Real World Learning

During the 2022-23 school year, the Harrisonville School district joined the Kauffman Foundation's Real World Learning initiative. The 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.

Click here for a one-page RWL flyer

Real World Learning Goal

The goal of the RWL initiative is to ensure by 2030 that all high school students will graduate with a Market Value Asset (MVA) in addition to their diploma, which prepares them for future work and learning.

A Market Value Asset is defined 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.

What is a Market Value Asset?

A market value asset (MVA) is a cornerstone experience that prepares a student for future learning and employment. MVAs are authentic previews of the world of work or post secondary education. While the professional and academic worlds are ever changing, the outgrowths* students develop when they work on authentic projects with real employers and mentors are durable enough to benefit them throughout their lives.

Market Value Assets

Work Experiences

INTERNSHIPS

Learners perform authentic job tasks at a worksite or approved location (including virtual) under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. These experiences typically include some of the following:

Academic credit (high school or college)
Compensation
120 hours of engagement
Performance is evaluated by the work manager in addition to the educator

CLIENT CONNECTED PROJECTS

Learners analyze and solve authentic problems, working in collaboration with other learners and professionals, impacting employer, civic, social, or faith-based organizations. These experiences typically include some of the following:

Authentic methods and tools used by professionals in the work environment
Mentoring and evaluation by working professionals with multiple interactions
24 hours of engagement, with project work throughout the school day(s) facilitated by the educator
Output or product solves a problem or addresses an employer need that is viewed as valuable by the client(s)
Performance is evaluated by the work manager in addition to the educator

Entrepreneurial Experiences

Using input and support from multiple stakeholders, learners iteratively analyze, prototype, implement, reflect on, and adapt potential solutions to a problem. Outputs of entrepreneurial experiences typically include some of the following:

Learners themselves identify, research, and develop a solution to solve a social or market problem
Market and stakeholder research summary
"Business plan” that includes an assessment of costs and benefits associated with the development and operation of their solution
Feedback from relevant external stakeholders obtained through exhibition or “shark-tank” type pitch opportunities.

Regionally Vetted Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs)

College Credit

Become a Real World Learning Partner

There are many opportunities for businesses to partner with Harrisonville School District in order to provide students with Real World Experiences. Contact Robin Colburn, Business Liaison, with your interest - robin.colburn@harrisonvilleschools.org or (816) 380-3273, ext. 6842.

For More Information

For more information about Harrisonville School District's Real World Learning, contact Annie Knox, Assistant Superintendent, annie.knox@harrisonvilleschools.org or Dr. Josh Chastain, Superintendent, josh.chastain@harrisonvilleschools.org.

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Real World Learning