News Releases

Our press releases provide timely, accurate information about key initiatives, policy updates, and important events in Kansas education. They serve as an official source for news and announcements from the Kansas State Department of Education, helping educators, families, and communities stay informed about developments that impact schools statewide.

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will take a closer look at classroom and district-issued digital technology during their June meeting in Topeka. 

On Monday, June 8, board members will hold a special meeting to listen to Emporia State University and McPherson College representatives who will present information about what pre-service teachers are taught about digital classroom technology and how technology use is addressed in higher education accreditation. They will also learn what policies other states have related to screen time and research on the impact technology has on student learning and outcomes. 

Board members will share their thoughts about the information shared and what their next steps will be in addressing the use of district-issued devices. 

Other presentations during the board’s regular meeting, June 9 – 10, include the following: 

• End of year report and future plans for school improvement, including a summary of participant feedback from the 2025-26 school improvement days, 2025-26 KESA action plan trends, and a preview of the 2026-27 school improvement days. 
• Authority of the State Board for the responsibility and accreditation of public and nonpublic schools, including the role of third-party accrediting agencies. 
• Cell phone policy certification and student walkout complaint procedures that the State Board must follow. 
• KSDE budget options for the 2027-2028 funding cycle. 
• Examples of quality instruction related to literacy and math from Santa Fe Trail USD 434 and Minneola USD 219. 

The board’s regular June 9 – 10 meeting agenda includes the following action items: Teacher licensure application fee changes, out-of-state/foreign applicants and interstate mobility compacts. 

• Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) recommended by the Professional Standards Board. 
• Request for Proposal (RFP) for a universal screening tool, required by state law and designed to identify students at risk for reading difficulties early and to guide timely literacy interventions.  
• Federal funding for the development of test items for the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority of which several districts are participating in the pilot beginning in fall 2026. 
• Orion Education and Training Center’s adult alternative education waiver application. 
• Agriculture 6-12 education and speech/theatre 6-12 standards. 
• Evaluation Review Committee (ERC) recommendations  for educator preparation program approvals for Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University. Recommendations made by the Kansas Professional Practices Commission (PPC).  
• Wabaunsee USD 329’s public innovative district application. 

The June 8 – 10 board meeting will be livestreamed. Full agenda and meeting materials are on the board meeting resources webpage.