Standards and Instruction

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education voted this week to continue with the modifications made to the state’s emergency substitute teacher licenses.  

A key component of this year's Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 28-30, is designed for district leadership teams (DLTs) to collaborate with each other as the second full year of KESA 2.0 is about to begin.

More than 75 of Kansas’s best school bus drivers put their skills to the test at the 55th Annual Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association (KSPTA) Safe Driving Competition, hosted by Goddard USD 265, on June 4. 

When school’s out, screen time often goes up—and so does the risk of online threats.   

In the latest episode of KSDE Insight Podcast, “Keeping Kids Safe Online: Summer Tips for Parents,” Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson and his guests discuss how parents can help protect their children from online predators and other digital dangers during the summer months. 

School districts and systems are invited to attend in-person KESA 2.0 information sessions this August and September for updates on the latest developments and valuable insights into the accreditation process.  

Each Kansas school district is required to submit a report for their third grade students to comply with the Every Child Can Read Act, a legislative statement of intent regarding the promotion of academic achievement in schools to ensure all students move toward grade-level proficiency in literacy, especially by the third grade. 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Child Care Licensing System Improvement Team and the team supporting the All In For Kansas Kids statewide strategic plan for early childhood have hosted roundtable discussions for the past several months to engage communities in strengthening child care in Kansas.  

June

12: KSDE Insight Podcast, “Keeping Kids Safe Online:Summer Tips for Parents” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.  

17: Building Opportunities for Outstanding Teachers (BOOST) summit, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fort Hays State Memorial Union, in Hays. Sponsored by Educate Kansas. Register here. Contact Cris Seidel, crisseidel@educatekansas.org, with questions.

17: “Systemic Implementation of Universal Design for Learning” (UDL) online course; 11 a.m. Click here to register. Contact Janet Peters, jpeters@upcnet.org, with questions.

19: Juneteenth, KSDE offices closed.

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will vote during their June monthly meeting whether to make modifications to the emergency substitute licenses permanent. 

The meeting will be held June 10-11, in the first floor board room, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. 

When school’s out, screen time often goes up—and so does the risk of online threats.  

The next episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast is a candid conversation with safety experts who explore how parents can help protect their children from online predators and other digital dangers during the summer months. 

Summer learning activities have gotten off to a great start in Derby USD 260 with the Panther Leadership Academy recently concluding and the free summer learning program gearing up.

Each Kansas school district is required to submit a report for their third grade students to comply with the Every Child Can Read Act, a legislative statement of intent regarding the promotion of academic achievement in schools to ensure all students move toward grade-level proficiency in literacy, especially by the third grade. 

Your voice matters. Join us in shaping the future of education.  

The following are key questions and answers about this year’s Great Ideas in Education Conference: 

Early childhood professionals, caregivers, community members working to support local child care efforts, and anyone with an interest in child care in Kansas are invited to join a regional roundtable event in June to share your experiences with child care in your region.    

June

10-11: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials. 

10: “Systemic Implementation of Universal Design for Learning” (UDL) online course; 11 a.m. Click here to register. Contact Janet Peters, jpeters@upcnet.org, with questions.

11: Southeast Kansas Regional Roundtable discussion about child care, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Pittsburg State University Family and Consumer Sciences building, 308 E. Lindburg, in Pittsburg. Click here to register.  Contact Meghan Kluth, mkluth@ku.edu, with questions. 

12: KSDE Insight Podcast, “Keeping Kids Safe Online:Summer Tips for Parents” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.  

While Kansas educators know what standards their students need to be taught, identifying whether their instructional materials are appropriately aligned with those standards presents a much more complex challenge. To support these efforts, the Kansas State Department of Education has developed standards alignment toolkits. 

This week's Picture of the Week features seventh grade students at Royal Valley Middle School, Royal Valley USD 337.

Just before summer break, the students completed their unit on Kansas counties with a quiz to see how many of their classmates could be the first to know exactly where all 105 counties in Kansas are located.

Each Kansas school district is required to submit a report for their third grade students to comply with the Every Child Can Read Act, a legislative statement of intent regarding the promotion of academic achievement in schools to ensure all students move toward grade-level proficiency in literacy, especially by the third grade. 

Mark your calendars for two upcoming opportunities for Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) professional learning and support.  

The Parents as Teachers National Center recently highlighted the Beloit Parents as Teachers (PAT) Consortium’s group connection activity – a visit to the local airport hangar. The families got to see the airplanes and learn about flight.   

Body Venture is a traveling health education exhibit for K-5 students operated by KSDE’s Child Nutrition and Wellness team. It is a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active.    

Join us in shaping the future of education. Your voice matters. 

The following are the key questions and answers about this year’s Great Ideas in Education Conference: 

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team will be hosting School Nutrition Program (SNP) annual administrative training, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 3. At least one representative from each sponsor must complete this training.  

Registration is open for the 2025 KSDE Special Education and Title Services Leadership Conference, which is scheduled for June 25-26, at the Wichita Hyatt Regency. 

May

31: Deadline to submit “Request to Schedule Body Venture” form for the 2025-26 school year. Click here: https://cnw.ksde.gov, SNP, SNP What’s New. Contact the Child Nutrition and Wellness team, cnw@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-2276 with questions.

31: Kansas Preschool Pilot grantees data submission deadline in the Early Childhood Foundations for School Success web application: KSDE authenticated applications. Contact Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov, with questions.

The Kansas State Department of Education’s transition from the Kansas Individual Data on Students (KIDS) system, created nearly 20 years ago, to a more advanced Kansas Education Data System (KEDS) continues to progress.

This week's Picture of the Week features Holton USD 336’s earliest learners.

Mark your calendars for two upcoming opportunities for Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) professional learning and support. 

The Parents as Teachers National Center recently highlighted the Beloit Parents as Teachers (PAT) Consortium’s group connection activity – a visit to the local airport hangar. The families got to see the airplanes and learn about flight. 

Body Venture is a traveling health education exhibit for K-5 students operated by KSDE’s Child Nutrition and Wellness team. It is a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active.   

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team will be hosting School Nutrition Program (SNP) annual administrative training, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 3. At least one representative from each sponsor must complete this training. 

Registration is open for the 2025 KSDE Special Education and Title Services Leadership Conference, which is scheduled for June 25-26, at the Wichita Hyatt Regency.

Several training opportunities are available for school transportation personnel this summer.

Save the date for the 12^th Annual Northeast Regional Educators Rising Conference, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Nov. 5, at MidAmerica Nazarene University, in Olathe.

May

23: Fifth annual “Give Back Kansas Challenge” closes. Contact Dr. Jessica Dorsey at jessica.dorsey@ksde.gov or (785) 296-3163 with questions.

26: Memorial Day, KSDE offices closed.

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education approved new performance level descriptors (PLDs) for the revised 2025 state assessments during their May meeting in Topeka. 

“It’s clarity,” Beth Fultz, director of the Kansas State Department of Education’s Career, Standards and Assessment Services, told board members. “It’s just clarifying what the test will measure.” 

The revised performance level descriptors were developed and reviewed by Kansas experts and educators over the past year. The PLDs will provide a foundation for setting cut scores that identify the level of proficiency students achieve on the assessments. 

As summer break approaches, how can Kansas families and educators help students avoid the "summer slide" and hold onto the academic gains they've made throughout the year?

Join Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson and his guests as they discuss engaging, accessible ways to keep kids reading, thinking, and learning all summer long.

Second grade students in Valley Center USD 262's Abilene, West and Wheatland elementary schools creating their own popcorn business is this week's Picture of the Week.

If an educator licensure coordinator is not receiving emails from the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS) that alerts them to applications needing attention, follow these recommendations, the KSDE teacher licensure team has several recommendations. 

Districts are reminded attendance policies fall under local control. While coding practices remain at the discretion of individual districts and buildings, KSDE strongly recommends implementing consistent attendance policies across all buildings within a district to ensure data accuracy. 

Each school district is required to submit an Every Child Can Read Act report that includes literacy interventions and the interventions outcomes for their third-grade students. 

The final in-person KESA 2.0 information sessions for the 2024-25 school year to get updates on the latest developments of the accreditation process is Friday, May 16, at Greenbush, in Girard.  

Body Venture is a traveling health education exhibit for K-5 students operated by KSDE’s Child Nutrition and Wellness team. It is a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active.    

This interactive exhibit travels in its own truck and is set up in a school gym or multi-purpose room. It is an enclosed walk-through exhibit representing the human body.

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team will be hosting a required procurement training for School Nutrition Program (SNP) sponsors on May 22. 

Several training opportunities are available for school transportation personnel this summer.  

Transportation directors and school bus contractors are invited to ask questions and share information via Zoom, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Join the Zoom here: https://ksde.zoom.us/j/98559287456 

Before school is out for the summer, districts and systems should identify the members of their district and/or building leadership teams who will attend the Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 28-30.

Save the date for the 12th Annual Northeast Regional Educators Rising Conference, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Nov. 5, at MidAmerica Nazarene University, in Olathe. 

May

15: Action plans due for schools receiving federal Title funds. Click here for a 2024 video that explains how to navigate the KansaStar platform for those who need a refresher. Contact Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260 with questions. 

16: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Greenbush South, in Girard. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.  

20: Science collaboration for curriculum leaders, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

21: Science collaboration for science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

22: Child Nutrition and Wellness procurement training; required for School Nutrition Program (SNP) sponsors. Join the training at this link; meeting ID: 268 616 900 608; passcode: vW949NK3. The training is also available on the KSDE Training Portal at https://learning.ksde.org. 

For their senior prank this past week, seniors at Lawrence High School, Lawrence USD 497, brought their dogs to school.

As summer break approaches, how can Kansas families and educators help students avoid the "summer slide" and hold onto the academic gains they've made throughout the year?

Join Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson and his guests as they discuss engaging, accessible ways to keep kids reading, thinking, and learning all summer long. From library partnerships to simple at-home activities, discover tools and tips that make summer learning fun and meaningful.

As Teacher Appreciation Week begins to wrap up, the members of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year team wanted to show their appreciation for the educators who inspire them to be better teachers.  

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education are slated to vote on updated state assessment performance level descriptors during their monthly meeting, May 13-14, in Topeka. 

Action plans and improvement plans are required by law for schools that 1) operate schoolwide programs; and for schools 2) identified federally for support and improvement. The submission window for both action plans closes Thursday, May 15. Action plans submitted after this date will not be accepted. 

Districts are reminded attendance policies fall under local control. While coding practices remain at the discretion of individual districts and buildings, KSDE strongly recommends implementing consistent attendance policies across all buildings within a district to ensure data accuracy. 

If an educator licensure coordinator is not receiving emails from the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS) that alerts them they have applications needing attention, follow these recommendations: 

Each school district is required to submit an Every Child Can Read Act report that includes literacy interventions and the interventions outcomes for their third grade students. 

KESA monthly virtual update scheduled for May 12  

The KSDE Accreditation and Design team will host the next KESA virtual monthly update, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., on Monday, May 12.   

Kansas Preschool Pilot (KPP) grantees for the 2024-25 school year must enter data into the Early Childhood Foundations for School Success Authenticated web application by May 31.  Click here for a list of 2024-2025 Kansas Preschool Pilot grantees. 

Educate Kansas will host Building Opportunities for Outstanding Teachers (BOOST) on June 17, in Hays. This event is a chance for Kansas leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop proactive solutions to address the educator pipeline.  

Several training opportunities are available for school transportation personnel this summer.  

Before school is out for the summer, districts and systems should identify the members of their district and/or building leadership teams who will attend the Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 28-30, and register those team members. Room reservations can be made here. 

May

13-14: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials. 

14: Science collaboration for new science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

14: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Southwest Plains, in Sublette. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.  

15: Action plans due for school receiving federal Title funds. Click here for a 2024 video that explains how to navigate the KansaStar platform for those who need a refresher. Contact Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260 with questions. 

16: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Greenbush South, in Girard. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.  

Five students at Indian Hills Middle School, Shawnee Mission USD 512, were recently crowned the champions of the 2025 National Space Grand Challenge, a prestigious, virtual, game-based cybersecurity competition. The annual event challenges middle and high school students to develop cyber and IT skills through an innovative blend of STEM, space themes, gamification, and esports.

Feeding children to fuel their minds is what motivates Erin Taff to be one of the child nutrition heroes in South Brown County USD 430. 

“As with many districts, the meals some of our students receive at school may be the only things they get to eat that day,” she said. “For me, it is all about the kids. We try hard as a team to not only feed their bellies but to feed their souls with love and compassion each and every day.” 

As summer break approaches, how can Kansas families and educators help students hold onto the academic gains they've made throughout the year? In the May 8 episode of KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore practical strategies to prevent the “summer slide” — the learning loss that can happen when students are out of the classroom for extended periods.

As an administrator in a small, rural district in western Kansas, Jessica Ralston wears many hats, ranging from handling disciplinary issues, to leading instructional leadership, substitute teaching and covering the lunchroom. 

“While it’s certainly stretched me, it’s also accelerated my growth,” said the first-year principal at Bucklin Elementary, Bucklin USD 459. “I’ve had the chance to engage deeply with every facet of school operations which is something that might have taken years in a larger district.”  

School Principals Day is May 1, a day to recognize and appreciate the work principals do to create positive learning environments that impact children’s educational experiences.  

Explanation of KESA’s compliance evaluation process  

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will take a snapshot of each system’s compliance status in each of the KESA compliance areas on May 15 of each year. If a system is not in compliance in any one area as of that date, the superintendent will be notified soon after May 15.   

Kansas Preschool Pilot (KPP) grantees for the 2024-25 school year must enter data into the Early Childhood Foundations for School Success authenticated web application by May 31.  Click here for a list of 2024-25 Kansas Preschool Pilot grantees.

The KPP survey can be found in the Early Childhood Foundations for School Success web application in KSDE authenticated applications.  

Educate Kansas will host Building Opportunities for Outstanding Teachers (BOOST) on June 17, in Hays. This event is a chance for Kansas leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop proactive solutions to address the educator pipeline.  

Several training opportunities are available for school transportation personnel this summer.  

Attendees of this year's Great Ideas in Education conference can access the conference schedule (subject to change) via the Sched application accessible via mobile and desktop.

At the end of May, join the growing number of Kansas Pre-K-12 educators in developing students’ language, understanding, fluency, and problem-solving across Kansas math standards.  

Developed in partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and Kansas MTSS & Alignment, the Kansas Math Project aims to build understanding of evidence-based teaching strategies and math content knowledge.  

May

1: Deadline to submit Perkins Secondary Improvement Grant Application Part Two for FY26. Click here for more information. Contact Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov, with questions.  

1: Mentor stipends final report due. Contact Leslie Bruton, leslie.bruton@ksde.gov, with questions.

2: 2025 Star Recognition applications deadline. Contact kcanstars@ksde.gov with questions.

6: All In For Kansas Kids Early Childhood and Wellness conference, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Russell Child Development Center (RCDC), in Garden City. Lunch will be provided. Click here to register. Contact Ashley Lafond, alafond@ku.edu, with questions. 

Serving children with disabilities, particularly autism, comes with its own set of unique challenges. But professionals serving these students in schools across Kansas say the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network’s (TASN) Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports (ATBS) program provides the support system they need to help these students work toward their educational goals. 

The 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) team is now set with the eight finalists announced during four regional events earlier this month in Topeka, Overland Park, Wichita and Salina. The four regions align with the four Kansas congressional districts. 

The full schedule for the annual Great Ideas in Education conference, July 28-30, will be released next week.

April KESA 2.0 monthly update slides and recording available for viewing 

The KSDE Accreditation and Design team thanks everyone who was able to join the KESA 2.0 monthly update on April 14. The slides and a recording of that meeting are available for viewing.  

The next KESA 2.0 monthly update will be May 12, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Join the meeting here; no passcode is required.  

Contact Rue Huereca-Retana, Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov, with questions.  

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team is hosting a virtual training at 2 p.m., on May 1, regarding the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).  

School Lunch Hero Day, observed on May 2, is a celebration of the impact school nutrition professionals have on every child who comes through their cafeteria.  

In April and May, join the growing number of Kansas Pre-K-12 educators in developing students’ language, understanding, fluency, and problem-solving across Kansas math standards.   

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) will be offering an online course, “Systemic Implementation of Universal Design for Learning” (UDL), in June. 

District and building administrators, as well as instructional coaches, are encouraged to participate in this administrator cohort to learn more about implementing UDL through engaging modules and collaborative discussions at 11 a.m., on June 3, 10 and 17. 

The team supporting the All In For Kansas Kids statewide strategic plan for early childhood invites families with young children, early childhood care providers, and mental health professionals to attend two free conferences on May 6 and 8. These conferences will focus on mental health and special healthcare needs, foster family-driven connections and help professionals better support families.  

By Sandy Johnson, Kansas Department of Labor  

The Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), has launched Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities (T.O.T.O.), an innovative career exploration platform designed to help students and career changers navigate their professional paths. 

April

25: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Smoky Hill, in Salina. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.  

25: Optional second grade reading assessment window closes. Click here for more information. Contact Chelsey Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov or the Kite service desk at 855-277-9752 or kap-support@ku.edu with questions.

28-29: Kansas Math Project professional development, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, in Hays. *PLEASE NOTE: This session is full. Email kmp@kansasmtss.org to be placed on a waiting list.

30: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center, in Oakley. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.  

April 30-May 1: Kansas Math Project professional development, Topeka, Sunflower Nonprofit Center, 5820 S.W. 6^th Street. *PLEASE NOTE: This session is full. Email kmp@kansasmtss.org to be placed on a waiting list.

Connie Marshall believes she has the best office window.  

Marshall is referring to the windshield of the school bus she drives about 140 miles daily for Chapman Unified School District 473. 

“This is my dream job,” she said. “I’m really happy doing this. I get to see the sunrise in the morning.”  

Trent Armstrong, transportation director for USD 473, said he appreciates Marshall’s strong work ethic and dedication to the students she drives to and from school every day. 

“She cares about the kids. She puts her heart into everything she does,” he said. “She’s just a superior driver. I can’t say enough good things about her.” 

Lee Stickle has had a front-row seat witnessing how Kansas children with autism have received services in the state’s education system for the past several decades. 

“When I started this work more than 30 years ago, evidence-based practices were still up for debate,” she said. “Now, we have a substantial body of research and evidence identifying effective interventions. However, a challenge remains in ensuring educators are familiar with these practices.” 

In-person KESA 2.0 spring 2025 information sessions 

Educators are invited to attend in-person KESA 2.0 information sessions this spring for updates on the latest developments of the accreditation process.  

These events are hosted by Dr. Ben Proctor and Dr. Jay Scott, of KSDE’s Division of Learning Services, to ensure districts and systems are prepared for the 2025-26 school year. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and network with fellow educators.  

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 is designed to improve and expand services for students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs.  

By Sandy Johnson, Kansas Department of Labor

The Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor has launched Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities (T.O.T.O.), an innovative career exploration platform designed to help students and career changers navigate their professional paths.

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) will be offering an online course, “Systemic Implementation of Universal Design for Learning” (UDL), in June. 

By Lisa Williams, coordinator, KSDE Early Childhood team  

The inaugural National Home Visiting Week (NHVW) will take place April 21-25, an observance to celebrate and recognize home visitors and the positive impact they make on maternal and child health outcomes.   

The Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals, an organization focused on strengthening home visiting and human service programs across the country, is collaborating with nonprofit partners and elected officials to organize the event.

The team supporting the All In For Kansas Kids statewide strategic plan for early childhood invites families with young children, early childhood care providers, and mental health professionals to attend two free conferences on May 6 and 8. These conferences will focus on mental health and special healthcare needs, foster family-driven connections and help professionals better support families.  

Registration is open for the Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, May 7-8, at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Manhattan. The cost for this day and a half training is $75.  

The deadline to register is May 6. Click here for event and lodging information.  

Click here for presentation titles and times.  Attendees should plan ahead to attend breakout sessions that best meet the needs of their school district.  

The keynote speaker is Mitch Holthus, voice of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The KSDE Teacher Licensure team is seeking volunteers to help revise the educator preparation standards for the following license and endorsement areas:  

• Agriculture  
• Journalism  
• Speech/Theatre  

Indicate interest and availability for any of the license/endorsement areas on the survey: https://ksde.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bm6eYfkG6Je9qrc. 

The KSDE Division of Learning Services has announced a few of the session titles for the Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 28-30. 

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.  

Webinars are listed below under “Upcoming FastBridge virtual trainings.”  Consultations and workshops can be requested on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more.  

April

21: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Orion, in Clearwater. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.  

22: (POSTPONED) Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition (K-12), Southwest Plains, in Sublette. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: (POSTPONED) Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition (K-12), ESSDACK, in Hutchinson. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: (POSTPONED) Clear, Intentional and Effective Writing: The Writing Tenets (3-12), Orion, in Clearwater. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: Higher education program reviewer virtual training, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov, with questions.

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 

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. 

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:  

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.

The School Transportation Safety Unit is conducting a one-day survey on Wednesday, April 16, to determine the prevalence of illegal passing of school buses. The Kansas State Board of Education has requested all school districts in Kansas participate in this important project.  

The Mentor Stipends application is open to receive 2024-25 reimbursement requests and will close on May 1.   

Click here to log into KSDE’s authenticated application. After getting into the Mentor Stipends portion of the authenticated application, there are several tabs for submitting the reimbursement requests:  

• Edit “MENTORS”; 
• Enter “MENTEES”; 
• Enter “ASSIGNMENTS”; then 
• “SUBMIT” the final report.  

The KSDE information technology team is hosting a webinar at 1 p.m., April 16, featuring Anthony Essmaker, regional engagement manager at the Center for Internet Security's Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC).   

Essmaker will be providing information about the tools and services MS-ISAC provides to school districts across the nation, including cybersecurity resources and supports. By providing tools, training and threat intelligence, MS-ISAC empowers educational institutions to strengthen their digital defenses, combat cyber threats, and safeguard sensitive information.

The Accreditation and Design team is hosting the virtual monthly KESA update, 10:30-11:15 a.m., on April 14. Click on this Zoom link to attend. This is an opportunity to learn the latest about KESA 2.0.   

Educators are invited to attend in-person KESA 2.0 information sessions this spring for updates on the latest developments on the accreditation process.  

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 is designed to improve and expand services for students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs.  

Registration is open for the Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, May 7-8, at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Manhattan. The cost for this day and a half training is $75.  

The deadline to register is May 6. Click here for event and lodging information.  

Click here for presentation titles and times.  Attendees should plan ahead to attend breakout sessions that best meet the needs of their school district.  

The keynote speaker is Mitch Holthus, voice of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The KSDE Teacher Licensure team is seeking volunteers to help revise the educator preparation standards for the following license and endorsement areas:  

• Agriculture  
• Journalism  
• Speech/Theatre  

Indicate interest and availability for any of the license/endorsement areas on the survey: https://ksde.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bm6eYfkG6Je9qrc. 

The KSDE Division of Learning Services has announced a few of the session titles for the Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 28-30. 

The month of April provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the service of our youngest heroes: military children.  

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation on Tuesday, April 1, designating April as the Month of the Military Child. “Purple Up! For Military Kids” day in Kansas was Wednesday, April 9.   

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.  

Webinars are listed below under “Upcoming FastBridge virtual trainings.”  Consultations and workshops can be requested on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more.  

April

11: Curriculum leaders meeting (New date and location), 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex (Metroplex), Room 180, East 29th and Oliver, on the Wichita State University campus. Register here. Contact Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov, with questions.

12: Data-Driven Success - Unpacking Literacy Assessments for Maximum Impact (K-12), Southwest Plains, in Sublette. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

14: KESA virtual monthly update, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Join the meeting here; no passcode required. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana, Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov, with questions.

15: Science collaboration for curriculum leaders, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

15: (POSTPONED) Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition (K-12), Greenbush, in Lawrence. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

The Kansas State Board of Education will hear a presentation on the progress of the literacy initiatives taking place in districts across the state during their monthly meeting, April 8-9, in Topeka. 

First adjournment for the 2025 Kansas legislative session was Friday, March 28. Legislators are expected to reconvene on Thursday, April 10, for the veto session. The 90th day of the session will be Saturday, April 12. In the meantime, Gov. Laura Kelly has signed two education-related bills.

Three mathematics educators and three science educators have been named 2025 state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The second episode of the relaunched KSDE Insight Podcast, titled, The Tech Dilemma: Enhancing Education or Hindering Focus?, will be available on April 10. 

The Mentor Stipends application is now open to receive 2024-25 reimbursement requests.   

The KSDE information technology team is hosting a webinar at 1 p.m., April 16, featuring Anthony Essmaker, regional engagement manager at the Center for Internet Security (MS-ISAC). 

Strengthening the Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) requires states to set their own State Determined Performance Levels (SDPLs) following specific criteria and processes outlined in the law. Kansas is required to establish 2025-26 SDPLs to continue receiving the federal funding under Perkins V.  

The month of April provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the service of our youngest heroes: military children.  

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation on Tuesday, April 1, designating April as the Month of the Military Child. “Purple Up! For Military Kids” day in Kansas is Wednesday, April 9.   

Changes have been made to the upcoming Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) quarterly #4 meetings.

As preparations continue for the upcoming Great Ideas in Education Conference, the following information clarifies which staff members on the District Leadership Teams (DLT) and Building Leadership Teams (BLT) should attend this conference.  

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.  

Webinars are listed below under “Upcoming FastBridge virtual trainings.”  Consultations and workshops can be requested on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more.  

April

8: (CANCELED) Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) quarterly #4, in-person, Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center, Hays. Contact Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-6714, with questions.

8-9: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials. 

9: Science collaboration for new science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

10: (CHANGED TO VIRTUAL) Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) quarterly #4, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., virtual, Register here. Contact Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-6714, with questions.

The first episode of the relaunched Insight podcast, From Slate to Screen: The Journey of Public Education, is now available on YouTube and Spotify. 

*This legislative report is the most current as of 3 p.m., on Thursday, March 27. Updates will be added to the online version of this report when they occur. 

Conference committee work was the focus of week 11 of the 2025 Kansas legislative session as lawmakers in both chambers worked to agree on amendments to several bills. 

Educators from across the state are invited to help set standards for the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) 2025 assessments.  

During the KAP standard setting, educators will analyze the test items for each KAP assessment, along with performance-level descriptors, and set cut points that reflect student proficiency levels.   

School districts and systems are invited to attend in-person KESA 2.0 information sessions this spring for updates on the latest developments and valuable insights on the accreditation process.  

Strengthening the Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) requires states to set their own State Determined Performance Levels (SDPLs) following specific criteria and processes outlined in the law. Kansas is required to establish 2025-26 SDPLs to continue receiving the federal funding under Perkins V.  

Preschool-Aged At-Risk approval forms must be submitted by Thursday, April 3. 

On Wednesday, March 12, the monthly All In For Kansas Kids webinar featured several schools discussing their experiences operating licensed child care facilities.  

Representatives from Southern Lyon County USD 252, Kingman-Norwich USD 331 and Satanta USD 507 shared bright spots and lessons learned from their experiences. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), Office of the State Fire Marshal and Child Care Aware of Kansas also shared resources.

As preparations continue for the upcoming Great Ideas in Education Conference, the following information clarifies which staff members on the District Leadership Teams (DLT) and Building Leadership Teams (BLT) should attend this conference.  

KSDE will be offering two webinars to assist districts in completing the application for Individual Plan of Study (IPS) Star Recognition.   

The KSDE Teacher Licensure team is seeking volunteers to help revise the educator preparation standards for the following license and endorsement areas: 

• Agriculture  
• Business  
• Elementary Unified  
• English Language Arts  
• High Incidence  
• Journalism 
• Low Incidence 
• Speech/Theatre 

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.  

Webinars are listed below under “Upcoming FastBridge virtual trainings.”  Consultations and workshops can be requested on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more.  

March

31: Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition (K-12), Greenbush, in Girard. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

31: Single audits due to Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Click here for instructions. Contact KSDE’s Fiscal Auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976 with questions.

31: Fifth annual “Give Back Kansas Challenge” opens; closes May 23. Contact Dr. Jessica Dorsey at jessica.dorsey@ksde.gov or (785) 296-3163 with questions.

31: Greenbush Early Childhood Forum, virtual, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Register here. Contact Andrea Scott, andrea.scott@greenbush.org, with questions.

How to keep teachers in the state’s education workforce was the topic of a roundtable discussion at the Kansas Statehouse this week. How to keep teachers in the state’s education workforce was the topic of a roundtable discussion at the Kansas Statehouse earlier this week. 

Rep. Susan Estes, R-Wichita, chair of the House Education Committee, invited teachers, administrators, school board members and education advocates to speak on what challenges and possible solutions existed to address the state’s teacher shortage. 

*This legislative report is the most current as of 3 p.m., on Thursday, March 20. Updates will be added to the online version of this report when they occur. 

The Senate Committee on Education on Monday, March 17, voted to remove the contents of HB 2382 and insert the contents of SB 275.  

KSDE will be offering two webinars to assist districts in completing the application for Individual Plan of Study (IPS) Star Recognition.   

School districts and systems are invited to attend in-person KESA 2.0 information sessions this spring for updates on the latest developments and valuable insights on the accreditation process.  

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ben Proctor and Dr. Jay Scott, of KSDE’s Division of Learning Services will host these events to ensure districts and systems are prepared for the 2025-26 school year. Attendees will be able to ask questions, share feedback, and network with fellow educators.  

KSDE will hold the next KESA virtual monthly update at 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., on April 14. Join the meeting here; no passcode is required.  

On Wednesday, March 12, the monthly All In For Kansas Kids webinar featured several schools discussing their experiences operating licensed child care facilities.  

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team will host two required trainings for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors on March 26 and 27. 

Body Venture is a traveling health education exhibit for K-5 students operated by KSDE’s Child Nutrition and Wellness team. It is a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active.   

The “Request to Schedule Body Venture” form for the 2025-26 school year is available at https://cnw.ksde.gov, SNP, SNP What’s New. The deadline to apply is May 31. 

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness team is celebrating National Nutrition Month^® with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics during the month of March. This campaign started in 1973 as National Nutrition Week. It evolved into a month-long observance seven years later in response to growing interest in nutrition.  

The KSDE Teacher Licensure team is seeking volunteers to help revise the educator preparation standards for the following license and endorsement areas: 

• Agriculture  
• Business  
• Elementary Unified  
• English Language Arts  
• High Incidence  
• Journalism 
• Low Incidence 
• Speech/Theatre 

Registration is open for the Great Ideas in Education Conference and attendees can make room reservations now for the event, July 28-30, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. 

Click here for a video message from Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson about the conference. 

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) has partnered with Newman University to offer college credit for educators who receive certificate(s) of completion from the Kansas Math Project training. The opportunity to earn college credits applies to past KMP participants as well as future KMP participants. 

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.  

Webinars are listed below under “Upcoming FastBridge virtual trainings.”  Consultations and workshops can be requested on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more.  

March

24: Optional second grade reading assessment window opens; closes on April 25. Click here for more information. Contact Chelsey Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov or the Kite service desk at 855-277-9752 or kap-support@ku.edu with questions.

25: Preparing for the Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot, virtual, 10 – 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 – 4: p.m. Register here. Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, with questions. 

26: Bus safety inspection workshop, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dodge City USD 443 District Office Building, 2112 First Ave., in Dodge City. Register here. Contact Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4567 with questions.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means held hearings this week for Sub for HB 2007, the budget bill for state agencies including KSDE, and other education-related bills were heard in the House and Senate education committees during the ninth week of the 2025 Kansas legislative session. 

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education received an update on the Seal of Literacy training options along with a request to add another option during the board’s March meeting in Topeka this week. 

Shane Carter, director of teacher licensure for the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), provided a review of the current science of reading licensure requirements in Kansas.  

Join Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson as he takes a deep dive into the world of Kansas public education on the relaunched Insight podcast.  

Featuring engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, this podcast explores the latest national and state issues impacting Kansas schools. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, parent, or community member, Insight delivers thought-provoking discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of education in Kansas.  

With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Dr. Renee Nugent has been named the deputy commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education’s division of learning services. She will begin her duties on July 1.  

“I love education,” Nugent said. “It’s just beyond comprehension to me that I’m getting the opportunity to impact schools across the entire state of Kansas.”   

The next KESA virtual monthly update will be held at 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., on April 14.

To support the selection and implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIMs), KSDE is releasing district-facing guidance and tools to support quality instruction. The guidance is designed to assist districts with prioritizing time while maximizing choice and flexibility. While the guidelines and actions are not exhaustive, they can be customized to address local needs.   

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. Engaging with families to better understand children’s development prepares children, families and schools for a successful start to the kindergarten year.  

To advance kindergarten readiness, all Kansas elementary schools are partnering with families of incoming kindergarten students to collect kindergarten-entry data. Families complete the Ages & Stages Questionnaires^® (ASQ) to provide a snapshot of children’s developmental milestones. 

Body Venture is a traveling health education exhibit for K-5 students operated by KSDE’s Child Nutrition and Wellness team. It is a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active.   

The “Request to Schedule Body Venture” form for the 2025-26 school year is available at https://cnw.ksde.gov, SNP, SNP What’s New. The deadline to apply is May 31. 

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly declared March 16-22 as National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week when she was joined by KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness staff and several Kansas CACFP operators for a proclamation signing on Feb. 28. 

Summer meal programs are designed to fill the nutrition gap that occurs during the summer and make sure children can get the nutrition they need.  

Administered by the Food and Nutrition Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, summer meal programs provide free, nutritious meals to kids ages 1 to 18.

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness team is celebrating National Nutrition Month® with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics during the month of March. This campaign started in 1973 as National Nutrition Week. It evolved into a month-long observance seven years later in response to growing interest in nutrition.  

Curriculum leaders will meet 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., on April 11, at Wichita State University. 

Register here for the meeting that will take place in the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex (Metroplex), Room 180, East 29th and Oliver, in Wichita.  

Registration is open for the Great Ideas in Education Conference and attendees can make room reservations now for the event, July 28-30, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. 

Click here for a video message from Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson about the conference. 

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) has partnered with Newman University to offer college credit for educators who receive certificate(s) of completion from the Kansas Math Project training. The opportunity to earn college credits applies to past KMP participants as well as future KMP participants. 

By Dr. Jessica Dorsey, Kansas Volunteer Commission 

Kansas employers, including school districts, are encouraged to register for the fifth annual “Give Back Kansas Challenge,” a statewide initiative that motivates employees to volunteer in their communities. 

The eight-week challenge will run March 31 - May 23. Employers interested in participating must register by March 17 at www.bit.ly/Givebackks. 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month with the theme, “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”  The Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) is offering resources and materials to raise awareness about child abuse prevention programs. 

Educate Kansas will host Building Opportunities for Outstanding Teachers (BOOST) on June 17, in Hays. This event is a chance for Kansas leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop proactive solutions to address the educator pipeline. 

The Labor Market Information division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) will soon unveil “Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities” (T.O.T.O.), a new career coaching website designed to engage students in career exploration. Prior to the April launch, KDOL is seeking sixth through 12th grade student volunteers to help test the site and provide feedback. 

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.  

March

14: Kansas Parents as Teachers state FY26 grant applications due. Contact Lisa Williams, lisa.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4964 with questions.

17: Deadline to register for fifth annual “Give Back Kansas Challenge,” March 31-May 23. Contact Dr. Jessica Dorsey at jessica.dorsey@ksde.gov or (785) 296-3163 with questions.

18: Science collaboration for curriculum leaders, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

19: Science collaboration for science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will be updated on the Seal of Literacy training options during their monthly meeting, March 11-12.  

The first day’s business will be conducted at the Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. On the second day, board members will visit the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, and the Kansas State School for the Blind in Kansas City, Kansas. Both schools will provide reports on their activities and operations.   

Multiple education-related bills had hearings and recommendations on the budgets for the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas School for the Deaf and the Kansas State School for the Blind were discussed during week eight of the 2025 Kansas legislative session. 

To celebrate Read Across America Week, Dr. Laurie Curtis, literacy and dyslexia program manager for the Kansas State Department of Education, discussed how the science of reading uses evidence-based principles to more effectively teach children how to read, write, speak and listen.  

The deadline to submit the survey for fiscal year 2024 annual reporting for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds is March 7. 

Completion of this report is mandatory to ensure districts continue to receive federal funds without interruption. 

The following information from the KSDE Accreditation and Design team pertains to the virtual monthly update for KESA 2.0 and resources available for quality instruction:

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. Engaging with families to better understand children’s development prepares children, families and schools for a successful start to the kindergarten year.  

To advance kindergarten readiness, all Kansas elementary schools are partnering with families of incoming kindergarten students to collect kindergarten-entry data. Families complete the Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ) to provide a snapshot of children’s developmental milestones. 

This month's All In For Kansas Kids webinar will feature several schools discussing their experiences operating licensed child care facilities. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas State Department of Education, Office of the State Fire Marshal and Child Care Aware of Kansas will also share resources. Panelists will share bright spots and lessons learned to help schools better understand the process of operating licensed child care, and the supports available in the process.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has declared March 16-22 as National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week. She was joined by KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness staff and several Kansas CACFP operators for the proclamation signing on Feb. 28. 

The CACFP week is a national education and information campaign sponsored annually the third week of March by the National CACFP Sponsors Association.

Summer meal programs are designed to fill the nutrition gap that occurs during the summer and make sure children can get the nutrition they need.  

Administered by the Food and Nutrition Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, summer meal programs provide free, nutritious meals to kids ages 1 to 18.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized KSDE to approve waiver requests to allow local program operators to offer non-congregate meals when participants observing Ramadan are fasting during typical meal service times.  

Curriculum leaders will meet 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., on April 11, at Wichita State University. 

Register here for the meeting that will take place in the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex (Metroplex), Room 180, East 29th and Oliver, in Wichita.  

Please note: This meeting replaces the April 18 meeting originally scheduled to take place at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center.    

Registration is open for the Great Ideas in Education Conference and attendees can make room reservations now for the event, July 28-30, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. 

Click here for a video message from Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson about the conference. 

Register by July 15 for the conference here. Make room reservations here. 

The Kansas State Department of Education is seeking KSDE-trained program reviewers to review educator preparation programs this spring.  

The deadline to sign up is March 10: https://ksde.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8C9BkANa2JM66Qm 

By Dr. Jessica Dorsey, Kansas Volunteer Commission 

Kansas employers, including school districts, are encouraged to register for the fifth annual “Give Back Kansas Challenge,” a statewide initiative that motivates employees to volunteer in their communities. 

The eight-week challenge will run March 31 - May 23. Employers interested in participating must register by March 17 at www.bit.ly/Givebackks. 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month with the theme, “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”  The Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) is offering resources and materials to raise awareness about child abuse prevention programs. 

Educate Kansas will host Building Opportunities for Outstanding Teachers (BOOST) on June 17, in Hays. This event is a chance for Kansas leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop proactive solutions to address the educator pipeline. 

The Labor Market Information division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) will soon unveil “Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities” (T.O.T.O.), a new career coaching website designed to engage students in career exploration. Prior to the April launch, KDOL is seeking sixth through 12th grade student volunteers to help test the site and provide feedback. 

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.  

Webinars are listed below under “Upcoming FastBridge virtual trainings.”  Consultations and workshops can be requested on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more.  

March

7: Using Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) to Engage with Families and Support Child Development training, virtual, 9-10:30 a.m. Click here to register. Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, with questions.

7: Deadline to submit 2024 ESSER reporting survey. Contact esser@ksde.gov with questions. 

10: Data-Driven Success - Unpacking Literacy Assessments for Maximum Impact (K-12), ESSDACK, in Hutchinson. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

11: ELA Standards and Mini-Tests/ Interims: Using Data to Drive Instruction (3-12 grades), Greenbush, in Girard. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

11-12: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials. 

During the seventh week of the 2025 legislative session, numerous education-related bills had hearings in either the House or Senate education committees or were moved to other non-education committees to keep them alive.  

Bill Tracker 

The following bills have been passed out of their chamber of origin: 

Sub for HB 2007: Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025, and appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for KSDE and various state agencies. 

• Passed as amended in the House 83-36. It was received and introduced in the Senate, then referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. 

Liz Anstine believes a child’s passions for what they may want to pursue later as a career should be fostered by Career and Technical Education (CTE) principles all along the continuum of a student’s education. 

“Maybe in third grade, you wanted to be a firefighter, maybe in fourth grade you wanted to paint nails, maybe in fifth grade, all of a sudden, you're interested in feeding the homeless because you did that as a project,” said Anstine, the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year. “So now we want to help drive that (passion) for them and help them make sure that they're keeping that purposeful curiosity. I'm so big on that because it's going to make their story bigger because they've kind of learned about all of these things along the way.” 

School districts and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are annually required to electronically file their CPA audit report and/or single audit report with the Kansas Department of Administration’s Municipal Services.    

What is a single audit? 

A single audit is an audit of a non-federal entity’s financial statements and federal award expenditures, conducted by an independent audit firm, to ensure federal funds are used in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The current audit threshold for single audits is expending $750,000 or more in federal funds in a fiscal year. (See information below about the change in expenditure threshold). 

The Kansas State Department of Education is seeking applications for McKinney-Vento mini grants from Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address the needs of students in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act.  

The application is due Friday, Feb. 28. 

The KSDE School Transportation Safety Unit is offering informational workshops in March for any mechanic performing the Part I mechanical school/activity bus safety inspection.  

This no-cost workshop is designed to provide information to assist any mechanic who performs this inspection, which is required by Kansas State Department of Education school transportation regulations. District mechanics, contractor mechanics and local independent community mechanics are welcome to attend.  

The deadline to submit the survey for fiscal year 2024 annual reporting for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds is March 7. 

Completion of this report is mandatory to ensure districts continue to receive federal funds without interruption. 

The Qualtrics link to the survey has been sent via the ESSER listserv. If a district did not receive the email, contact KSDE ESSER staff at esser@ksde.gov to request it. 

*This article has been updated to reflect the reading assessment testing window opens March 24. 

Educators can sign up for the optional second grade reading assessment that provides information on how students do when applying the skills they learn in kindergarten through second-grade to comprehension passages.  

This is an opportunity for second-grade students to gain familiarity with the testing system in a low-stress environment. Results come back quickly, prior to the end of the year to share with parents, plan for summer opportunities and inform planning for the next school year.   

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Child Care Licensing Team shared the following message with licensed child care providers on Feb. 21. The following information may be useful for schools seeking to open licensed child care programs in summer or fall 2025: 

Providers, 

We are quickly approaching spring and want to provide you a reminder regarding submitting applications for summer and fall time programs in a timely manner. Please remember, applications should be submitted at least 90 days prior to your anticipated opening date. This will ensure KDHE is able to look over all required documentation and work with you to remedy any unforeseen circumstances should they arise. 

The latest installment of the HirePaths Cool Careers video series is available for viewing. 

In this new episode, students will explore a field for anyone who loves the outdoors, technology or the idea of owning their own business: land surveying. They'll discover what this well-paying career entails and how to get started. Click here to watch: https://hirepaths.com/cool-careers-videos/land-surveyor.  

Applications for the 2025-26 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways are due by March 1. 

The 2025-26 Kansas Career Guidance Handbook is available for reference along with the downloadable pathways application checklist. 

Contact pathwayshelpdesk@ksde.gov or (785) 296-4908 with questions or to request assistance.  

Graduating seniors who are attending a school with at least one approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway and have excelled in CTE are encouraged to submit a 2025 CTE Scholar application no later than March 3. (Please note: This is not a scholarship program.) 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized KSDE to approve waiver requests to allow local program operators to offer non-congregate meals when participants observing Ramadan are fasting during typical meal service times.  

The waiver is available for the School Nutrition Programs (SNP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). For the CACFP, the waiver is available in emergency shelters, adult day care centers, outside-school-hours care centers (OSHCC), and the at-risk afterschool component.  

In addition to being able to register for the Great Ideas in Education Conference, attendees can now make their room reservations for the event, July 28-30, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. 

Register by July 15 for the conference here. The full conference registration fee is $300. To attend the conference only on Tuesday, July 29, the cost is $175.  

Each district team of four will receive a discounted registration fee of $1,000 (a discount of $200 per district team). 

The Kansas State Department of Education is seeking KSDE-trained program reviewers to review educator preparation programs this spring.  

The deadline to sign up is March 10: https://ksde.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8C9BkANa2JM66Qm 

By Dr. Jessica Dorsey, Kansas Volunteer Commission 

Kansas employers, including school districts, are encouraged to register for the fifth annual “Give Back Kansas Challenge,” a statewide initiative that motivates employees to volunteer in their communities. 

The eight-week challenge will run March 31 - May 23. Employers interested in participating must register by March 17 at www.bit.ly/Givebackks. 

Kansas educators interested in a FastBridge session below, but are unable to join can use the Newsletter Engagement Form to request additional dates and times using option #5.  

Each FastBridge district can request an administrator workshop on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more. Schedule it by using the form and select option #6.  

March

3: 2025 CTE Scholar application due. Click here for more information. Contact Taylor Spangler, taylor.spangler@ksde.gov, with questions.

3-4: “Connecting the Dots...For Learning” assessment conference, Hilton Garden Inn, in Manhattan. Contact Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-0040, with questions.

4: Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition (K-12), Smoky Hill, in Salina. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

5: Early Childhood virtual ECHO Series, 12-1 p.m. Register here. Contact telehealthROCKS@kumc.edu with questions.

5: ELA Standards and Mini-Tests/ Interims: Using Data to Drive Instruction (3-12 grades), Orion, in Clearwater. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

5: KSDE/Mid-America Association for Computers in Education (MACE) Data Workshop, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., K-State Alumni Center, in Manhattan. Cost $30. Register here. Contact Christopher Fletcher, christopher.fletcher@ksde.gov, with questions.

Most teachers can easily point to what they love and what is difficult about being an educator. What makes a teacher remain in the profession, however, is the most important sentiment a veteran teacher can convey when mentoring a student teacher, according to Kirsten Nelson, an educator lecturer at Washburn University.  

“Show the challenges and rewards,” she said, “and share how you keep going…and why you stay.”  

Nelson facilitated a break-out session about mentoring during this week’s Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) conference, in Topeka, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education. The discussion featured two Washburn University education majors who shared their experiences when they were placed in a classroom.  

Members of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year team have been celebrating #LoveTeachingWeek, Feb. 14-21, in videos posted on the Kansas State Department of Education’s social media channels.

This special week, started by teachers in 2015, is a national grassroots campaign to celebrate teaching, leading and learning in a way that unites and invigorates educators.

The team members, along with Liz Anstine, 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year, share their stories about why they chose the profession and how their students inspire them every day.

At least eight education-related bills have been passed out their originating chamber this week. They will now head to the other chamber. 

Two Kansas chapters of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) are proving the organization teaches high school students more than just farming and agriculture.  

This year’s FFA officers at Riverton High School, Riverton USD 404, met for a leadership retreat in late summer to begin planning their activities for the 2024-25 school year. That’s when the concept for the “Ag for All Ages” program took root. 

By Beverly Victoriano, KSDE Career, Standards and Assessment Services

Citizenship Day for the state’s Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) was held on Jan. 15, in Topeka, hosted by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and state CTSOs advisors.

This annual event features state CTSO officers sharing their accomplishments and spreading awareness of how valuable Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are for the future of our youth.

School districts and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are required annually to electronically file their CPA audit report and/or single audit report with the Kansas Department of Administration’s Municipal Services.    

In the fall and spring semesters each year, the Kansas State Department of Education holds reviews of educator preparation programs at colleges and universities across the state.  

Higher education institutions must have approved programs for all areas for which they wish to make licensing recommendations, so these program reviews are vital to maintaining strong educator preparation in Kansas. Each KSDE-accredited institution’s programs are reviewed on a seven-year cycle, with program reviews held 18 months in advance of the unit’s accreditation visit. 

The KSDE School Transportation Safety Unit is offering informational workshops in March for any mechanic performing the Part I mechanical school/activity bus safety inspection.  

This no-cost workshop is designed to provide information to assist any mechanic who performs this inspection, which is required by Kansas State Department of Education school transportation regulations. District mechanics, contractor mechanics and local independent community mechanics are welcome to attend.

The Kansas State Department of Education is seeking applications for McKinney-Vento mini grants from Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address the needs of students in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act.  

The application is due Feb. 28. 

The deadline to submit the survey for fiscal year 2024 annual reporting for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds is March 7. 

Completion of this report is mandatory to ensure districts continue to receive federal funds without interruption. 

District registrars or reporting staff members looking to streamline their data management skills are invited to attend a workshop hosted by the Kansas State Department of Education in partnership with the Mid-America Association for Computers in Education (MACE). 

This workshop will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m., on March 5, at the K-State Alumni Center, 1720 Anderson Ave., in Manhattan. It is designed specifically for professionals managing student data in K-12 districts and is a unique chance for fellow registrars, reporting staff, and IT professionals to connect in a collaborative and informative environment.  

*This article has been updated to reflect the optional reading assessment testing window opens March 24. 

Educators can sign up for the optional second grade reading assessment that provides information on how students do when applying the skills they learn in kindergarten through second grade to comprehension passages.  

The latest episode in the fourth season of the HirePaths Cool Careers video series is now available for viewing. 

In this new episode, students will explore a field for anyone who loves the outdoors, technology or the idea of owning their own business: land surveying.

The applications for the 2025-26 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways need to be submitted no later than March 1. 

Graduating seniors who are attending a school with at least one approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway and have excelled in CTE are encouraged to submit a 2025 CTE Scholar application no later than March 3. (Please note: This is not a scholarship program.) 

The Kansas State Department of Education continues to work on the agenda for the 2025 Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 28-30, at the Hyatt Regency and Century II, in Wichita.

The Kansas State Department of Education is hosting “Connecting the Dots...For Learning,” March 3-4, in Manhattan. The deadline to register is Feb. 24. 

This assessment conference will offer real-world practice sessions featuring teachers, teams, and systems from across Kansas who have embraced proven assessment practices to support teaching and learning. Teachers, leaders, and technical support personnel will learn more about how formative assessments are the foundation to a balanced assessment system.  

In collaboration with the Kansas educational learning centers, KSDE is offering structured literacy professional learning now and into the spring. These sessions are at no cost to the educator and provide half of a graduate credit for each day of participation. 

FastTrack screening assessments to be renormed and FastBridge implementation professional learning and support are available.  

February

24: Deadline to register for “Connecting the Dots...For Learning” assessment conference, March 3-4, Hilton Garden Inn, in Manhattan. Contact Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-0040, with questions.

24: Title IV, Part A report due. Contact Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260 with questions.

24-25: Kansas Math Project professional development, Hays, Hilton Garden Inn, 221 W. 43^rd Street. Click here to register. Click here to enroll to complete asynchronous modules at your own pace. Contact kmp@kansasmtss.org with questions.

26: Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children, Third Edition (AEPS-3^®) training, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, Wichita. Cost: $100. Register here. Contact Tammy Wallin, wallint@ku.edu, with questions.

Two bills were passed out of their committees during week five of the Kansas legislative session and three education-related bills were introduced. The last day for non-exempt committees to introduce bills in their originating chamber was Friday, Feb. 7. 

Making schools more safe and secure and reducing risks starts with connections, according to Philip Lofflin, president of the Kansas Juvenile Officers Association (KSJOA). 

“Making positive relationships with students, staff and families makes a big impact,” Lofflin said. “This impact minimizes students’ exposure to the criminal justice system and helps keep school a safe place to teach and learn. I don’t believe there are many assignments a law enforcement officer could do that are more challenging and rewarding.” 

Lofflin has been a district resource officer in Shawnee Mission USD 512 for the past 26 years where he oversees police technology, special projects, and the district’s elementary schools. He said the intentional relationships DROs and SROs develop daily “help the officer and school administration prevent crime, intervene in situations that may lead to more serious problems, and provide awareness to help students make good choices.” 

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education approved an updated at-risk program list during their February meeting in Topeka this week. The board met only on Tuesday, Feb. 11, not the traditional two days of meetings due to the inclement weather declared on Wednesday. 

Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson emphasized that while programs on the at-risk list are vetted by Kansas State Department of Education staff, the list doesn’t constitute an endorsement of the peer-reviewed, evidence-based programs by the state’s education agency. 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is seeking applications for McKinney-Vento mini grants from Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address the needs of students in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act.  

Register here for a grant application instructional workshop, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., on Feb. 17. Click here for the applications due on Feb. 28. 

The Title IV, Part A report, regarding expenditure data for federal Title funds, is required and due by Monday, Feb. 24. Click here to begin the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3B6FSL2 

The reporting period is based on the Title IV, Part A grant award notification issuance date and the corresponding obligation period of July 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2024. 

The deadline to submit the survey for fiscal year 2024 annual reporting for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds is March 7. 

Completion of this report is mandatory to ensure districts continue to receive federal funds without interruption. 

Grant applications for Kansas Parents as Teachers state fiscal year 2026 are due Friday, March 14.  

Lisa Williams, KSDE’s Parents as Teachers coordinator, will be available until 5 p.m. on March 14, to provide technical support in submitting grant applications. She can be contacted at (785) 296-4964 or lisa.williams@ksde.gov. The grant will be submitted using Qualtrics. Information on the grant application and how to apply can be found at  KSDE Kansas Parents as Teachers. 

*This article has been updated to reflect that the reading assessment testing window opens on March 24.

Educators can sign up for the optional second grade reading assessment that provides information on how students do when applying the skills they learn in kindergarten through second-grade to comprehension passages.  

This is an opportunity for second-grade students to gain familiarity with the testing system in a low-stress environment. Results come back quickly, prior to the end of the year to share with parents, plan for summer opportunities and inform planning for the next school year.   

Monthly virtual KESA update 

The Accreditation and Design team hosted the KESA monthly update on Feb. 10. The recording and slides Dr. Jay Scott, director of KSDE Accreditation and Design, shared with the group are available.  

The next KESA monthly update is 10:30-11:15 a.m., on March 10. Join the meeting here; no passcode is required.   

The applications for the 2025-26 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways need to be submitted no later than March 1. 

Graduating seniors who are attending a school with at least one approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway and have excelled in CTE are encouraged to submit a 2025 CTE Scholar application no later than March 3. Please note: This is not a scholarship program.

Registration is now open for KSDE’s Great Ideas in Education conference, July 28-30, at the Hyatt Regency, in Wichita. Don’t miss this critical opportunity to kick off the new school year primed for success. Click here to register. 

KSDE has been promoting the importance of building coherence in Kansas’ school improvement efforts to effect meaningful change. That coherence must extend to the function and purpose of KSDE’s annual conference.  

The Kansas State Department of Education is hosting “Connecting the Dots...For Learning,” March 3-4, in Manhattan. The deadline to register is Feb. 24. 

This assessment conference will offer real-world practice sessions featuring teachers, teams, and systems from across Kansas who have embraced proven assessment practices to support teaching and learning. Teachers, leaders, and technical support personnel will learn more about how formative assessments are the foundation to a balanced assessment system.  

In collaboration with the Kansas educational learning centers, KSDE is offering structured literacy professional learning now and into this spring.

These sessions are at no cost to the educator and provide a half of a graduate credit for each day of participation. 

FastTrack screening assessments to be renormed

Renaissance plans to renorm all FastTrack screening assessments prior to the 2025-26 school year.

This includes aReading (K-12), aMath (K-12), CBMReading (1-8), CBMmath Automaticity (1-12), AUTOreading (K-12), earlyReading composite (K-1), and earlyMath composite (K-1).

The plan is to release the norms prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Contact Jeff Lancial, jeff.lancial@renaissance.com, with questions.

February

18: Science collaboration for curriculum leaders, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

19: Science collaboration for science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

19: KSDE CNW “Wellness Wednesday,” 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Click here for the Zoom link. Passcode: 512850. Contact Holly Steinlage, holly.steinlage@ksde.gov, with questions.

19: Data-Driven Success - Unpacking Literacy Assessments for Maximum Impact (K-12), Greenbush, in Girard. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: Deadline to register for “Connecting the Dots...For Learning” assessment conference, March 3-4, Hilton Garden Inn, in Manhattan. Contact Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-0040, with questions.

February is national Career and Technical Education month, a public awareness campaign hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders. The celebration shines a light on the accomplishments of CTE programs across the U.S., including Kansas. 

Some attendees of the annual CTE conference in Manhattan this week got the chance to tour Manhattan High School’s CTE program that includes courses in business, welding, journalism, architectural drafting and agriculture, to name a few.  

“We’re a big school with more than 2,000 students in the building,” said Chris Holborn, CTE coordinator at Manhattan High School for the past five years. “Some kids are really diving deep into areas but we’re also in an exploratory phase with some of our students. We try to give them options to find that field they want to go into or go to college for. We also have students who dabble in trying to figure out what they want to do. We try to serve all of those populations.” 

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 last day non-exempt committees can request bill drafts from the Kansas Office of Revisors of Statutes was Monday, Feb. 3. This is the last day requests for introduction or sponsorship can be on non-exempt committee agendas. The last day for individuals to introduce bills in their originating chamber was Wednesday, Feb. 5. Several bills were introduced in both House and Senate chambers. 

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will hold a public hearing during their February meeting regarding the removal of the graduation requirement for Kansas high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  

The Title IV, Part A report, regarding expenditure data for federal Title funds, is required and due by Monday, Feb. 24. Click here to begin the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3B6FSL2 

The reporting period is based on the Title IV, Part A grant award notification issuance date and the corresponding obligation period of July 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2024. 

The fiscal year 2024 annual reporting survey for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds is open. The deadline for submission is March 7. 

Completion of this report is mandatory to ensure districts continue to receive federal funds without interruption. 

Grant applications for Kansas Parents as Teachers state fiscal year 2026 are due Friday, March 14.  

Lisa Williams, KSDE's Parents as Teachers coordinator, will be available until 5 p.m., on March 14, to provide technical support in submitting grant applications at (785) 296-4964 or lisa.williams@ksde.gov. The grant will be submitted using Qualtrics. Information on the grant application and how to apply can be found at KSDE Kansas Parents as Teachers. 

2025-26 School Improvement Day Schedule 

The KSDE Accreditation and Design team has released the 2025-26 School Improvement Day schedule. Take a moment to save these important dates. This schedule is available on the KESA webpage for easy reference. Registration links for these events are currently being developed, and we will resend this document once the links are finalized. 

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness team is offering the "Wellness Wednesdays" webinar series in February focused on heart health.  

These workshops are one-hour Zoom sessions with topics aimed at assisting Kansas school wellness committees implement wellness policies and create healthier school environments.  

Registration is now open for KSDE’s Great Ideas in Education conference, July 28-30, at the Hyatt Regency, in Wichita. Don’t miss this critical opportunity to kick off the new school year primed for success. Click here to register. 

KSDE has been promoting the importance of building coherence in Kansas’ school improvement efforts to effect meaningful change. That coherence must extend to the function and purpose of KSDE’s annual conference.  

The Kansas State Department of Education is hosting “Connecting the Dots...For Learning,” March 3-4, in Manhattan. 

This assessment conference will offer real-world practice sessions featuring teachers, teams, and systems from across Kansas who have embraced proven assessment practices to support teaching and learning. Teachers, leaders, and technical support personnel will learn more about how formative assessments are the foundation to a balanced assessment system.  

The final EDCS in-person training (not on Zoom) for the 2024-25 school year will be 8 a.m.-noon, on Feb. 12, in the Denison State Bank building, 3675 74th Street, in Meriden. It is hosted by Jefferson West USD 340.  

In collaboration with the Kansas education service centers, KSDE is offering professional development opportunities this spring to support the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) school improvement efforts and literacy initiatives prioritized by the Kansas State Board of Education.  

There is no cost to attend these sessions and lunch is included. A half unit of graduate credit can be received for each day.  

Kansas educators interested in a FastBridge session below, but are unable to join can use the Newsletter Engagement Form to request additional dates and times using option #5.  

Each FastBridge district can request an administrator workshop on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more. Schedule it by using the form and select option #6.  

February

10: Kansas Clean Diesel Program funding applications due by 5 p.m. CST. Contact kdhe.dera@ks.gov with questions.

11-12: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials. 

12: Science collaboration for new science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions. 

12: KSDE CNW “Wellness Wednesday,” 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Click here for the Zoom link. Passcode: 512850. Contact Holly Steinlage, holly.steinlage@ksde.gov, with questions.

13: Farm to School regional workshops, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kansas City. Contact Barb Depew, barb.depew@ksde.gov, to register and for questions.

Literacy, early childhood, technology and the importance of educators were a few of the aspects of the teaching profession the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year team highlighted when they appeared before a joint meeting of the Kansas House and Senate education committees this week. 

Liz Anstine, the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year and business teacher at Leavenworth High School, Leavenworth USD 453, told the legislators the challenges educators have endured in recent years “have been immense but so has the dedication of our teachers.” 

“Unless you’ve stood in a classroom recently, it’s hard to grasp the extraordinary passion, resilience and tireless effort educators pour into their students daily,” she said. “The commitment of many teachers, especially those who are with me here today, is nothing short of heroic.” 

The last day for individual members to request bill drafts from the Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes was Monday, Jan. 27. At least 14 education-related bills were introduced during the third week of the 2025 Kansas legislative session. 

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will 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 Seal of Literacy is now being added to licenses for individuals who have completed Lexia LETRS® for Elementary Educators.  

District registrars or reporting staff members looking to streamline their data management skills are invited to attend a workshop hosted by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) in partnership with the Mid-America Association for Computers in Education (MACE) in March. This is a unique chance to connect with fellow registrars, reporting staff and IT professionals in a collaborative and informative environment. 

The Star Recognition Authenticated Application is open for the qualitative areas of Individual Plans of Study (IPS), Social-Emotional Growth, and Kindergarten Readiness. The deadline for submitting 2025 applications is Friday, May 2. 

2025-26 School Improvement Day schedule available   

The KSDE Accreditation and Design team has released the 2025-26 School Improvement Day schedule and is available on the KESA webpage. While the dates are expected to closely align with - if not exactly match - this year's schedule, the Accreditation and Design team will confirm any changes as needed.  

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness team is offering the "Wellness Wednesdays" webinar series in February focused on heart health.  

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team invites child nutrition professionals to attend Farm to School regional workshops that will be 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the following dates:  

• Feb. 6: Lyons 
• Feb. 7: Caldwell  
• Feb. 13: Kansas City  

The Kansas State Department of Education is hosting “Connecting the Dots...For Learning,” March 3-4, in Manhattan. 

This assessment conference will offer real-world practice sessions featuring teachers, teams, and systems from across Kansas who have embraced proven assessment practices to support teaching and learning. Teachers, leaders, and technical support personnel will learn more about how formative assessments are the foundation to a balanced assessment system.  

A new direction. A new date. A new event for district and building leadership teams.

Big changes are coming to KSDE’s Great ideas in Education Conference, and we think you’re going to like them.  

KSDE has been promoting the importance of building coherence in Kansas’ school improvement efforts to effect meaningful change. That coherence must extend to the function and purpose of KSDE’s annual conference. 

A training session is scheduled for Feb. 5 on how to submit the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) and Spring Vacancy Report (SVR) in the Educator Data Collection System (EDCS). This training is geared toward “EDCS beginners,” but anyone can attend.  

In collaboration with the Kansas education service centers, KSDE is offering professional development opportunities this spring to support the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) school improvement efforts and literacy initiatives prioritized by the Kansas State Board of Education.  

Brookes Publishing and the Kansas Inservice Training System (KITS) are offering a training session in February on effectively using the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children, Third Edition® (AEPS-3^®) to collect data and develop goals to guide instruction.  

Kansas educators interested in FastBridge sessions, but are unable to join can use the Newsletter Engagement Form to request additional dates and times using option #5.  

Each FastBridge district can request an administrator workshop on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more. Schedule it by using the form and select option #6.  

January 

31: Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Register here. Contact Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.org, with questions. 

February 

5: Educator Data Collection System (EDCS) training, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Those attending in-person need to contact Leslie Bruton, leslie.bruton@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-8011, to register. In-person training is in the first floor board room, Suite 102, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Those attending virtually: Click here for the Zoom link. Meeting ID: 876 8995 0847

5: Early Childhood virtual ECHO Series, 12-1 p.m. Register here. Contact telehealthROCKS@kumc.edu with questions.

6: Farm to School regional workshops, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Lyons. Contact Barb Depew, barb.depew@ksde.gov, to register and for questions.

One-day sessions known as “School Improvement Days” are integral to districts creating action plans to address student achievement as part of the second iteration of the Kansas Education Accreditation System, known as KESA 2.0.   

“This process is tremendously much more intentional, meaningful to actually be able to have the time to collaborate with like-sized schools, sharing ideas,” Karla Tanking, assistant superintendent of Holton USD 336, said during a recent School Improvement Day at Greenbush Education Service Center in Lawrence. “But it’s also just having the time to talk through and analyze data with our own group that is very helpful and beneficial.” 

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will 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. 

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security directive issued Tuesday, Jan. 21, to rescind previously issued guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions that limit law enforcement in or near “sensitive” areas, which include schools and churches.

he Seal of Literacy is now being added to licensesfor individuals who have completed Lexia LETRS® for Elementary Educators.

Districts with professional development (PD) plans expiring on July 31 may turn them in to the Kansas State Department of Education starting April 1, but no later than Aug. 1.  

Click here for the timeline and the list of districts that are part of this year’s review. KSDE staff will send an email with instructions and other information to the districts by the end of January.  

District registrars or reporting staff members looking to streamline their data management skills are invited to attend a workshop hosted by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) in partnership with the Mid-America Association for Computers in Education (MACE) in March. This is a unique chance to connect with fellow registrars, reporting staff, and IT professionals in a collaborative and informative environment. 

The Star Recognition Authenticated Application opened Wednesday, Jan. 22, for the qualitative areas of Individual Plans of Study (IPS), Social-Emotional Growth, and Kindergarten Readiness. The deadline for submitting 2025 applications is Friday, May 2. 

Kansans Can Star Recognition Program is entering its sixth year of recognizing school districts for the great work taking place to help the Kansas State Board of Education achieve its vision of leading the world in the success of each student. 

2025-26 School Improvement Day schedule announced  

The KSDE Accreditation and Design team has released the 2025-26 School Improvement Day schedule and is available on the KESA webpage. While the dates are expected to closely align with - if not exactly match - this year's schedule, the Accreditation and Design team will confirm any changes as needed. 

Registration links for the School Improvement Days are currently being developed. The schedule will be made available again once the links are finalized. 

Contact Rue Huereca-Retana, Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov, with questions.  

The Kansas State Department of Education is continuing its partnership with IXL Math for the 2025-26 school year. IXL Learning provides schools with a free supplemental instructional program that can help Kansas students improve their math skills.  

A bill passed by the Kansas Legislature in 2022 appropriated $4 million for a virtual math program. The state put out a request for proposal (RFP), and IXL Learning was awarded the two-year contract.  

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team invites child nutrition professionals to attend Farm to School regional workshops that will be 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the following dates:  

• Jan. 30: Hutchinson  
• Feb. 6: Lyons 
• Feb. 7: Caldwell  
• Feb. 13: Kansas City  

A new direction. A new date.  

Big changes are coming to KSDE’s Great ideas in Education Conference, and we think you’re going to like them.  

KSDE has been promoting the importance of building coherence in Kansas’ school improvement efforts to effect meaningful change. That coherence must extend to the function and purpose of KSDE’s annual conference. 

In collaboration with the Kansas education service centers, KSDE is offering professional development opportunities this spring to support the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) school improvement efforts and literacy initiatives prioritized by the Kansas State Board of Education.  

This is the final reminder for administrators of Local Consolidated Plans (LCPs) to register for the Jan. 28 quarterly meetings. 

The mandatory Fiscal Year 2024 annual reporting survey for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds is now open.  

The Qualtrics survey link has been sent via the ESSER listserv. The deadline for submission is March 7. 

A training session is scheduled for Feb. 5, on how to submit the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) and Spring Vacancy Report (SVR) in the Educator Data Collection System (EDCS). This training is geared toward “EDCS beginners,” but anyone can attend. 

This session will be offered via Zoom and also simultaneously in-person in Room 102, first floor board room, at the Kansas State Department of Education, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka.    

Brookes Publishing and the Kansas Inservice Training System (KITS) are offering a training session in February on effectively using the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children, Third Edition® (AEPS-3®) to collect data and develop goals to guide instruction.  

A three-part series of virtual trainings focused on young learners and strategies to address behavior in the early childhood setting will be offered in the coming months using the ECHO model of tele-mentoring. This professional development opportunity is hosted by Telehealth ROCKS of the University of Kansas-Medical Center. 

Kansas educators interested in a FastBridge session below, but are unable to join can use the Newsletter Engagement Form to request additional dates and times using option #5.  

Each FastBridge district can request an administrator workshop on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more. Schedule it by using the form and select option #6.  

January 

23: Child care northeast regional roundtable, 6:30-8 p.m., Shawnee County Health Department, JP Lewis building, training rooms A and B, 2600 S.W. East Circle Drive, in Topeka. Register here. Contact Meghan Kluth, mkluth@ku.edu, with questions.

24: Structured literacy training, Orion, Clearwater. Register here. Contact Dr. Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: Introduction to ASQ training, virtual, 9 a.m. – noon. Click here to register. Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, with questions.

27: English Language Arts training, Greenbush, Girard. Register here. Contact Dr. Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

Janet Waugh, 83, the longest serving member of the Kansas State Board of Education, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. She was first elected in 1999 and retired from the board in 2023. 

After several years with no program, music once again fills the halls of Girard Middle and High School thanks to the vision and leadership of former Girard student Meredith Reid.   

Reid, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in music from Kansas State University, was hired by the Girard district to reestablish the choral music program that was nonexistent when she herself attended the school years earlier. In just five years, she has developed an award-winning program that competes regularly in state competitions and performs throughout the Girard community.  

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education at their January meeting in Topeka received an update on the structured literacy requirements certain educators will have to meet beginning in 2028 to renew their teaching licenses. 

Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson told board members that more than 12,000 educators, mainly at the elementary level, have completed or are in the process of completing structured literacy training in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling® (LETRS®), a state-approved program. Other approved training programs include Keys to Literacy and AIMS Pathways to Proficient Reading. 

As recently announced by Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland, all fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students in your school this week should begin receiving complimentary copies of KANSAS! Kids, a new magazine created especially for young Kansans, just in time for Kansas Day on Jan. 29.  

The Kansas State Department of Education’s website and email domains have changed from “.org” to “.gov.”  

The Fiscal Year 2024 annual reporting survey for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds opens Tuesday, Jan. 21. The deadline for submission will be March 7. 

The Kansas State Department of Education is continuing its partnership with IXL Math for the 2025-26 school year. IXL Learning provides schools with a free supplemental instructional program that can help Kansas students improve their math skills.  

Districts with professional development (PD) plans expiring on July 31, may turn them in to the Kansas State Department of Education starting April 1, but no later than Aug. 1.  

Click here for the timeline and the list of districts that are part of this year’s review. KSDE staff will send an email with instructions and other information to the districts by the end of January.  

2025-26 School Improvement Day schedule announced  

The KSDE Accreditation and Design team has released the 2025-26 School Improvement Day schedule and is available on the KESA webpage. While the dates are expected to closely align with - if not exactly match - this year's schedule, the Accreditation and Design team will confirm any changes as needed. 

The Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program provides school districts with funding for preschool-aged students. In districts operating approved programs, 3-and 4-year-old students who meet an at-risk criterion for the Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program and who are enrolled and attending on Count Day will automatically count as a ½ student (0.5 FTE) in calculating a district’s enrollment and accompanying weightings. Districts are encouraged to create integrated programs that include all students and to develop strong community partnerships.  

Engaging with families to build strong relationships during children’s transition into kindergarten is a key strategy to prepare children, families, and schools for a successful start to the kindergarten year.  

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team will be hosting a required procurement training for School Nutrition Program (SNP) sponsors on Jan. 22. 

Per the Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule, school nutrition program directors, management, and/or staff who work on procurement activities must complete procurement training annually. For the 2025-26 school year, all sponsors must complete procurement training by June 30.  

Two training events are scheduled in the coming weeks for how to submit the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) and Spring Vacancy Report (SVR) in the Educator Data Collection System (EDCS). This training will be geared toward “EDCS beginners”, but anyone can attend. 

A three-part series of virtual trainings focused on young learners and strategies to address behavior in the early childhood setting will be offered in the coming months using the ECHO model of tele-mentoring. This professional development opportunity is hosted by Telehealth ROCKS of the University of Kansas-Medical Center. 

Early childhood professionals, caregivers, community members working to support local child care efforts, and anyone with an interest in child care in Kansas are invited to join a regional roundtable event to share your experiences with child care in your region.   

Registration is now open for the following third and fourth quarterly meetings for administrators of Local Consolidated Plans (LCPs). 

If interested in a FastBridge session listed below, but are unable to join, use the Newsletter Engagement Form to request additional dates and times using option #5.  

Each FastBridge district can request an administrator workshop on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more. Schedule it by using the form and select option #6.