up in a few weeks on the discussion we had today.

Tipso Be direct and concise.o Don’t forget to make “the ask.” o Before you end your meeting, be sure you have a next step, such as asking to follow up by phone a few

weeks after the meeting. o If your contact was made through a friend or colleague, keep them in the loop about your progress.o Leave materials with important information behind such as links to resource websites, toolkits, fact sheets,


the approach and pathways in action. We find that seeing is believing.o NOTE: If you are meeting with a policymaker and asking them to take a position on an active piece of

legislation, this is considered lobbying. It is important to check your organization’s official position and guidelines on lobbying. Always ask if your organization is a 501(c)(3) as lobbying for these types of organizations is restricted.

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The template PowerPoint slides can be used as a cohesive introductory presentation or added to a longer PowerPoint. To download the PowerPoint template tailored for addressing policymakers, please visit www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources.










Linked Learning principles are already aligned with the new

Common Core State Standards—with a focus on critical thinking,

analysis and applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

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Linked Learning, the Common Core State Standards and New AssessmentsMeeting the Common Core State Standards California will begin assessing student achievement based on the more rigorous Common Core State Standards in the 2014-15 school year. The framework for the Common Core State Standards is directly aligned with Linked Learning—a focus on critical thinking, analysis and applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Linked Learning students will have an advantage under the Common Core. Rigorous academics combined with an engaging, real-world learning environment will prepare students to excel under the new standards. Linked Learning is a proven approach that offers a solution to help students meet the new standards and prepare for whatever path they choose after high school.

What are the Common Core State Standards?The Common Core State Standards are a state-led effort, informed by extensive research and developed with the help of educators—including teachers, standards experts and academics from across the country. The standards enforce a set of rigorous, clear learning goals in English language arts and mathematics for grades K-12. They identify much of the knowledge and skills that can help students graduate from high school prepared for college-level work and the careers of the future.

California is among the more than 40 states that have voluntarily adopted the new standards and that are working to implement them now. The goal of the new standards is to prepare students to succeed in today’s economy. Like Linked Learning, the new standards represent a shift from memorizing facts and figures to challenging students to develop a deeper understanding of subject matter, think critically and apply learning to different situations and in different contexts. Emphasis is on student learning and progress rather than just success on an assessment.

New State AssessmentsCalifornia is working with other states and testing experts to develop new assessments aligned to the Common Core through the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, which it will begin using in the 2014-15 school year. The consortium is developing better ways to administer tests and is planning to use computer adaptive assessments, which will: more effectively measure student knowledge and understanding of English language arts and math, replacing

existing state tests; give educators, parents and students more accurate, timely information showing how well students are

learning and whether students are on track to graduate high school, ready for college and the workplace; and provide more accurate and useful information about student achievement that will allow educators to

compare student performance across classrooms, schools, districts and states, ensuring all students will be taught to the same high standards.

Helping All Students Excel As California districts, schools and teachers begin to use the new assessments tied to higher standards, statewide test scores are likely to be lower than they have been. This is expected, but should prompt a public discussion about what schools can do better to prepare students for college and the workplace. Fortunately, Linked Learning students are already in a position to succeed under the new state standards. Through both Linked Learning and the Common Core, students are offered a rigorous academic experience that challenges them and put them on a path to obtaining the skills and knowledge they will need for college, career and life.

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Potential Community Partners and Other Groups

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Talking Points
















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Secondary (for Potential Community Partners): We need the voices of community leaders, employers, industry leaders and labor unions to help make the

case to policymakers and other business leaders about the need for expanded Linked Learning opportunities.

Secondary (for Higher Education): Linked Learning in high school is helping prepare more students to graduate high school prepared to take

college courses without the need for remediation.

The California Community Colleges share the commitment to better prepare young people for success in college, career and life and support all efforts to create seamless career pathways that extend from high schools through certificate and degree programs and into careers in industries important to California.

Students who earn a community college degree or certificate nearly double their earnings within three years. However, only half of California Community College degree or certificate-seeking students complete that process, and the rate is much lower for African American and Latino students.

This effort focuses on building community college pathways focused on specific industries with support for the transition from high school to college and ongoing academic support and student services while in college in order to ensure more students can complete a community college degree or certificate.

Additionally, colleges and high schools are working together in new ways to build dual enrollment opportunities and to develop opportunities for new assessments, coursework and student support

Communicate with potential community partners to begin

building a broad, community-based movement in support of expanded

Linked Learning opportunities.

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Best Practices Tip Sheet for Communicating with Potential Community Partners

Why Speaking to Potential Community Partners is ImportantThe groups and organizations that are potential community partners for Linked Learning pathways are diverse and varied. However, they all share a common interest in improving their local community. Their interests align with those of Linked Learning: to improve student outcomes, provide a stronger workforce and enhance the local community and economy.

While implementation of Linked Learning pathways will largely fall on the shoulders of educators and business leaders, successful broad-based reform requires the efforts and contributions of all members of the community. Building public will and sustaining the momentum of the expansion of the Linked Learning approach will depend on gaining the support of these community organizations.








o Clearly lay out the reasons for your request or recommendation. List your strongest argument first and your second strongest argument last. For example: I have seen more students at my school complete high school and continue on prepared for college, career and life. I have seen students become more engaged with their school work as it has become more relevant to their interests and career goals. Lastly, Linked Learning is financially sustainable and the benefits far outweigh the costs.

o Prescribe the specific action steps that your audience can take to do something about the issue. For example: Start by learning more about Linked Learning at www.LinkedLearning.org or connect with educators already implementing the Linked Learning approach through ConnectEd Studios (www.connectedstudios.org) to discuss their experiences with Linked Learning. You can also join the Linked Learning Alliance (www.LinkedLearning.org /linked-learning-alliance/become-a-member ).



http://www.connectedstudios.org/


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Things to Consider when Speaking with Potential Community PartnersTo create a broad, diverse coalition of organizations in support of expanded Linked Learning opportunities, it will be important to communicate with organizations that are potential community partners. Before you begin your outreach, here are some things to keep in mind that can help focus and direct your efforts.

Potential community partners come from a large variety of organizations, groups and clubs. Every organization is different and will have different priorities and objectives. Before conducting outreach to potential community partners, be sure to do research and be clear about how Linked Learning could potentially fit or work alongside their overall objectives. Be prepared to explain to them exactly what Linked Learning is and why it should be important to them.

Linked Learning and education reform in general may not appear to have direct benefits for some potential community partners. However, Linked Learning provides many social benefits that extend beyond the classroom and into the life of the community. These benefits include engaged and motivated high school students, the opportunity for professionals to act as mentors for local students and tightening a community’s fabric through new partnerships between schools and local organizations and businesses. Once you are more familiar with the group you are approaching, be upfront and concrete about how Linked Learning can be a positive and worthwhile cause for them.

Despite your preparation, it may be difficult to anticipate every situation. Be flexible and be open to the course the conversation may take. While it is good to have specific asks and goals in mind when you begin the conversation, be open minded. Be prepared to explore any opportunity that your conversation may yield.

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Community Partner-specific Questions

Q. What role do community partners play in sustaining and expanding Linked Learning?A. Community organizations play an important role in Linked Learning’s success by advocating for Linked Learning within their networks and in their communities and by educating the public about Linked Learning and about how to start Linked Learning pathways in their local school districts. Currently almost twenty community organizations and advocates are members of the Linked Learning Alliance (www.LinkedLearning.org/linked-learning-alliance/our-members).

http://www.LinkedLearning.org/linked-learning-alliance/our-members

http://www.LinkedLearning.org/linked-learning-alliance/our-members

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Potential Community Partner Fact Sheet

The fact sheets provide important statistics and data to help make the case for the Linked Learning approach. Feel free to use the Potential Community Partner Fact Sheet in all your outreach to this audience, whether you use it to bolster your case or as a “leave-behind” handout following a meeting.

To download the fact sheet tailored to potential community partners, please visit www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources.



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Template Introductory Email/Letter to Potential Community Partners

You now have the knowledge you need to reach out to individuals and organizations in the community who can be potential partners, supporters and advocates for Linked Learning. The rest of this section has templates and examples to help you with your outreach.

As you conduct your outreach remember that potential community partners include a variety of potential individuals, groups and organizations. The important thing will be to customize materials appropriately to fit with the potential community partner’s identity, mission and priorities. This template email will help you start your outreach and establish contact.

Subject: Your help closing the skills gap with Linked Learning



As you know, many students in California are not getting the academic education, professional training or work experience they need to succeed. Our students are falling behind, while our state’s most important industries struggle to find well qualified employees.

That’s where Linked Learning comes in. Linked Learning is proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. Each career-oriented pathway is centered on one of California’s 15 largest industries, such as engineering, health care, performing arts, energy and law, ensuring that students graduate with skills applicable to actual jobs. When students love what they’re learning, they work harder, dream bigger and learn more.

Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction. What’s more, Linked Learning is helping to create students who are prepared to succeed in college, career and life. That leads to an engaged and productive future workforce for California.

Linked Learning has already been successfully implemented in many public schools and districts across the state, helping to prepare students for a full range of post-graduation opportunities.

We need the voices of community leaders, employers, industry leaders and labor unions to help make the case to policymakers and other business leaders about the need for expanded Linked Learning opportunities. I would like to schedule [a brief meeting OR a quick phone call] to discuss Linked Learning in more detail. I will plan to follow up with you about next week.


Sincerely,[NAME]

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Phone Outreach to Potential Community Partners Tips and Script

Once you have sent your introductory email, follow up with a phone call. This document will help you in your outreach by phone to potential community partners. Within each initial call, you should make a connection, state who you are, state why you are calling and wrap up the call with next steps. The tips provide context, and the script provides guidance on what to say during each phase of the call.

Phone Outreach TipsI. Making the connection Whenever possible, reference a contact name in your introduction. This includes anyone at the organization

who may have helped you by setting up the call or by providing a contact name: “Beth Smith in the human resources department gave me your name.”

Make sure it’s a good time to talk. If it is not a good time, ask the contact when you can call back. Try to avoid letting them call you back—they rarely do. If this is your only option, wait a week and then try them again. You can also ask if there is someone else in the company or organization with whom you should speak.

Be prepared to leave a voicemail message. Remember to leave your name and number at the beginning of the message and keep the message short: “This is [NAME] with [ORGANIZATION] at [PHONE] (Enunciate the number clearly and slowly. Many of us tend to speak too hurriedly on voice recordings.) Beth Smith gave me your name and suggested I speak with you about workforce readiness and an approach that serves [COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION]’s interests. I will try to reach you again later in the day [OR OTHER SPECIFIC TIME]. I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

II. Stating who you are Explain who you are and on whose behalf you are calling to establish credibility.

III. Stating why you are calling Make clear quickly that you are not selling anything and get right to the point of the call. Tailor your program description to the person’s knowledge as well as your personal role in Linked Learning.

Keep your descriptions simple and avoid using terms or acronyms that your contact may not be familiar with. Do your homework on the person or organization you are contacting if possible so that you can highlight

specific ways that Linked Learning could benefit them. For example, “[ORGANIZATION]’s leadership on workforce readiness is impressive. It’s one of the reasons we think [ORGANIZATION] would be a great potential partner to our local Linked Learning pathways.”

Make sure to have the FAQ sheet, fact sheet and communicator tips on hand during the call in case your contact asks you difficult or challenging questions about Linked Learning.

IV. Wrapping up the phone call Don’t forget to make “the ask.” During this first call, your objective may be to find out if your contact is

interested in meeting with you in person to engage more fully with Linked Learning. Most people will want you to send additional information that they can review before making a decision.

Before you end your call, be sure you have a next step, such as setting a date for your next call, sending program information or setting up a meeting or school visit.

If your contact was made through a friend or colleague, keep them in the loop about your progress.

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Call ScriptI. Making the connection Hi, this is [NAME] with [ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL]. I am following up from an email I sent you about a proven approach to high school education called Linked

Learning that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports and is getting strong academic results from students.

Do you have a few minutes to talk?

II. Stating who you are I am a [TITLE] at [YOUR ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL], and we are working with community organizations,

businesses, industry leaders, labor unions, policymakers and schools across California to educate key stakeholders about the value of implementing the Linked Learning approach within public education in their communities.

III. Stating why you are calling Our goal is to raise awareness among community partners [USE CATEGORY MOST RELEVANT TO THE PERSON

ON THE PHONE] like you about the successes and benefits of the Linked Learning approach. Because Linked Learning has proven to be so effective, our ultimate objective is to expand Linked Learning so

that any student in California who wants to attend a Linked Learning pathway within a public school may do so.

Linked Learning is transforming high school education in California and helping address the skills gaps that you know so well, like the lack of STEM skills among many high school graduates. In fact, research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction, and many of them are graduating high school with competitive skills in engineering, computer science, health professions and other industries critical to California.

I would love to share more with you about Linked Learning, as well as discuss how your organization could help us advance this valuable program. [NOTE: You may wish to add that you are not looking for funding, just vocal support and other specific examples, e.g., outreach to membership. Whatever matches your objective for the call]. Could we set up a time to meet?

IV. Wrapping up the phone call Thanks for taking the time to talk today. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss Linked Learning. Is there anyone else you would like me to talk to about Linked Learning or include in our meeting? Is there any additional information I can provide to you? When is a convenient time for you to meet? [NOTE: Try to confirm the date/location while on the phone.] If you have any questions or need further information, please call or email. [NOTE: Provide contact

information and use your direct line or business cell if you have one.]

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Potential Community Partner Meeting Script and Tips

The following script and tips are meant to guide a meeting with a prospective Linked Learning community partner or supporter to foster their engagement locally or statewide. You may also want to supplement your meeting with other items from the Linked Learning toolkit such as the brochure and/or an audience-appropriate fact sheet.


o Always agree to meet at a time and location that is convenient for the community organization member.o Remember to bring a business card and any other materials that could be helpful in guiding your



o Linked Learning is a proven approach to education that combines college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports..

o Research shows that compared with their peers, students in certified Linked Learning pathways earn more credits in the first three years of high school, report greater confidence in their life and career skills and say they are experiencing more rigorous, integrated and relevant instruction.


o Linked Learning is helping to create a productive future workforce for California. How it works

o All Linked Learning students follow a topic specific pathway, designed as a multi-year, comprehensive program that engages them through project-based learning in the classroom paired with career exposure and practical applications in a real-world setting. All Linked Learning pathways include: Rigorous academics Career-based learning in the classroom Work-based learning in real-world workplaces Integrated student support




O Graduating career ready: Linked Learning’s combination of college-focused academics, work-based learning and integrated student supports. provides students with communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills that are needed in any profession. No matter what pathway a student chooses, Linked Learning is designed to arm students with a robust array of skills that will better prepare them for college, career and life.



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o Broad support: A number of organizations champion Linked Learning. The Linked Learning Alliance, a statewide coalition comprised of more than 250 educators, industry professionals and community leaders, is a hub of information and works to build awareness, to advise school districts and to expand the Alliance to include more representation from the community. Alliance partners include ConnectEd, The National Academy Foundation, the Los Angeles Small Schools Center and College & Career Academy Support Network. (If possible, list other community partners that are similar to the organization you are talking to.)



Tipso Keep the conversation an open dialogue. While there is a lot of good information to communicate about

Linked Learning, it is important the meeting remains a two-way discussion. Pause and ask if the person you’re meeting with has any questions or needs further clarification on a topic before moving forward.

o Use any materials you brought to the meeting like a brochure and/or fact sheet to support your points through the discussion. Visuals can be helpful for understanding complex topics.

o Make Linked Learning personal. If you work in a Linked Learning school or had Linked Learning interns work at your organization, discuss any relevant anecdotes or success stories you or your company, school or organization have witnessed. Student examples best illustrate the positive outcomes of Linked Learning and show how it’s effective.

o Be concise. Again, while there is a lot of good information to communicate about Linked Learning, community partners may not immediately see Linked Learning’s relevance to them. Stick with the key talking points.

o Keep your descriptions simple and avoid using terms or acronyms that the community partner may not be familiar with unless you also explain them.



interested in visiting a school to see Linked Learning in action? I can help set that up. We would love to have your support as a Linked Learning partner. [NOTE: Be specific. For example, you could

say, “We need the voices of community leaders, employers, industry leaders and labor unions to help convince policymakers and other business leaders about the need for expanded Linked Learning opportunities.”] I am happy to provide you with additional materials and support to do so.

There is a wealth of resources available, so being a partner is easy and rewarding. [NOTE: Again, be specific. For example, you could say, “We have a model for engaging industry professionals in curricular development, so you don’t have to know much about curriculum in order to help,” or “We have a number of template materials available for use in rallying business support. All that we ask of you is to discuss Linked Learning with your members and business leaders. We will provide talking points, printed materials and anything else you may need.”]

Thank you so much for your time. Please consider me a resource if you need any additional information and support. I would like to follow up in a few weeks on the discussion we had today, both to see how your efforts are going and to talk more about how we might work together.

Tipso Be direct and concise.o Don’t forget to make “the ask.”

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o Before you end your meeting, be sure you have a next step, such as asking to follow up by phone a few weeks after the meeting.

o If your contact was made through a friend or colleague, keep them in the loop about your progress.o Leave materials with important information behind such as links to resource websites, toolkits, fact sheets,


the approach and pathways in action. We find that seeing is believing.

v4.0,May 2015



The template PowerPoint slides can be used as a cohesive introductory presentation or added to a longer PowerPoint. To download the PowerPoint template tailored for addressing potential community partners, please visit www.LinkedLearning.org/get-involved/resources.










talking points - linked learning alliance · web viewthis toolkit also includes a variety of...

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