A case for Real World Learning Share: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Re-examining the high school experience Students, parents, and employers feel that a high school diploma no longer signifies graduates are prepared for the real world, nor for the changing demands of the future of work. But what do graduates need to be successful in life and learning after high school? In Kansas City, education, business, civic and community leaders connect around the Real World Learning initiative to create valuable experiences for students. Together, they provide students with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in the real world, as well as providing the Kansas City region with the diverse, prepared workforce needed for a vibrant community and economy. A new case study by Getting Smart, a nationally recognized organization that focuses on accelerating and amplifying innovations in teaching and learning, says that the real impact of the initiative has yet to emerge, as more students gain valuable experiences and local employers benefit from a better-prepared workforce. Remarkable community support and school mobilization With more than 80,000 students impacted in 75 high schools in urban, suburban and rural districts spread across six counties and two states, the initiative is expansive in its reach and unusual in the amount of regional cooperation it is generating, according to the case study, “Real World Learning: How Community Agreements Mobilized a Regional High School Transformation Initiative.” SUMMARY OF THE CASE STUDY Let’s Rethink Education Sign up for our monthly newsletter where we reimagine, explore, and address the needs for the future of education. I have read and agree with the Foundation’s privacy policy, which provides complete info on how the Foundation will use and process your data.* Let’s Rethink Education Sign up for our monthly newsletter where we reimagine, explore, and address the needs for the future of education. I have read and agree with the Foundation’s privacy policy, which provides complete info on how the Foundation will use and process your data.* More on Real World Learning: CURRENTSTo find career success, students need more real-world skillsThere’s a profound shift happening in attitudes about what life and work skills high school and college should offer students, according to recent national surveys conducted on behalf of the Kauffman Foundation.To find career success, students need more real-world skills VIDEOKauffman Sketchbook – “Real World Learning Land”In Kansas City, the region’s school districts and employers are coming together to prepare students for life after high school. By gaining professional experiences across a multitude of interests and industries, learners gain the skills to better navigate their future.Kauffman Sketchbook – “Real World Learning Land” VIDEOEmpowering students with entrepreneurial thinkingThis powerful short documentary shows real world learning in action, as high school students gained skills to better prepare them for careers or the opportunity of entrepreneurship, and ultimately help close the racial wealth gap in their communities.Empowering students with entrepreneurial thinking RWL BLOG5 ways local businesses are benefiting from Real World LearningProfessionals from JE Dunn, CommunityAmerican Credit Union, Diagnostic Imaging, South KC Chamber, and Webco Manufacturing share how their business benefited from working with high school students. 5 ways local businesses are benefiting from Real World Learning currentsA vision for the future of student success is urgentOur education system must prepare students for learning, work, and life after high school in a rapidly changing world, which means the time to provide real-world learning opportunities – for all students – is now. A vision for the future of student success is urgent GETTING SMART ARTICLEReal World Learn: Kansas City RegionOne of the largest regional high school improvement projects in the country, the Real World Learning initiative was developed to ensure that all students are ready for life beyond high school.Real World Learn: Kansas City Region