KSDE Weekly

Feature Story

Posted: Apr 10, 2025
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In today’s K-12 classrooms, technology is more accessible than ever—bringing new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and personalized learning. But with increased screen time, digital distractions, and the challenges of managing devices, educators and families are asking: Is technology truly enhancing education, or is it making it harder for students to focus?  

In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, The Tech Dilemma: Enhancing Education or Hindering Focus?, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson is joined by guests:  

  • Gabrielle Evans, junior at Olathe South High School, Olathe USD 233 
  • Katie Allen, parent and member of the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 board of education 
  • Robert Stiles, MA, MPH, director of TelehealthROCKS at the University of Kansas Medical Center 
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Posted: Apr 10, 2025
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This story is updated as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10. It will be updated as information becomes available. 

As the 2025 Kansas legislature entered veto session, at least five education-related bills were signed into law, including one that provides for the advanced enrollment of a military student whose parent will be stationed in Kansas, and another that adjusts how certain K-12 students are included in graduation rate calculations. 

The budget bill, now SB 125, that includes the Kansas State Department of Education’s budget, also was approved by the governor, but line item vetoed on Wednesday, April 9. 

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Posted: Apr 10, 2025
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The Kansas State Department of Education’s teacher licensure staff field many questions from educators about whether they must fulfill science of reading requirements to renew their teaching license. 

Shane Carter, director of KSDE teacher licensure, provides answers to the most frequently asked questions:  

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Posted: Apr 10, 2025
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Some elementary level educators have another option to receive structured literacy training to meet licensure requirements after action taken by the Kansas State Board of Education during their April meeting this week.  

Board members voted to add Foundations of the Science of Reading: Understanding and Applying Structured Literacy Principles, to the board-approved list of structured literacy training programs.

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