Education Commons^™

Kansans Can: Redesigning Schools, Brad Neuenswander

Educational Considerations

Kansas, like many states that are coming off of an era of accountability under the federal No Child Left Behind requirements, is looking at more meaningful ways to value and measure student success. We have asked ourselves questions such as: are we focusing on the right measures; is our accountability system aligned to our educational priorities and values; or is it the educational system itself that needs to change in order to produce a more meaningful set of outcomes? These are questions that need answers before any educational reform initiatives can be addressed. The Kansas State Department of Education leadership, …

Redesign: A Case Study Of Change In A Kansas School District, Fred Van Ranken, Lori Goodson

Educational Considerations

USD 240 Twin Valley School District, consisting of Bennington Grade School and Bennington Junior High/High School in Bennington and Tescott Grade School and Tescott Junior High/High School, was one of seven districts initially selected in August 2017 as part of the first cohort of Kansas State Department of Education's Kansas Can School Redesign Project. This article shares the journey, told by the superintendent and a researcher, of USD 240 as part of the ongoing program which now involves multiple cohorts of districts developing their own pathways toward improvement.

Kansans Can: Redesigning Education In Kansas, Randy Watson

Educational Considerations

In fall 2014, the Kansas State Board of Education charged me with gathering information from Kansans as to what they wanted in their school system. After months of studying the research conducted from listening tours and matching that data to current educational research, the State Board of Education launched a new vision for education in October 2015.

This vision had clear metrics for success – Lead the World. Those metrics were all focused on a single point of obtainment – the Success of Each Student. The vision was clear, difficult to achieve, compelling and viewed attainable by 2026. In fall …

Leadership During Change, Mischel Miller

Educational Considerations

The national education system, similar to the Kansas education system, has seen little change since the 1800s(Throckmorton, 1967). In fact, over 50 years later, there have been few changes. Children come to school around the age of five to enter kindergarten and then move through the current system by age and grade level. These children sit in rows, are addressed by the expert teacher, are given information, and are expected to memorize and regurgitate the material in a standardized testing process. Schools in Kansas predominately open their doors in August and close in May (KSDE, 2018), perpetuating the long history …

What Does A Successful 24 Year Old Look Like?: Reflections From The State Board Of Education, Jim Porter

Educational Considerations

“What does a successful 24 year old look like?” This is a critical question that must be successfully addressed if Kansas is to “Lead the World in the Success of EACH Student.”

For many decades we have attempted to fit the student in to the system and many students have been successful, however, many have not. What would happen if the system were built around the individual student? What would happen if student’s interests, passions and talents were controlling when determining the best educational plan for each student?

By developing Individual Plans of Study based on student interests, abilities and …

Post-Pandemic To Post-Secondary Success, John Heim

Educational Considerations

Ten years ago, the Kansas Association of School Boards Board of Directors authorized a statewide research project to determine how Kansans felt about their public schools. Local boards were encouraged to bring their communities together and ask them some basic questions about what they like and dislike about education in Kansas. One hundred districts ranging in size from Blue Valley to Republic County facilitated community meetings. Over 1,000 Kansans participated and the most commonly reported concern reported was that there was too much emphasis on testing.

With the new “Kansans Can” vision, local districts were asked to look beyond indicators …

Introduction To The Special Issue: Leadership In Kansas For The 21st Century, Randy Watson

Educational Considerations

Kansas is currently experiencing a leadership challenge. This is evident both in the number of leaders new to their positions in K-12 school districts and in the methods our state must implement to effectively train those leaders for Kansas’ education to prosper into the 21st century.

North Dakota’S Experience With The Academy Model: A Successful Replication, Tom Hall, Ann Clappe

Educational Considerations

Leadership is a key factor in improving schools and ensuring academic success for all students. At the building level, the leadership role has traditionally been assigned to the principal, but principals cannot be expected to be the sole leaders in their buildings.

Who Is The Building Leader?: Commentary On Educational Leadership Preparation Programs For The Future, Debbie K. Mercer

Educational Considerations

It is critical that educator preparation programs reflect the current and future needs of schools. The job of a school leader is more complex and more demanding than ever before.

The Pds Model As A Vehicle For Simultaneous Renewal In Mathematics Education, Sherri L. Martinie, Chepina Rumsey, David S. Allen, Andrew Bennett, Deborah Abernathy, Brandys Zolnerowich, Melisa Hancock

Educational Considerations

For a quarter century, Kansas State University’s College of Education has supported a Professional Development School (PDS) model involving professional collaboration with selected public school systems across Kansas.

The History And Future Of Professional Development Schools In Kansas, Debbie K. Mercer, Scott Myers

Educational Considerations

Quality clinical experiences are an integral component of effective teacher preparation programs. Evidence clearly indicates that experiences in classrooms, under the mentorship of effective teachers and mentors, greatly enhance the preservice teacher’s growth and development.

Foreword, Diane Debacker

Educational Considerations

It is with great pleasure that I write the Foreword for this edition of Educational Considerations. When Dr. Thompson requested that I contribute to the journal with the Foreword, I was flooded with memories of scouring through issue upon issue of Educational Considerations as I was working on my doctorate in Educational Administration at Kansas State University several years ago. Educational Considerations has a rich and long history of being a practitioner's journal and this issue continues with that tradition.

Theory Into Practice: A Cry From The Field For Innovative Leadership Development, Debbie K. Mercer, Scott Myers

Educational Considerations

Leaders make the difference. This is uniquely evidenced in school districts where a single superintendent impacts the lives of so many children, teachers, staff, and community members every day. With so much responsibility, the need to mentor the ongoing professional learning and development of this key leader is critical.

The Influence Of Mentoring On Developing Leaders: Participants Share Their Perspectives, Donna Augustine-Shaw, Elizabeth Funk

Educational Considerations

In an age of continuous and rapid change, today’s school superintendents face a litany of unique challenges as they lead individuals and organizations through tumultuous and unpredictable times.

Reflections On La Esperanza, Anita Cortez

Educational Considerations

It is Christmastime. My birthday is three days away, and I will be 56. There is the ugliest cup on campus sitting on my desk. What does it all mean?

Diversity In Kansas Adult Education Programs, Dianne Glass

Educational Considerations

Kansas is not typically considered a state with a great deal of diversity. In the past few years, however, Kansas has become more ethnically diverse. Kansas adult education programs could serve as a bellwether for diversity across Kansas.

Kansas: Themes In Multicultural Adult Education Resonating Across The Nation, Adult Learning, Jeff Zacharakis, Gabriela Díaz De Sabatés, Dianne Glass

Educational Considerations

Across the country in our communities, our schools, and our businesses, we are experiencing a cultural shift as new immigrants of many ethnic backgrounds arrive speaking different languages and adhering to different beliefs. From the beginning, the United States has always been a destination for people around the world seeking a better life.

Outfront Adult Education Center: The Impact Of Closing The Adult Learning Center In Leavenworth, Kansas, Jewell Shepard

Educational Considerations

Every adult learning center is continually changing, reflecting demographic changes in their community and state and federal mandates. OutFront is not just changing; it is closing. Effective June 30, 2007, The University of Saint Mary, our host institution, ceased its sponsorship of OutFront.