The updated list of evidence-based programs aimed at addressing the needs of at-risk students will be presented to the Kansas State Board of Education during its monthly meeting, Feb. 11-12, in Topeka. 

The at-risk program list presented to the State Board for approval includes programs and practices that have peer-reviewed evidence to support at-risk students. These programs may be used to provide students with additional educational opportunities, interventions, and services above and beyond regular educational services.                        

The updated at-risk list includes additional programs and practices submitted by program providers that meet the statutory requirements to be on the list. There is also an updated format for the evidence-based programs and practices document that board members will review.  

A two-year at-risk reporting pilot program with select districts began this past fall. Then, beginning with the 2026-27 school year, district at-risk reporting requirements will change to comply with the amendments to state law made by the 2024 Kansas legislature. Districts will be required to complete an at-risk accountability plan, which will include rationale for at-risk expenditures and improvement plans for specific cohorts of students.  

Board members are also scheduled to hold a public hearing during their February meeting regarding the removal of the requirement to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the minimum graduation requirements for Kansas high school students.   

The public hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m., during the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11. On Feb. 12, board members are scheduled to vote on removing completion of the FAFSA from Kansas Administrative Regulation (K.A.R.) 91-31-35.    

In May 2024, board members approved amendments to state regulations that govern new minimum high school graduation requirements that will go into effect for the class of 2028, the current 2024-25 freshmen.    

Click here for more information on the Kansas graduation requirements.  

Other items on the board’s February agenda include the following: 

• Board members will go on a virtual tour of the KITE assessment platform, part of the University of Kansas’ Achievement and Assessment Institute. Board members will get the chance to take a sample assessment mini-test after which a KSDE staff member will show how the mini-test results can be used to drive classroom instruction. 
• Kansas certificates in Child Nutrition Management will be presented to staff members at Wamego USD 320, Jefferson West USD 340, South Brown County USD 430, Kids TLC, Inc., and Camber Children’s Mental Health. 
• Board members will receive an update on various aspects of the second iteration of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, known as KESA 2.0, including the model of support, outcomes, compliance, action plans and School Improvement Days. 
• Dr. Renee Nugent, Atchison USD 409, the 2025 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, will be introduced to the board. 

Click here for the February board meeting’s full agenda and materials. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. on Feb.11, in the first floor board room of the Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka.