Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• Kansas has multiple virtual, district sponsored schools approved by the state’s Education Department.

• Blue Valley Unified School District 229 is a member of Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• The Kansas DOE provides resources on technology planning, tools for educators, and information on equitable access through the Kansas Partnership for Accessible Technology.

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs. 

Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:

• Kansas offers 16 career clusters, business and career partnerships, and CTE student organizations. The state also allows students to earn CTE Specialized Certification.

• According to CTE K-12 Funding, Kansas school districts receive additional weight by CTE enrollment.

Personalized, Competency- and/or Mastery-based Learning:

• As of 2022, school districts in Kansas can provide the option to use mastery and competency to award credits for graduation. The state DOE provided guidance on how school districts can do this. 

• The Kansas Can School Redesign project aims to personalize student learning and focuses on 4 driving principles: Personalized Learning, Student Success Skills, Community Partnership, and Real World Applications. Online Learning Platforms is also an important piece of the project, which helps drive personalized instruction for students. Currently, 194 schools and 71 districts participate in the program.

Innovation Schools, Zones, and/or Districts:

• A 2023 statute now allows the creation of Innovation School districts, which function like charter schools, as they are exempt from most state laws and regulations governing public schools. Two districts have already been approved in Concordia and McPherson.

Other Initiatives of Note:

• The Kansas Challenge to Secondary School Pupils Act permits high school students to participate in college-level coursework offered within their high schools. Through a Concurrent Enrollment Partnership agreement with an eligible college, districts can authorize high school instructors to teach these college-level courses on-site.