California Legislature—2013–14 Regular Session

Assembly Bill No. 815

Introduced by Assembly Member Chávez

February 21, 2013

An act to amend Section 52372.5 of the Education Code, relating to career technical education.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

AB 815, as introduced, Chávez. Career technical education: linked learning programs.

Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor no later than December 1, 2009, that explores the feasibility of expanding and establishing linked learning programs, as defined, in California.

This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to these provisions.

Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.  

Section 52372.5 of the Education Code is
amended to read:

52372.5.  

(a) For purposes of this section, a “linked learning
program” is a program that is all of the following:

(1) A multiyear, comprehensive high school program of
integrated academic and technical study that is organized around
a broad theme, interest area, or industry sector, including, but not
necessarily limited to, the industry sectors identified in the model
standards adopted by the state board pursuant to Section 51226.

(2) A program that ensures that all pupils have curriculum
choices that will prepare them for career entry and a full range of
postsecondary options, including two- and four-year college,
apprenticeship, and formal employment training.

(3) A program that is comprised, at a minimum, of the following
components:

(A) An integrated core curriculum that meets the eligibility
requirements for admission to the University of California and the
California State University and is delivered through project-based
learning and other engaging instructional strategies that
intentionally bring real-world context and relevance to the
curriculum where broad themes, interest areas, and career technical
education are emphasized.

(B) An integrated technical core of a sequence of at least four
related courses, that may reflect career technical education
standards-based courses, that provide pupils with career skills, that
are aligned to and underscore academic principles, and to the extent
possible fulfill the academic core requirements listed in
subparagraph (A).

(C) A series of work-based learning opportunities that begin
with mentoring and job shadowing and evolve into intensive
internships, school-based enterprises, or virtual apprenticeships.

(D) Support services, including supplemental instruction in
reading and mathematics, that help pupils master the advanced
academic and technical content that is necessary for success in
college and career.

(b) The Superintendent, in conjunction with the Office of the
Secretary for Education, the California Community Colleges, the
University of California, the California State University, the
Employment Development Department, both houses of the
California Legislature, teachers, chamber organizations, industry
representatives, research centers, parents, school administrators,
representatives of regional occupational centers and programs,
community-based organizations, labor organizations, and others
deemed appropriate by the Superintendent, shall develop a report
that explores the feasibility of establishing and expanding
additional linked learning programs in California, including the
costs and merits associated with expansion of these programs.
Linked learning programs created for high schools may include,
but are not limited to, California partnership academies, regional
occupational centers and programs, charter schools, academies,
small learning communities, and other career-themed small schools.

(c) The report described in subdivision (b) shall do all of the
following:

(1) Identify regulations, policies, and practices that need to be
added, deleted, or amended in order to promote the development
and expansion of linked learning programs.

(2) Set forth a reasonable timeline for the development and
expansion of linked learning programs.

(3) Include begin delete at least end delete all of the following components begin insert , at a
minimum end insert :

(A) Assessment of the current capacity of the department for
the purpose of maximizing the development of these programs.

(B)  begin delete Identifying end delete begin insert Identification of end insert the possible roles and
responsibilities of other departments or agencies to assist in
developing or expanding linked learning programs.

(C) An assessment of the appropriateness of school districts
fulfilling the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b) of
Section 51228 by developing industry-focused linked learning
programs, including those described in this section.

(D) Methods for developing and sharing models of integrated
curriculum and instruction.

(E) Strategies for increasing the course options and instructional
time for pupils in high school.

(F) Plans for increasing opportunities for high-quality learning
based on real-world applications in industry and careers.

(G) Methods for improving alignment of curriculum between
middle schools and high schools with career instruction,
exploration, and counseling for middle school pupils.

(H) Methods for improving coordination and articulation
between high schools and postsecondary institutions, including,
but not limited to, California Community Colleges, the California
State University, and the University of California.

(I) Recommendations for increasing the supply of teachers who
can teach effectively in a linked learning setting that aims to
prepare pupils for a full range of postsecondary options. Necessary
specialized skills include, but are not limited to, the abilities to
design interdisciplinary projects and use project-based learning as
an instructional strategy, work with other teachers in a
team-teaching arrangement, develop curriculum that effectively
integrates academic and technical content, design and utilize
high-quality work-based learning to reinforce lessons in both
academic and technical courses, and develop authentic pupil
assessments.

(J) Recommendations for increasing the supply of schoolsite
and district administrators who can effectively create and manage
schools that are implementing one or more industry-focused linked
learning programs. Necessary specialized skills include, but are
not limited to, the abilities to develop and sustain partnerships with
industry partners, recruit and retain uniquely qualified teachers,
guide development of integrated curriculum, understand needs for
and provide teacher professional development, guide development
of comprehensive guidance systems that integrate college advising
and career counseling, guide development of a coordinated and
sequenced work-based learning component, and utilize data to
assess pupil readiness for college and career.

(K) Recommendations for supporting regional coalitions in
planning and developing programs.

(L) Evaluation of current linked learning programs, including
partnership academies, regional occupational centers or programs begin insert , end insert
and postsecondary linked learning programs, including middle
colleges and early college models.

(M) Recommendations for increasing and improving in-school
support services.

(N) Recommendations for incorporating new measures into the
state’s accountability system to better assess the results of these
linked learning programs.

(O) Assessment of the budgetary implications of offering all
pupils access to these linked learning programs.

(d) For purposes of completing the report described in
subdivision (b), the Superintendent is authorized to use existing
state resources and federal funds. If state or federal funds are not
available or sufficient, the Superintendent may apply for and accept
grants and receive donations, and other financial support from
public or private sources for purposes of this section.

(e) In developing the report, the Superintendent may accept
support including, but not necessarily limited to, financial and
technical support, from high school reform advocates, teachers,
chamber organizations, industry representatives, research centers,
parents, and pupils.

(f) The Superintendent shall report to the Legislature as to the
status of completing the report and any preliminary
recommendations no later than July 1, 2009.

(g) The Superintendent shall submit a final report with
recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor no later than
December 1, 2009.