Transforming the Classroom Through Faculty Inquiry Engaging students

Transforming the Classroom Through Faculty Inquiry: Engaging students and providing career options Laney College Linda Collins November 9, 2007

Career Ladders are. . . Long-term, comprehensive educational strategies designed to enable individuals to combine school and work in order to advance over time to better jobs and to higher levels of education. Series of connected education/training programs— and related supportive services—that connect to employment within specific industry or occupational sector. Each step is designed to prepare for advancement to the next level of employment and education.

WA “TIPPING POINT” STUDY What is it? WA SBCTC Longitudinal Study Foundation; CCRC) Why is it important? (Ford Finding: Only 20% basic skills students completed voc-ed program, certificate or credential Findings: 1 yr of post-secondary education + certificate is the “tipping point” for meaningful earnings gains ($7, 000/year more); plus strong job demand for that skill level 1 -full year means student prepared for further higher education Research trusted and quoted throughout workforce and college systems and by policy makers Reframed discussion about education of under-prepared, low income youth and adults Broad influence across state policy – “work first” short-term training will not get students to the “tipping point” Led to creation of new, complementary programs and infusion of career pathways throughout state workforce and educational policy www. Career. Ladders. Project. org

Integrated Basic Education And Skills Training What did they learn? What is it? Paired ABE/ESL w/ CTE instructors to provide support and develop basic skills in context Full-time, cohort based learning community For-credit instruction Support services & single point of contact Focus on 1 -year+ education programs to enable students to reach ‘tipping point’ Programs require considerable coordination and faculty time I-BEST students are funded at the equivalent of 1. 75 FTE (capped #) I-BEST students earned 5 times more college credits on average and were 15 times more likely to complete workforce training than traditional ESL students Results from first 10 colleges led to enhanced FTES reimbursement and funding to expand program to the other 24 colleges via planning grants and training institutes Led to additional supports: Opportunity Grants (2007): Student: $1, 000 PLUS tuition/fees Community College: $1, 500/FTES for support services and counseling Students in job specific, high demand programs www. Career. Ladders. Project. org

Emergent models building on effective practices. . . Digital Bridge Ac. • Cabrillo, Merritt • Learning Community • Literacy, IT, career/ed planning, research • Structured program • Knowledge Based Careers • Full-time, for credit Project Bridge Gateway • Laney College • Learning Community • Reading, Writing, Math, Sociology or Ethnic Studies • Full-time, for credit • In-class tutors, small cohorts • 12 colleges • Learning Community • Contextual learning • Reading, Writing, Math, Guidance (in context) • College and Career • Full-time, for credit • Intensive Supports

Career Advancement Academy • Learning Community • Career Pathway Math Guidance Studies • Intensive Support Services Reading Writing • Contextual Learning

Linda Collins Executive Director (510) 268 -0566 Lcollins@Career. Ladders. Project. org www. Career. Ladders. Project. org