Many school districts and high schools provide well-designed pathways that combine rigorous academic instruction with technical education and real-world experience into a career-themed program of study. This Linked Learning approach helps districts and high schools prepare all students for both college and career, not just one objective or the other. With their focus on collaboration and student learning outcomes, pathways provide an effective structure and strategy for implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as well as nurturing the development of 21st century skills. For school districts and communities aiming to develop a system of Linked Learning pathways, this publication provides the knowledge base needed to understand the infrastructure for supporting such a system. It is up to district leaders to create the conditions and climate within which high-quality pathways can develop and be sustained. Step one, however, involves leaders developing an understanding of the Essential Elements of a Quality Linked Learning Pathway. These Essential Elements serve as the basis of this District Framework because they define what constitutes a high-quality Linked Learning pathway. They reflect research and evaluation findings, plus the collective wisdom of a large field of Linked Learning practitioners. They are also aligned with similar tools developed by leading organizations and networks across the country. The Critical Elements that make up the Framework describe the "outcomes" of the system-building work.