ConnectED

ConnectED recently visited North Kansas City Schools for an experiential site visit, highlighting real-world learning in action. #northkansascityschools

Moments like this remind us that real change happens when educators, leaders, and partners work together across classrooms, districts, and states. We’re grateful to be part of a national movement focused on expanding meaningful pathways for every student.

—a powerful example of what’s possible when districts build strong systems and community partnerships.

It was energizing to join colleagues from across the country at the AcceleratED convening hosted by the Gates Foundation.

If you joined us on site, we’d love to hear what stood out to you. And if you have interest in joining our next site visit, sign up here be notified when registration opens: connectednational.org/experiential-s…

We’re grateful to the NKC team for opening their doors, sharing their work, and creating space for honest reflection. These visits remind us how much is possible when districts stay committed to continuous improvement and collaboration.

We wrapped up another meaningful Experiential Site Visit with North Kansas City Schools, a district that continues to model what strong pathway implementation looks like in practice.

Why? To take back these real-world-rooted learnings and plan next steps for their own districts. Our Experiential Site Visits exist for the same reason we give students opportunities to engage in real-world learning: If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.

Starting next week, ESV attendees will tour four NKC high schools to see the work of career-connected learning in action. They’ll meet directly with district leaders and will participate in collaborative deep-dive sessions that drive instructional transformation.

He emphasizes the power of teamwork: "It’s important that everyone is involved to create a successful initiative." Discover how group participation can lead to successful outcomes in your own district.

Meet Arnel Dela Cruz, who has attended several Experiential Site Visits to gain insight into effective pathway implementation.

Participants from past visits describe the experience as “amazing,” “inspirational,” and “informative,” often pointing to the pride and professionalism of NKC students and staff.

→ Designed learning that blends academics, technical instruction, and real work‑based experiences. → Scaled this model across a large district of comprehensive neighborhood schools.

What does it look like when an entire district commits to a unified, collaborative approach to college and career pathways? NKC Schools is about to show it again. This year’s Experiential Site Visit offers a fresh, up‑close look at a system that’s fully aligned and delivering.

NKC Schools knew this vision required a new kind of high school, one where every student can explore real interests, apply their learning, and chart a clear path toward their future. And that work is now well underway.

Through collaboration with local businesses and educators, they developed the Portrait of a Graduate, a shared vision of essential attributes needed for future readiness. This initiative aims to implement programs that connect students with real-world experiences.

A district ready for change: five years ago, NKC Schools embarked on a journey that began with a question, “How do we ensure every student leaves high school with the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to succeed in college, career, and life?” nkcschools.org/district/dept/…