Menu
Members of the Kansas State Board of Education were updated during their monthly meeting in Topeka this week on the requested federal waiver related to supports and resources for the five- to 10% lowest performing schools in Kansas as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
What does “school improvement” really mean, and how does it help your child? In the current episode of KSDE’s Insight Podcast, we explore how Kansas schools are working together to strengthen learning for every student.
By Amanda Petersen, director, KSDE early childhood
The first five years of a child’s life are an incredible opportunity to set a positive direction. Strong relationships between families and teachers lay the foundation for a successful school year.
School staff members who are new to the Educator Data Collection System will have the chance to participate in three more training sessions in December.
The 2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference will be July 27-29, at the Hyatt Regency and Century II Convention Center, in Wichita.
Join educators, leaders, and innovators from across Kansas for two and a half days of inspiration, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas in education.
There are still available slots as part of the KSDE FastBridge partnership for district-specific virtual sessions at no charge to the district. These sessions must be held prior to Dec. 31.
November
14: IDEA Maintenance of Effort and Excess Cost report opens; closes Jan. 14. Contact Dean Zajic at (785) 296-2425 with questions.
14: Early retirement survey due. Contact KSDE school finance, (785) 296-3872, with questions.
15: Window closes for request for December federal funds (Form 240) if funds are available. Contact Amanda Williams, (785) 296-2020, with questions.
15: Accreditation Licensure Waiver (Form 16) first semester applications due. Contact Shane Carter (785) 296-2289.
What does “school improvement” really mean, and how does it help your child? In the next episode of KSDE’s Insight Podcast, we explore how Kansas schools are working together to strengthen learning for every student.
Since the inception of the Star Recognition program in 2020, Kansas school districts and systems are raising their levels of student achievement, ensuring success before and after graduation.
“We've never lowered our standards for these areas of recognition,” Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson said of the program’s quantitative and qualitative measures. “What has happened over the time is that we've awarded more and more awards which tells me people are rising to the standards, which is our hope.”
This Saturday, Nov. 8, is National STEM-STEAM Day, a chance for school communities to celebrate and promote science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
While Kansas educators are always finding avenues to integrate STEM and STEAM subjects into their curriculum and other school-based activities, Lyndon USD 421 and Nemaha Central 115 are two examples of districts that have found unique ways to promote these important subject areas with younger students.
The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by 785-296-3201.