Kansans Can Star Recognition Program

2026-2027 Program Year Paused

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will pause the Kansans Can Star Recognition program for the 2026-2027 school year.

This program previously recognized districts in qualitative areas (Kindergarten Readiness, Social-Emotional Growth, Individual Plan of Study, Civic Engagement) and quantitative areas (Academically Prepared for Postsecondary, High School Graduation, Postsecondary Success, Commissioner's Award). 

KSDE is committed to an aligned, coherent approach to supporting the Kansas school improvement model. This pause will allow KSDE to create a program aligned to these focused priorities, while districts focus on implementing their school improvement action plans in 2026-27. 

KSDE thanks every school employee for the important work they do on behalf of students and looks forward to recognizing districts for their efforts to ensure every student receives high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day. 

Contact Denise Kahler, denise.kahler@ksde.gov, with questions.

Program Overview

The Kansans Can Star Recognition Program celebrates Kansas school districts and systems for their strong achievements in several key areas that show success across the state’s education system. The program includes both quantitative measures (based on data) and qualitative measures (based on district practices and processes).

Quantitative Measures

Districts can earn gold, silver, bronze, or copper stars in four data‑based categories. These measures show how well students are performing in areas that predict long‑term success.  For more information, visit the Quantitative Measures webpage.

Districts are recognized for their performance in:

• Academically Prepared for Postsecondary: Measures how ready students are for college or career training after high school.
• High School Graduation: Tracks the percentage of students who successfully earn a diploma.
• Postsecondary Success: Looks at how many students continue their education, earn certificates or degrees, or stay in the workforce after high school.
• Commissioner’s Award: Honors districts that perform better than expected in helping students succeed after high school.

Qualitative Measures

Districts may apply to earn stars in four additional areas. These measures highlight strong programs, strategies, and district‑wide practices that support student growth. For more information, visit the Qualitative Measures webpage.

Districts can apply for recognition in:

• Social‑Emotional Growth: Focuses on how schools help students build skills like communication, self‑management, and responsible decision‑making.
• Kindergarten Readiness: Highlights how well districts prepare young learners for success when they start school.
• Individual Plans of Study (IPS): Recognizes districts that effectively help students set goals, explore careers, and build personal learning plans.
• Civic Engagement: Celebrates efforts to involve students in leadership, service, and participation in their communities.

Commissioner’s Award

The Commissioner’s Award is based on a district’s predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate. This prediction takes into account several risk factors that can impact student success, including:

• Poverty
• Chronic absenteeism
• Student mobility (students frequently changing schools)

Districts are recognized for performing above what the prediction suggests. visit the Commissioner's Award webpage.

Levels of the Commissioner’s Award:

• Commissioner’s Award with Highest Distinction: For districts that score 2.0 or more standard deviations above their predicted rate
• Commissioner’s Award with Honors: For districts that score 1.0 to 1.99 standard deviations above their predicted rate
• Commissioner’s Award: For districts that score 0.4 to 0.99 standard deviations above their predicted rate

This system rewards districts that are helping students succeed at levels significantly higher than expected—even when facing challenges.