BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 790
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CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 790 (Furutani and Carter)
As Amended July 6, 2011
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |54-20|(June 1, 2011) |SENATE: |27-12|(September 6, |
| | | | | |2011) |
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Original Committee Reference: ED.
SUMMARY : Establishes the Linked Learning Pilot Program (LLPP) to be
administered by the California Department of Education (CDE)
according to specified requirements for the purpose of implementing
district-wide linked learning programs, as specified, in all
participating school districts.
The Senate amendments :
1)Rename the pilot program from the Multiple Pathway Pilot Program
(MPPP) to the Linked Learning Pilot Program.
2)Replace the term "multiple pathways" with the term "linked
learning" in the Education Code thereby defining linked learning
programs in statute.
3)Require each applicant school district to demonstrate its plans to
implement the components of a linked learning program, as defined
and specify that if funds become available for the LLPP, the
Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) shall allocate the
funds on a competitive basis based on the applications submitted.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Requires the SPI, in conjunction with specified parties, to
develop a report that explores the feasibility of establishing and
expanding additional multiple pathway programs in California,
including the costs and merits associated with expansion of these
programs.
2)Defines "multiple pathway program" as all of the following:
a) A multiyear, comprehensive high school program of integrated
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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
career technical education (CTE) model standards adopted by the
State Board of Education (SBE);
b) 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; and,
c) A program that is comprised, at a minimum, of the following
components:
i) 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;
ii) An integrated technical core of a sequence of at least
four related courses;
iii) 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; and,
iv) Support services, including supplemental instruction in
reading and mathematics, that help pupils master the advanced
academic and technical content.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill established the MPPP to be
administered by the CDE according to specified requirements for the
purpose of implementing district-wide multiple pathway programs in
all participating school districts. The provisions governing the
pilot program were substantially similar to the provisions in the
version passed by the Senate.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations Committee,
substantial on-going General Fund/Proposition 98 cost pressure for
purposes of the pilot program, and $71,000 in each of fiscal years
2012-13 and 2013-14 General Fund costs for CDE administration.
COMMENTS : This bill establishes a pilot program for purposes of
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implementing district-wide linked learning programs in participating
school districts and specifies that linked learning programs shall
be implemented within the participating district's existing state
and local resources. This bill also revises existing statute to
change the name of multiple pathway programs to linked learning
programs.
Linked learning/multiple pathway programs are high school programs
that seek to make core academic subjects more relevant and engaging
for pupils and are designed to provide access to academic and
technical study that is based on a broad theme or an industry
sector. The idea behind multiple pathways/linked learning is to
integrate career based themes and content across all academic
subject areas in order to give students the opportunity to access
both core academic content and CTE without having to choose one over
the other. These programs are found in several districts across the
state in various forms; for example some districts have implemented
California Partnership Academies (CPAs), small learning communities,
or other career-themed small schools. In most cases, these programs
are found at one or a few schools in one particular district however
this bill would require implementation of these programs in all high
schools of the LLPP participating school districts.
A previously enacted measure, AB 2648 (Bass, Carter, and Furutani),
Chapter 681, Statutes of 2008, required the SPI to develop, in
conjunction with specified individuals, a report to explore the
feasibility of expanding and establishing career multiple pathway
programs. According to the author, this bill "Is a direct response
to the Multiple Pathways to Student Success report that the
California Department of Education released in 2010, pursuant to AB
2648 - Chapter 681, Statutes of 2008." The author further states,
"In particular, the multiple pathways approach has been identified
as one of the most promising models for high school transformation.
Research has shown multiple pathways-like programs have helped to
turn around high school achievement, graduation and job placement
rates for high school students matriculating through multiple
pathways-like programs."
Analysis Prepared by : Marisol Avi�a / ED. / (916) 319-2087
FN: 0002331
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