Two McBride Pathways Earn Gold Certification

The Engineering Academy and Criminal Justice and Investigation Academy at McBride High School are the latest in the Long Beach Unified School District to receive Gold certification from the Linked Learning Alliance.

The Linked Learning Gold Certification, the field’s highest honor, is awarded to college and career pathways at high schools with exemplary implementation of the Linked Learning approach — which emphasizes cross-subject, student-centered learning with strong career and postsecondary integration, combined with supports that ensure equitable opportunities for all students.

This year’s certification marks the second time both McBride pathways have received the prestigious four-year Gold certification.

Certification is based on a series of standards identified by leaders in the Linked Learning field. 

This fall, four additional 菠菜网lol正规平台 pathways also earned their first Silver certifications from the Alliance. The pathways include:

• Jordan High School’s Advanced Manufacturing, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Academy;
• Jordan High School's Aspirations in Medical Sciences (AIMS) Academy;
• Cabrillo High School’s Engineering and Design Pathway;
• and Browning High School’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts Academy.

Pathways can gain Silver certification upon demonstrating that all core components of the Linked Learning approach are in place. Silver certification is valid for two years, after which pathways must resubmit evidence for Silver renewal or apply for Gold certification.

The Linked Learning approach was piloted in nine California districts more than a decade ago. It is now embraced as the high school strategy for a growing number of districts across the state. 

“Linked Learning pathways integrate rigorous college prep academics with technical coursework that is relevant to the needs of local employers. They offer students work-based learning experiences aligned with their classes and provide support services to help students graduate ready for entry into college and career,” states the organization’s website.

The Linked Learning Alliance is a statewide coalition of education, industry and community organizations. Research shows that students in Linked Learning pathways complete more college preparatory courses and are more likely to graduate when compared with their peers in traditional high schools.