“Career Advancement Academies (CAAs) have been implemented in colleges across several regions of California and have provided a rich testing ground for more structured and integrated approaches to support student entry into – and progression along – college and career pathways. Elements of the CAA framework have informed, and are becoming integrated into, major statewide college completion initiatives. Across regions, CAAs have seeded additional reform efforts, and have formed the basis for further work on a range of initiatives. However, opportunities exist to deepen the influence and application of what we have learned about quality CAA implementation, including contextualized teaching and learning, into current college redesign efforts.”
Career Advancement Academies:
Insights into Contextualized Teaching and Learning
The Career Advancement Academies (CAAs) are community college programs that focus on young adults who face academic and personal barriers to postsecondary education and employment. Funded by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, CAAs increase foundational skills in reading, writing, and math, and help students advance along pathways leading to high demand careers and further higher education opportunities.
Contextualized teaching and learning is a key component of the CAAs. Contextualized teaching and learning combines basic skills with technical education – allowing students to make immediate progress toward their goals. Through contextualized teaching and learning, CAA students apply academic content that is directly relevant to their career interests. As a result, students become more engaged, motivated, and prepared for college and careers.
In this new Issue Brief, Career Advancement Academies: Insights into Contextualized Teaching and Learning, we explore the implementation and sustainability of quality contextualized teaching and learning in several colleges across California. The brief was produced by the Career Ladders Project and Equal Measure.