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Career-Connected Learning: Implementing a Comprehensive Model to Maximize Postsecondary Readiness for All Students
Monday, September 15, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
Presented by Anita Clarke, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, Decatur City Schools (AL); Sarah Miles, Former Educator, Current National Solutions Director, Edmentum; Casey Stone, Former Educator, Current Partnership Manager, Edmentum; and Dr. Joseph Wise, Co-Founder and Board Chairman, Distinctive Schools, and Co-Founder and CEO, Acceleration Academies
Sponsored by Edmentum
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Education leaders at the federal, state, district, and building levels are setting new priorities for career-connected learning (CCL), a more expansive model of traditional career and technical education (CTE) that emphasizes career readiness for all learners and the importance of ensuring students graduate high school ready for college and career, not just one or the other.
Last year, states nationwide approved more than 150 policies focused on boosting these programs, including new investment in workplace learning opportunities and updated high school diploma requirements. And this doesn’t apply only to high school―career exploration beginning in middle school provides students with the opportunity to discover interests sooner, go deeper into their learning pathways, and graduate with a clear vision of their postsecondary objectives.
In this edLeader Panel, viewers hear perspectives from career-connected learning experts with decades of experience implementing and running successful programs in schools and districts around the U.S. You learn about:
- The elements of a comprehensive approach to career-connected learning, and why this model is foundational to academic engagement and postsecondary success for today’s students
- The steps district, state, and national leaders are taking to drive innovation in CCL and implement enhanced programs
- The elements of effective districtwide programs that support students along the journey from exploration to employability and how to apply them in your district
- The high-impact outcomes―including outstanding attendance, impressive college entrance exam scores, and a graduating class full of students meeting the “College and Career Ready” designation―achieved at the Career Academies of Decatur, a dedicated CTE high school in Decatur, AL
This recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to middle and high school district leaders and school leaders.
About the Presenters
Anita Clarke is the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for Decatur City Schools in Alabama. She spent six years in the classroom and has previously served in roles including guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal.
Sarah Miles has over 16 years’ experience serving students and teachers as an educator and administrator specializing in K-12 improvement, curriculum, and assessment. The focus and impact of her work have been leading teams in building systems and cultures that increase student achievement rapidly. Currently, Sarah serves as a National Solutions Director for Edmentum, supporting high-population districts and state agencies in meeting the needs and expanding opportunities for all students and educators.
Casey Stone is the North Texas Field Partnership Manager for Edmentum. His expertise and skills include college and career readiness, curriculum development, education technology, and tutoring. Prior to joining Edmentum, Casey was Director of CTE, Innovation, and Virtual Learning for Keller ISD and has previously served in leadership roles in secondary education, CTE, and edtech for Cedar Hill ISD and Fort Worth ISD.
Dr. Joseph Wise is the Co-founder and Board Chairman for Distinctive Schools, a network of high-performing public K-8 charter schools within Illinois and Michigan. Dr. Wise is also the Co-founder and CEO of Acceleration Academies, providing strategic support, advocacy, and partnership to expand their efforts to reengage students nationwide. He is former Board Chairman for the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI) and is the Co-founder of Atlantic Research Partners. Dr. Wise is a former Executive Vice President and Chief Education Officer with Edison Learning, Inc. and previously served as Director of Organizational Development for the Disney organization. Before Distinctive Schools, executive roles, and other founding efforts, Dr. Wise served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Duval County Public Schools, Christina School District, Wilmington, and others throughout his tenure. He holds his Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Florida.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the College, Career, and Life Readiness community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Edmentum believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive everywhere learning occurs—whether they seek to catch up, stay on track, or chart their own path. When you pair Edmentum’s comprehensive, research-backed learning acceleration solutions—including digital curriculum and courses, K-12 diagnostic-driven personalized intervention, and virtual instruction—with empowered and supported educators, you can change the direction of students’ lives. We partner with K-12 educators in all 50 states and 100+ countries worldwide to design, implement, and sustain the programs that deliver on this shared promise of learning acceleration for every student.
