This month on KSDE’s Insight Podcast, we’re talking about something that affects every child’s future: civic readiness.

Across the country, there’s growing momentum to give students richer opportunities to engage with real issues, collaborate with others, and contribute to their communities — and high-quality civic learning is helping make those meaningful experiences a reality. 

In this episode, we explain why civics is more than learning how government works. It teaches skills that help children thrive in school and in life like listening, communicating respectfully, understanding different viewpoints, and working together to solve problems. These are the same skills that support academic success, career readiness, and healthy relationships. 

Parents will hear practical examples of what high-quality civic learning looks like in classrooms today, including hands-on projects, service opportunities and student voice activities. 

This month's guests include the following:

North Lyon County USD 251

• Bob Blair, superintendent
• Dave Watkins, Northern Heights High School principal
• Shawn Wilson, Northern Heights High School social studies teacher

Colby USD 315

• Katina Brenn, superintendent
• Jessica Kistler, fourth grade teacher, Colby Grade School
• John Cox, 11th and 12th grade history teacher, Colby High School
• Heather Stapp, director of teaching and learning

Tune in to learn how Kansas schools are working to help students become confident, responsible members of their communities, and how families play a powerful role in that journey. 

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. Be sure to rate, subscribe and share this informative podcast!