KSDE Weekly

Feature Story

Requirement eliminated to submit a separate professional development plan

By Ed Kalas, KSDE teacher licensure team

On Jan. 14, 2026, the Kansas State Board of Education passed a motion stating, “the Kansas State Board of Education approves eliminating the requirement for districts to submit a separate professional development plan to reduce unnecessary administrative obligations and allow districts to focus resources on the locally driven professional learning activities embedded in their school improvement work” and approved that motion. 

What does this mean for districts?  

  • For districts that have a State Board-approved professional development plan, they will no longer be required to submit an updated plan for KSDE review by the expiration date on their current plan.  
  • For districts currently under review for State Board approval, they must have their plans completed and approved by June 30, 2026.  

 

In addition, this change does not remove the requirement to have a professional development council (PDC) that approves the required individual professional development plans and professional development points for licensure renewal or any other regulation not related to KAR 91-1-216. 

Any additional information about requirements regarding professional development based on the above changes will be provided soon.  

Contact Ed Kalas, ed.kalas@ksde.gov, with questions. 

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Posted: Jan 22, 2026,
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