Entering its second year, the Rural Education Center (REC) is proud to partner with Kansas school districts as part of a Rural Professional Development School network. This network exists to help address rural schools’ most pressing needs, provide a forum to share best practices, explore grant opportunities and highlight accomplishments. Fifteen districts across the state have joined the RPDS network, increasing from eight last year: Belle Plaine USD 357; Bluestem USD 205; Clay County USD 379; Dighton USD 482; Goodland USD 352; Kiowa County USD 422; Lakin USD 215; Liberal USD 480; Nemaha USD 115; Prairie Hills USD 113; Renwick USD 267; Skyline USD 438; Troy USD 429; Twin Valley USD 240; and Washington USD 108.
The National Association for Professional Development Schools (NAPDS) released a statement this year which notes that partnerships between universities and P-12 schools are among the most influential and meaningful relationships in the educational field. (https://3atjfr1bmy981egf6x3utg20-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/What-it-Means-to-be-a-PDS-Second-Edition-2021-Final.pdf) The Rural Professional Development School Network aims to leverage such partnerships with the districts above to further opportunities for rural schools in the state of Kansas. Already, this has led to collaboration on grants, provided technology that brings new opportunities to students, and professional development to teachers. With additional partner districts, the REC is looking forward to additional collaborations in the future. Plans for summer STEAM academies, additional STEM training for rural teachers and events for their students, and other exciting initiatives are currently in the planning stages. By focusing on rural schools exclusively, the RPDS creates a unique opportunity to build connections among this
Denise O’Dea, Superintendent at Washington (USD 108) and new RPDS member is enthusiastic about the possibilities the partnership presents. Washington is a one building district, located in northeast Kansas and serves about 370 students. O’Dea shared that her district, like most rural districts, offers students an exceptional education but acknowledges that the isolation from metropolitan areas may not provide the same resources that students in larger schools may have. She is hopeful that the partnership with the REC will provide access to more resources and materials to help her students. It also presents an opportunity to assist with recruiting student teachers and retaining staff.
The Rural Education Center is excited about the opportunities to partner with these schools. The opportunities for collaboration and working to secure resources for students across the state.