Intense, real-world style education program creates college-bound students
The Linked Learning model adopted by a California school is leading to a dramatic increase in college attendance amongst graduates, according to a multi-year study. Some 1,400 students from 15 schools in the Clovis and Fresno unified school districts flock to The Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART) where the 11th and 12th grade students take part in classes that combine strong academics and real-world situations. According to a joint study by CART and the James Irvine Foundation, attendance in the program boosted the community college entrance rate by 11 percentage points, with 71 percent of CART students going to community college compared to 60 percent those in a comparable group of non-CART students. CART students also attended four-year universities at a higher rate than non-CART students.
“This new data is groundbreaking,” said CART Chief Executive Officer Devin Blizzard in a press release. “For years we have heard employers and colleges praise CART students for their ingenuity and ability to tackle real-world problems. Now we have the data that shows a robust, systematic benefit to students who attend CART."
The seven-year study matched CART students with students from a similar demographic background in the Clovis and Fresno unified school districts and tracked college attendance rates for both groups. According to the study's findings, African American students prospered the most under the CART curriculum with 68 percent of the program's students entering community college compared to an entrance rate of 32 percent for African American students statewide.
"The increased college enrollment demonstrated by the CART program is further evidence of the positive impact that the Linked Learning model is having on students' post-high school achievement," said Anne B. Stanton, program director for The James Irvine Foundation's Youth Initiatives. "The approach of combining challenging academics, rigorous technical learning and real world experience is being used in high schools across the state, and we are very encouraged that these programs are demonstrating success."
One of the most lauded aspects of the CART program is the real-world aspect of the curriculum. The Linked Learning model, which is the cornerstone of the CART program, is constructed of several elements including challenging academics, technical skills, work-based learning and support services like tutoring and counseling.
School officials say the clear connection between what is being taught in the classroom and what is happening in the real world makes success in the CART curriculum more appealing to students.
"The message is clear—when students see a connection between what they're learning today and what they're earning tomorrow—they're more successful in the classroom, in college and ultimately, the workplace,” said California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
Educators are encouraged by the CART study's findings, especially considering the increasing competitiveness in the global market. With the U.S. trailing behind in international academic placement tests, schools officials are clamoring for ways to boost student performance and long-term academic outcomes.
“CART is doing an amazing job connecting students in the classroom with relevant instruction that will inspire them to achieve academically and to motivate them to pursue higher education. In an increasingly competitive global job market CART is giving students a head start on skills that will actually give them an edge in the workplace,” said Fresno Unified Superintendent Mike Hanson.
The full results of the CART study as well as more information on the program can be found at www.irvine.org/cart.
