Overview
Policy makers in Kansas have taken a number of steps to ensure that high school students engage in learning experiences that prepare them for success when they graduate. New graduation requirements that were introduced in 2024 require each student to complete at least two “postsecondary assets”—experiences that include, among other things, advanced coursework and work-based learning opportunities. To support these efforts, the state has also developed guides to help school systems provide high-quality work-based learning experiences that align with students’ individual plans of study and are connected to their professional aspirations.
To build on these efforts, state leaders could build upon existing seat time flexibility to make it clear and explicit that the law applies across entire schools and districts. They could also launch a statewide initiative with dedicated resources to incentivize community-led high school redesign.
