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. 

Over the past five years, the Star application rubrics have remained largely unchanged. During this time, systems receiving Stars have been allowed to carry over recognitions from year-to-year without needing to reapply.  

The Star Leadership Teams have updated and revised rubrics to better align them with current best practices and KSDE initiatives. This has resulted in updated application rubrics for Individual Plans of Study (IPS), Social-Emotional Growth, and Kindergarten Readiness. The new rubrics provide greater clarity and clearer expectations regarding artifacts and narratives.  

Important to note: Since the new rubrics will be substantially changed this year, ALL systems will need to submit 2025 applications for recognition in the qualitative areas of Individual Plans of Study (IPS), Social-Emotional Growth, and Kindergarten Readiness. The Accreditation and Design team will not be carrying over Stars from previous years, and 2025 will be considered a baseline year for these new applications.  

Recognition in the quantitative areas (Academically Prepared for Postsecondary Success, Graduation Rate, and Postsecondary Success) will continue to be automatically calculated by KSDE based on data submitted by each school system. 

Email kcanstars@ksde.gov with questions or more information.