Academic skills, employability and citizenship skills, technology, all under the shadow of school financing — how are Kansans to determine what K-12 schools must do to prepare its children for their lives after high school graduation?
“Last year, Kansans told us we needed to redesign schools to focus on the individual needs of each child rather than relying on the ‘one-size-fits-all’ system which relies exclusively on state assessments from No Child Left Behind,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson.
“The State Board of Education took that information and launched their vision for Kansas education, Kansans CAN!” Watson stated. “This new vision for education calls for a more student-focused system that provides support and resources for individual success and will require everyone to work together to make it a reality.”
That is the purpose of “A Kansas Conversation: Exploring New Forms of Education to Meet 21st Century Learning Needs” to be held Saturday, May 7 at Emporia State University.
“We need all voices to be heard — teachers, administrators, business leaders, community partners and parents,” said Watson.
“In order for us to lead the world in the success of each student, we will need to fully engage all stakeholders in the process. Joining in on the Kansas Conversation is a great way to gather input and ideas,” said Kevin Case, superintendent of Inman USD 448.
Registration for the conference is $20, including lunch and materials. People wishing to register can do so at www.emporia.edu/teach/jiee/workshops/2016-05-07-KS-conversation.html. The deadline to register is Friday, April 22.
More information about Kansans Can is available at www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can.