This guide is a reference point for state policy teams and their colleges as they move through Year One of the implementation stage of Accelerating Opportunity. The structural principles in it provide a framework for state policy work. JFF encourages state policy teams to refer to it often, especially early on, as they implement work plans and long-term goals. Implementation coaches and policy coaches can help answer questions about the
Resources
The Resource Library is a compendium of tools and resources selected specifically for the Accelerating Opportunity initiative. You can navigate the Resource Library by topic, or by key word (or tag).
Topics
accelerating opportunity
acceleration
access to benefits
Achieving the Dream
adult education
adult learners
adult literacy
advising
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braided funding
breaking through
bridge programs
career/technical education
career pathways
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case studies
certificates
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community-based organizations
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competency models
completion rates
conferences
contextualization
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developmental education
DOLETA
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prior learning assessment
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scale
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state discretionary funds
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TANF
team teaching
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tools
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WIA
work-based learning
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accelerating opportunity
2012
Jobs for the Future
The second annual National Conference on Integrated Basic Skills Pathways took place in Seattle, Washington on May 8th and 9th, 2012. There were nearly 200 participants representing over 20 states.
Conference Objectives:
- To provide content and support as teams and states continue to implement integrated career pathways
- To come together as a national learning community committed to providing program re-design fostering student attainment of credentials and family supporting employment
- For each team and state to gain clear guidance and strategic direction toward the implementation of policies to support the implementation of integrated career pathways
2012
This is a benchmarking and implementation progress guide for Accelerating Opportunity states. The Accelerating Opportunity coaches will use it with state implementation teams to first set a baseline measure of where the state is in relation to the nine elements described below, and then to track progress. As coaches, we will use this matrix to monitor states’ progress toward Accelerating Opportunity outcomes, with a particular focus on these nine elements:
- Building Integrated Pathways
- Scale & Sustainability
- Culture Shift
- Comprehensive Student Supports
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Professional Development
- State TA to Colleges
- Policy
- Leadership and Staff Commitment
2012
This Accelerating Opportunity tool is designed for use in developing and implementing integrated pathways. It uses a model integrated career pathway as the framework for examining the many components of a particular college’s pathways. This tool will help ensure a robust program that is designed around promoting student success.
State implementation teams can use this tool as a guide for ensuring that the pathways colleges design and implement reflect the initiative’s goals and advance its Theory of Change. JFF recommends that state and college implementation teams work through the tool together, using the results of those conversations to assess strengths and gaps both in the model itself and in how it is being implemented.
2012
This one-pager, updated June 2012, provides an overview of the initiative.
2012
Accelerating Opportunity online professional development opportunities include self-paced tutorials and courses facilitated by experienced specialists that are aimed at strengthening the skills needed to build an integrated basic skills career pathways model. The National College Transition Network (NCTN) at World Education, Inc. created these courses in collaboration with Jobs for the Future, Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), and Minnesota FastTRAC. For additional tools and resources, please visit Accelerating Opportunity's Virtual Academy.
Visit the website for information, including course descriptions, schedules, fees, and how to register. Please read the Online Course Policies for facilitated courses and the Minimum Technical Requirements information.
Courses Available:
- Team Teaching - Models and Practice
- Team Teaching an Integrated Curriculum to Accelerate Learning
- Finding True North - Role of the Navigator
- Navigating Pathways to Opportunity
- Promoting Engagement - Role of the Administrator
- Building Accelerating Opportunities Pathways
2012
The National College Transition Network at World Education
This concept paper provides an overview of the Accelerating Opportunity initiative, including the structure of the initiative, its theory of change, its policy framework, and plans for evaluation.
2011
Jobs for the Future
Over 200 people, including Accelerating Opportunity grantees and Breaking Through colleges, attended the first annual National Conference on Integrated Basic Skills Pathways. This website includes a number of materials developed for/shared at the meeting, including PowerPoint presentations and other resources.
Conference Objectives:
- Introduce I-Best and Breaking Through models that integrate basic skills pathways.
- Share I-BEST and Breaking Through models Washington SBCTC and other colleges have developed as core models for implementation.
- Engage in provocative discussions around policy support and innovation to foster scale and sustainability.
- Learn more about curricular alignment and other re-design aspects.
- Build networks as 25 states come together as a field and learning community.
2011
Jobs for the Future
The Accelerating Opportunity Communications Toolkit is intended to give professionals and leaders involved in Accelerating Opportunity the tools that they need to communicate effectively and strategically with targeted audiences. While these audiences may be diverse and range from low-skilled adults to top-level policymakers, the essential elements of strategic communications remain constant: to become a true agent for change, you have to be able to articulate your goals, your role in solving problems and why people should care.
2011
This guide helps practitioners serve adults who have low literacy and math levels and who want to succeed in postsecondary education. The guide highlights innovations from community colleges that participated in Breaking Through between 2005 and 2009. The practice guide has four components, each devoted to a high-leverage strategy that community colleges and other programs can adopt to increase the success rates of their low-skilled younger and older adults: accelerated learning, comprehensive support services, labor market payoffs, and aligning programs for low-skilled adults.
2010
Jobs for the Future