Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools to serve as host of conversation about education in Kansas

The Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools has been chosen to be the host of one of the upcoming “listening tour” sessions that the Kansas State Department of Education is conducting throughout the state.

The session, titled “Kansas Children, Kansas’ Future” will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Central Office and Training Center, 2010 N. 59th St.

The purpose of these conversations is to bring together parents, educators, local school board members, higher education representatives, legislators, members of the business community and all other interested parties to discuss the future they want for Kansas children and the role they believe Kansas education should play in supporting that envisioned future, according to a spokesman. Attendees will work in small groups to discuss questions such as:

• What are the characteristics, qualities, abilities and skills of a successful 24-year-old Kansas?
• What is the role of K-12 education in achieving this future and how should K-12 measure indicators toward that success?
• What is the role of higher education in achieving this future and how should higher education measure indicators toward that success?

The outcomes of these conversations will be collected and used to begin building the state’s strategic plan for education. This represents a tremendous opportunity for residents, staff and community leaders to have a voice in shaping the future of education in Kansas.

KCKPS is one of 15 that will take place in locations across the state. For other sites or more information, visit the KSDE website, www.ksde.org.