November 15, 2017
Kansas School Redesign Project
In support of Kansas’ vision for education, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has launched the Kansans Can School Redesign Project.
Kansas school districts were invited to apply to become one of seven districts selected for the redesign project. To be considered for the project, districts had to designate one elementary school and one secondary school to be redesigned around the five outcomes established by the Kansas State Board of Education, the five elements identified as defining a successful Kansas high school graduate, and what Kansans said they want their schools to look like in the future. Each district also had to have support of their local school board, their faculty and their local Kansas National Education Association or other professional organization.
KSDE received 29 applications, selected seven school districts, 14 schools that will serve as demonstration sites for others in Kansas to study, learn and visit. The new school designs are slated for launch in the 2018-2019 school year and referred to as the Mercury Project. http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/School-Redesign
Of the remaining applicants 21 schools are taking part in a similar process and are known as the Gemini Project. http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/School-Redesign/gemini
Early on in the process the Education department heard Kansans say that 4-H has been achieving some of the outcomes they want young people to achieve. So if a school in your county or district is taking part, it might be a great way for you to partner with the school on training of teachers or volunteers and/or assist with project based learning.