• SLCs make learning more engaging & relevant for students. (learn more)

• SLCs provide a structure & supports for college and career preparation.(learn more)

• SLCs provide a structure & support for intensive teacher professional development. (learn more)

• SLCs provide students with college/career preparation through career themes in their SLCs. (learn more)

SLCs make learning engaging & relevant for students.
In most cases, high school SLCs have a career theme where thematic courses of study are linked to post-secondary education and careers. In high school, students select their SLC prior to ninth grade, stay in the same SLC for all four years, and take most of their courses with students and teachers from their SLC. Teachers in the SLC integrate the SLC theme in the core courses and offer electives that are aligned with the theme.
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SLCs provide a structure & supports for college and career preparation.
SLCs allow teachers to get to know their students’ interests and strengths. In the context of those relationships, teachers work with students to develop post-secondary plans. PREP-KC's school district partners are working with PREP-KC to build a set of career exploration and college preparation experiences into every SLC. Ultimately, all students will have the opportunity to participate in a set of work-based learning experiences (job shadowing, workplace tour, internship) and a set of college preparation experiences (customized college visits, “mini-classes” on college campuses, college course-taking, and summer bridge experiences) inside the SLC. 
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SLCs provide a structure & support for intensive teacher professional development.
Teachers in SLCs meet together on a weekly basis to share their expertise with their colleagues and to strengthen their skills. Teachers meet together to review student data, develop plans to support struggling students, and to improve their own instruction. This type of collaborative, peer-to-peer professional development is widely recognized as a highly effective strategy for increasing academic rigor. 

PREP-KC provides resources to fund teacher leadership positions inside every SLC, including College & Career Coordinators. PREP-KC also provides resources to SLCs to develop and advance theme related experiences, such as job shadowing and internships. 
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SLC themes in KCKPS and KCMSD 
While individual SLCs have unique names, they all focus on one of five basic categories: 

• Health Sciences 
• Engineering & Technology 
• Business & Finance
• Arts (visual & performing/creative writing)
• Media/Communication

In addition to these five themes, certain schools also have “transition” or “newcomer” communities for students new to the country and learning English. 
Each broad SLC theme encompasses multiple career pathways; providing students with opportunities to explore a range of college and career opportunities.  For example, Health Sciences can include nursing & allied health, biotechnology, and life sciences.  Engineering & Technology can include pre-engineering, construction arts, and advanced manufacturing.   
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