Real World Learning

Real World Learning

Real World Learning one pagerThe Kauffman Foundation has partnered with employers and school districts across the greater Kansas City region to support experiences  allowing students to gain knowledge and skills needed to navigate their future. Real World Learning (RWL) is a Kansas City community initiative to help prepare our region, students, and employers for the future. In a Real World Learning community, learners are prepared for work, school, and life after high school graduation. Visit kauffman.org/real-world-learning/ for more information and click here for a one-pager describing the initiative.

Platte County School District received the RWL Design and Plan grant in 2021, renewable for up to three years.

Real World Learning Goal

The goal of the RWL initiative is that all high school students will graduate with a Market Value Asset (MVA) in addition to their diploma, that prepares them for future work and learning.

Market Value Asset is defined as as industry valued and recognized skills acquired in high school that create a more seamless transition from school to postsecondary education and/or the workplace.

Market Value Asset Examples

  • Work Experiences
  • Entrepreneurial Experiences
  • Dual or College Credit
  • Advanced Placement Courses
  • Industry-Recognized Credentials
  • Client-Connected Projects

PCR-3 Portrait of a Graduate LogoPlatte County School District's RWL Vision/Purpose

Real World Learning is ensuring a meaningful experience for ALL students; one that is relevant and engaging to each student. Our Real World Learning (RWL) vision is to prepare each student for Enrollment, Employment, and/or Enlistment. Our purpose is to ensure that our Pre-K-12th grade experience prepares each learner with his/her own “real world” experience related to his/her personal goals and aspirations.

Platte County School District's RWL Goals

  • Improve our facilitation of a more engaging and relevant experience for our students as measured by survey data and student goal achievement.
  • Improve our intentional facilitation for our students’ secondary Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAP), as validated by all students having a post-secondary plan. 
  • Improve on College Admissions Exams (ACT/SAT), Certifications or Credentials pertinent to employment, and enlistment assessment results.
  • Improve our intentional strategies and actions to ensure that each student graduates with at least one market value asset.  

Portrait of a Graduate

Platte County School District is committed to developing the essential skills all students need upon graduation and beyond. Click here to view PCR-3's Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the six essential skills chosen during the design process to represent the key competencies students need to succeed beyond high school, in their careers, and in life.

Become a Real World Learning Partner

There are many opportunities for businesses to partner with Platte County School District in order to provide students with Real World Experiences. Contact Dr. Hawar Khalandi, Director of College and Career Readiness with your interest.

For More Information

For more information about Platte County School District's Real World Learning, contact Dr. Hawar Khalandi, Director of College and Career Readiness, or Dr. Aaron Duff, Director of Secondary Education.

Click here for PCR-3's latest Real World Learning Update.