Standards

Academic standards in Kansas are important because they help make sure all students across the state learn the essential skills they need to succeed in school and future careers. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, giving teachers clear goals to guide their instruction. Kansas has standards in subjects like English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as areas such as physical education, fine arts, and world languages. These standards help schools stay consistent and prepare students for college, work, and life.

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.

HGSS Standards

History, Government, and Social Studies (HGSS) Standards focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding how history, government, geography, and economics shape our world. Students learn to analyze choices and consequences, apply higher-order thinking, and participate actively in their communities. The HGSS Standards provide a framework for curriculum, instruction, and assessment across all grade levels.

Science Standards

The Kansas Science Standards outline what students should know and do in science, focusing on inquiry, evidence-based explanations, and real-world problem solving to prepare them for future learning and careers.

SECD Standards and Competencies

SECD Standards and Competencies guide schools in supporting students’ social-emotional growth, positive behavior and character development for success in school and life.

Physical Education

Physical Education is an integral part of total education of a child. It is the cornerstone in developing an active lifestyle, providing opportunities to guide young people in the process of becoming physically active for a lifetime.

Music

Music is core to academic growth and central to the education of every student. Music Education is an essential, vibrant part of life.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts have the power to enrich the lives and endeavors of humankind.

English Learners Proficiency Standards

The Kansas English Language Proficiency Standards (KELP) for English Learners were adopted by the Kansas Board of Education in 2018. The standards highlight and amplify the critical language, knowledge about language, and skills for using language that are necessary for ELs to be successful in school.

Kansas Early Learning Standards

Kansas Early Learning Standards provides early childhood standards to providers and teachers, including kindergarten standards. Visit Kels.ksde.gov.

Math Standards

The Kansas Mathematics Standards provide information on what students should know and be able to do at different grade levels in mathematics. These standards are guidelines school districts can use to develop their mathematics curriculum.

School Counseling Standards and Competencies

School Counseling Standards and Competencies are the rules and skills that guide school counselors in their work.

Computer Science

Kansas schools teach computer science from kindergarten through high school, starting with basic coding and digital skills and growing into advanced programming and career-ready courses.

Dance and Creative Movement

Dance education is essential to academic growth, fostering creativity, expression, cultural understanding, and communication through movement.

Media Arts

Media Arts Education places creativity and cultural relevance at the center of contemporary learning, using evolving forms such as film, television, and digital media to engage students.

Theatre

Theatre Education develops the capacity for creative emotional expression; expands physical, improvisational, and artistic skills.

Health Education

Health education supports the growth of individuals, families, and communities by building knowledge, skills, and positive behaviors that lead to lifelong wellness.

World Languages

Studying World Languages and cultures provides powerful keys for successful communication

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

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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.

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