Kansas: A Vision for Integrating SEL with Career and Workforce Development for Students
CASEL, Coalition for Career Development Center, Kansas State Department of Education
SUMMARY
This case study is one of three describing the development and implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) integrated with career and workforce development efforts in Delaware, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
Kansas inspires action for other states looking to do this work. Kansas was an early leader in aligning SEL skills, PACPs, WBL and Early College, and CTE Career Pathways efforts to increase postsecondary readiness for all students. One unique quality of these efforts is incorporating character education development as part of their Social, Emotional, and Character Development Standards.
One critical element to Kansas’s success in implementation has been a commitment to demonstrating the value of SEL.
Engaging cross-sector stakeholders as active participants has also been essential for the state’s work.
Finally, Kansas provides multiple implementation supports in order to ensure success of students and its efforts.
For more on SEL and Career and Workforce Development, check out our five-part webisode series for state and district leaders.