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While some parents push for book bans, educators and other community members promote diversity
In recent years, educators have made a concerted effort to diversify the reading materials children encounter, whether in the formal curriculum or in school or classroom libraries.
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Charter school enrollment surpasses KCPS for the first time
DESE data shows that charter school enrollment steadily increased over the past few years, even as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education.
No ACT score? Many KC-area colleges will admit you, and financial aid options are improving
In the Kansas City area, some universities dropped testing requirements for admissions before the pandemic because of concerns about equity and access. Others plan to continue changes made during the public health crisis.
Nationwide, schools call police on Black students more often. Here’s what we can learn from KC schools.
Nationwide, the Center for Public Integrity’s analysis of 2017-18 federal data found Black students are referred to the police at a rate of 8.4 per thousand, more than twice the rate for white students.
Financial aid is more complicated if you’re undocumented, but it’s still within reach
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for a specific scholarship or what your options are, you can always reach out to the financial aid offices of the college(s) you’re considering.
‘Leave no stone unturned’: Six financial aid tips from Missouri and Kansas experts
When it comes to financial aid for college, it’s not about whether you think you’re qualified. It’s about knowing your options, meeting deadlines and just applying. We asked experts from the financial aid and admissions offices of local colleges what you need to know, including when to start, what applications to prioritize and how to…
Missouri students: Do you know about these college scholarships?
Editor’s note: This story was updated Nov. 2, 2021, to add an entry for the Chandler Turner Scholarship Fund. If you’re considering college in Missouri, it’s not too early to start thinking about financial aid. Here’s a list of some of the major scholarship opportunities in the state, along with eligibility requirements, application information and deadlines. …
Just apply: A list of college scholarships for Kansas students, from teens to adults
Experts say it’s important not to assume you aren’t eligible for aid. Some scholarships have relatively high income caps, and colleges and universities might be willing to work with students who have special circumstances.
Big changes could be coming to Kansas City Public Schools. There’s still time to weigh in.
But administrators hope a long term plan will help KCPS emerge more efficient, more equitable and more competitive with charter schools and suburban districts.
Educators, advocates worry Independence district’s pronoun policy harms LGBTQ students
In the Independence School District, teachers need parental consent to use students’ preferred pronouns in the classroom.
Can you live on retirement benefits as a Kansas or Missouri teacher? It depends.
A teachers union representative and the director of Missouri’s retirement program argued the state’s system is strong where it counts — rewarding long-term service.
Black students at UMKC called for change. The university is listening
Since TAASU put out a list of demands on Instagram in June 2020, the university has worked with students to make changes.
Students with disabilities need extra support. Some schools call the police instead
In many districts around the Kansas City metro area — and throughout the nation — students with disabilities are more likely to be referred to law enforcement by their schools, according to a recent analysis of federal education data by the Center for Public Integrity.
Burned out: UMKC student says advocacy for sexual assault survivors didn’t lead to change
Boschen has felt unsupported as a survivor navigating life at college, and her frustrations continue. She says she’s burned out.
‘A 60,000-square-foot welcome mat’: New KCPS center helps immigrant, refugee students
The Welcome Center is designed to help students gain the language and cultural and educational skills they need to succeed.
Kansas offers free community college for students in high-demand fields
Thirty-three higher education institutions in Kansas are included in the program — 19 community colleges, seven technical colleges and seven private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions.
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