English Language Arts

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) English Language Arts (ELA) page provides school districts, educators, families, and education stakeholders with access to resources that promote literacy development and strong ELA instruction.

ELA Standards

The 2023 Kansas English Language Arts (ELA) Standards provide information on what students should know and be able to do at different grade levels in ELA. These standards are guidelines educators can use to develop a strong ELA curriculum.

English Language Arts Assessment

The Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) website provides essential resources to support state testing. These include practice tests and sample items for ELA, math, and science; test administration manuals with detailed instructions; technology setup guides for the Kite® Student Portal; accessibility and accommodation tools for students with special needs; score report interpretation guides; training modules for educators; and assessment calendars outlining testing windows. These resources help schools prepare for secure, accurate, and effective assessments across Kansas.

Please visit the Kansas Assessment Program page for more information.

English Language Arts Graduation Requirements

All public school students are required to meet statewide English Language Arts and communication graduation requirements to earn a diploma.

Class of 2026 and 2027

Four units of English language arts, which shall include reading, writing, literature, communication, and grammar.

Class of 2028 and beyond

Three and half units of English language arts, which shall include reading, writing, literature, and grammar
One-half unit of communications.

For more information visit the KSDE graduation requirement webpage.

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The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. For more information, visit our grievance procedure page.

To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by (785) 296-3201.