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. This program was created as part of a collaborative effort among literacy experts at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the state’s seven public universities and independent colleges, and Wichita State University’s instructional design team. The Foundations of the Science of Reading program’s curriculum is aligned with KSDE’s higher education program standards and the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.  The Reading League, a nonprofit organization that advances the use of evidence-based literacy instruction, validated the course.  

The board also approved the Educational Testing Service (ETS) test for reading specialists. 

Click here for more information about the State Board-approved structured literacy training programs, tests and additional information on the science of reading licensure requirements.  

During their April meeting, board members also voted to approve the following items:  

• Parents as Teachers funding recommendations for the 2025-26 school year;  
• A request to contract with Kansas State University to financially support the executive director of the Kansas Future Farmers of America (FFA); 
• The Wyandotte Comprehensive Education Cooperative’s updated articles of agreement to organize and operate. This action was needed because of Piper USD 203’s desire to provide its own special education and related services.   

The board didn’t approve a contract with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for advertising summer meal locations.    

Board members received the following items which will be on the May meeting agenda for final action: 

• Proposed changes to the student performance level descriptors for state assessments. 
• Recommendations for approving the 2025-26 preschool-aged at-risk programs. 
• Funding requests for the Ameri-Corp Kansas grant awards for 2025-26. 
• Higher education educator preparation provider standards for history, government and social studies for grades five through eight and grades six through 12. 
• A contract with the Kansas Office of Administrative Hearings. 

During the April meeting, board members also heard the following presentations:  

• Dr. Laurie Curtis, KSDE’s early literacy/dyslexia program manager, and two members of the early learning/dyslexia team briefed the board members on the structured literacy trainings going on in the state. They explained the distinction between structured literacy and the science of reading as well as how Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), five times more common than autism, is related to dyslexia.  
• Dr. Daniel Gruman, director of assessment research at Shawnee Mission USD 512, presented information about the role of the Kansas Assessment Advisory Council (KAAC) in relation to various aspects of the state assessments.  
• Dr. Frank Harwood, KSDE deputy commissioner of fiscal and administrative services, explained the differences between districts’ various cash balances.  
• Members of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year team shared their observations from the past several months when team members visited with educators across the state, including the urgent need for teacher mentors.  
• Dale Brungardt, director of KSDE school finance, recognized the school districts that received the 2025 Purple Star Schools distinction. This recognition is for schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military. The program also ensures military children transition successfully into new schools and stay on track for graduation. The 2025 Purple Star districts are Piper USD 203, Spring Hill USD 230, Rose Hill USD 394 and Emporia USD 253.
• Natalie Clark, director of KSDE’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, announced the 2025 CTE Scholars. The program recognizes well-rounded, outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school.  
• Scott Gordon, KSDE general counsel, updated the board on how KSDE is responding to Title VI and ESSER funding issues on the federal level. 
• Kent Reed, KSDE education program consultant for counseling, updated board members on the bullying prevention toolkit.  
• Susan Dunaway, a licensed clinical professional counselor in Olathe, presented information on ways to mitigate the effects of digital screen time on children.  

• Kelly Chanay, director of KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness, presented the Kansas Certificate in Child Nutrition Management certificates to the following child nutrition professionals:  

  • Amy Sherman, Prairie View USD 362 
  • Erin Taff, South Brown County USD 430 
  • Kim Fitzgerald, Wamego USD 320 
  • LaDonna Schuetz, Jefferson West USD 340 
  • Lynn Fry, Wamego USD 320 
  • Margeryann Erckert, Olathe USD 233   
  • Theresa Cattrell, Atchison County Community Schools USD 377 
  • Tiffany Marmon, Prairie View USD 362 

The board will meet on May 13-14, in the first floor board room, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka.