This brief presents findings from an evaluation of the Oakland Health Pathways Project (OHPP), a joint initiative of Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), Alameda Health System (AHS), and Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (ACHCSA). OUSD applies Linked Learning, an approach to college and career preparation that combines classroom learning with real-world work experiences, to its health pathways. Through the initiative, OUSD aimed to expand and enhance health pathways for students and worked with AHS and ACHCSA to improve work-based learning experiences. Based on interviews with key school and pathway personnel, as well as focus groups and surveys of participating students in their senior year, this brief describes the health pathway student experience and the perceived impact of participation on college and career readiness. The brief concludes with key takeaways for those creating curricula that integrate rigorous academics and career-themed coursework, as well as those designing work-based learning experiences.
Project: Evaluation of Oakland Health Pathways Project
Download:
- Research Brief (PDF)
Citation
Chen, W.-B., Park, C. J., Warner, M., McMurchy, M. & Fikes, A. (2019). Student Experiences in Health Pathways. Findings from an Evaluation of Oakland Health Pathways. Menlo Park, CA: SRI Education.