by Mary Rupert
Gov. Jeff Colyer today met with about 25 Wyandotte High School students and faculty members to hear their ideas on how to improve education.
The governor was on a statewide tour after signing an executive order creating a preschool through grade 20 Governor’s Education Council to advise the state on how to improve education and prepare students for the work force. Officials from different levels of education will communicate on how to improve education and make it relevant.
Colyer said he wanted to make students’ education more relevant to today’s jobs.
One student, who wanted to be a cosmetologist, discussed the relevancy of some classes. There is a need for more classes on what the students want to do in life, she said.
Another student, who wanted to be an engineer, discussed motivating students to be more engaged.
A third student, who wanted to be an FBI agent, talked about spending time with mentors in the field who could work with the students.
Another student said if they can keep the students interested, there was less chance they would drop out, and once changes are made, students will come back to school.
Other topics covered by students included more preparation for the ACT tests, and classes that would help in practical areas that adults will need, such as preparing their taxes.
“Now it is our turn to make the world a better place,” another student said, with opportunity for everyone.
“And you’re not going to take no for an answer,” Colyer said. While some people are talking about smaller topics, these students are talking about changing the world.
“We want to encourage you,” he said. “We want you to stay right here in Kansas,” he said.
Public Schools. (Staff photo by Mary Rupert)
Jim McNiece, a member of the Kansas Board of Education from the Wichita area, who is Colyer’s former history teacher, said he wanted all students to have the same opportunities that Dr. Colyer had growing up.
“The State Board of Education vision is that Kansas lead the world in the success of each student,” McNiece said. “You will be the adults in the world in the future, and we hope you take the same care and concern in moving forward, and you will provide that for the next generation.”
He noticed that some of the students were dressed in ties, and after he learned that other students had already been dismissed for the day, he thanked them for spending their free time at the program.
“This tour is about leadership and about dreams, and about aspirations,” said Randy Watson, Kansas education commissioner. It is about students taking the advantage to do what they want to do in life and about the schools and educators helping them open doors.
“Kudos to the governor for setting education as a top priority in Kansas,” said Diane DeBacker, former Kansas education commissioner. It has long been a top priority for educators, she added. Education is a driver of the growth of the state, the economy, and businesses, she said.
The Education Council will pull together a number of people, including educators and business leaders, to make sure that education meets the community’s needs and helps move Kansas forward, she said.
Blake Flanders, president of the Board of Regents, said careers today are very exciting. “You were born at exactly the right time,” he told the students.
Many years ago, 8th grade was when people quit school and joined the work force. Later, students needed a high school education to join the work force. Now, it’s necessary to have post-high school education or training for many jobs, he said.
“Diploma-Plus, this is what it’s all about,” he said. Now there is the opportunity to take college classes while in high school. The goal now is for each student to pursue his or her goals and dreams.
“We want you to be able to participate fully in this economy,” Flanders said.
“The day will come when one of you will be sitting in the mayor’s office,” Mayor David Alvey told the students. Any gift or talent that has been given to them is so that it may be developed and returned to others in service, he said.
He said there is a great need for leadership and service, and what they study will be of service to them and others.
