Theory of action: regional replication scales statewide career pathways implementation¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article's organizing framework is a theory of action linking state, region, and outcomes for scaling career pathways. It states: "Our theory of action captures and clarifies the elements that contribute inputs to the system and the necessary outcomes to achieve the goal of supporting regional replication to scale pathways opportunities across a state." The state level covers actors, models, and policy and funding levers; the region covers a district cohort model, pathways design and implementation, sustainability supports, and learner experience; outcomes span state education and economy, school systems, and learner education and career attainment.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• State backbone organization and anchor collaborators across state government, industry, K-12 networks, and postsecondary
• Seed funding to spur investment and an intentional collaborative build ensuring state coalition ownership

Constraints¶

• Sustainability depends on a 2-yr foundational support that transitions to regional ownership and leadership in YR3-4

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students pursuing career pathways
• postsecondary learners in high-demand career fields

Target Learning Objectives¶

• college and career readiness graduation requirements
• industry-recognized credential attainment
• durable skills to navigate a changing economy

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Five-pillar statewide blueprint: ACTIVATE, CONNECT, CREATE, ALIGN, ASSESS

Examples¶

• Plan for regional sustainability from the start with a two-year transition to regional ownership
• Use a co-research and co-design process such as the Collaborative Innovation Studio model

Key Sources¶

• Scaling career pathways statewide: A blueprint for creating K-12 + postsecondary + industry pathways. (2026). Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/287