KEARNEY, Missouri – Starting this year, every Kearney High School graduate will be required to earn a certificate of practice.
The Missouri school district has been slow to implement the requirement.
Last year, 75% of graduates were required to reach the goal.
The initiative helps students prepare for their future outside of school through hands-on, project-based learning.
To meet this requirement, students complete a so-called Market value of the asset.
These include professional experience and completion of an industry-recognized certification.
“Instead of thinking about what content they need to know, I focus more on the skills they need,” says Jennifer West, a teacher at Kearney High School. “These skills can be used in all kinds of jobs in the real world.”
Ryan Gamboa
Students in her human geography class analyzed Kearney Fire Department emergency call data to determine where the department should build a second fire station.
“Our students used this platform to then solve problems for a real customer,” West explained.
The district introduces students to project-based learning before they reach high school.
Fifth-grader Tucker Kimmel takes a broadcasting course at his elementary school.
He hopes today’s attention will pay off when he starts a career as a sports reporter.
“You have to get used to being in front of the camera and being seen by a lot of people,” Kimmel said of the skills he is currently honing.
Ryan Gamboa
Teachers and staff in the Kearney School District received pay raises this year.
The board adjusted its budget after voters rejected a proposal to raise property taxes to cover salary increases.
“I think it’s really important how much this administration makes our teachers feel valued,” said teacher Erica Hart.
Ryan Gamboa
The average salary of employees rose by six percent this year.
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KSHB 41 reporter Charlie Keegan covers politics in Kansas, Missouri and locally. Share your story idea with Charlie.
