Kansans Can School Redesign Documentary Series

In 2015 the Kansas State Department of Education traveled across Kansas to ask families, businesses, community partners, and educators what they wanted to see in successful high school graduates, and what role K-12 schools should play in developing youth? From this tour KSDE gathered thousands of responses to help create the Kansas Can School Redesign model. Kansas Redesign focuses on four principles: Student success skills, community partnerships, real world application, and personalized learning. Starting with just seven school districts and 14 schools, redesign has grown to over 190 schools in 71 districts doing incredible work. The journey has not been easy, but schools will tell you it has been worth it. Join us as we share six of these of compelling redesign stories. Districts featured in the series include Dighton, Leavenworth, Beloit, Wellington, Liberal, and Coffeyville.

Beloit's Journey

Beloit’s redesign takes STEM education to a whole new level with drones, robotics, and a student run garden. A strong focus on student’s social-emotional learning has also improved student moral, attendance, and retention.

Coffeyville's Journey

Coffeyville’s redesign journey focuses on a district wide approach to social-emotional learning, project-based learning, and service learning. Highlighted in their story is a long-standing kindergarten class embedded in the local senior citizen center.

David Brewer's Journey

Leavenworth redesign starts at David Brewer Elementary school with a strong emphasis in social-emotional learning. Two highlighted in their story is their adult mentoring program and service-learning projects that help students give back to the community.

Dighton's Journey

Dighton’s redesign journey is centered on project-based learning, flexible scheduling, and work study programs. Highlighted in their story is a unique residential maintenance class for students to learn how to fix common home repair/maintenance needs.

Liberal's Journey

Liberal’s redesign efforts at the elementary level include MiTEE Monday, a therapy dog names Bailey, and unique classes in computer coding. At the High school, Flex mod scheduling has allowed students to take more local college classes and work internships (work studies) while in school.

Wellington's Journey

Wellington’s redesign focuses heavily on project-based learning and personalized learning. These two focuses have given students more freedom and the staff a boost in creativity.