The KSTARS network is one of multiple Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) interventions intended to build the capacity of local districts, support scientifically-based research practices and create self-sustaining efforts at the district and building levels for support to students with disabilities and their families.

A combination of IDEA Title VI-B set-aside and Preschool set-aside, IDEA Part D State Improvement Grant, and Department of Health and Environment Part C funds support the KSTARS network.

The Inclusive Network of Kansas (INKS) provides customized technical assistance and professional development for Kansas teams who develop and implement programming for students with severe/low incidence disabilities, birth through 21 years of age. The Network uses evidence-based practices when providing individual student consultation, classroom-level technical assistance, and building/district-level professional development in the areas of: (a) including students with severe disabilities in the least restrictive environment; (b) providing Positive Behavior Support to learners who have low-incidence disabilities, significant support needs and problem behaviors; (c) supporting students with severe disabilities in transitioning to adulthood; (d) supporting students with severe disabilities in acquiring basic literacy skills; and (e) the Kansas Alternate Assessment. INKS’ technical assistance is accomplished through 20 master teachers and related services professionals, who share their technical expertise through a problem-solving, peer-to-peer consultation model. INKS' services are provided at no charge to schools across Kansas. School district personnel may request INKS’ services by mail, through email, or by completing an on-line request form available on the project's website..

3136 Haworth Hall, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7534

Dr. Jean Ann Summers, Project Director jsummers@ku.edu

Ms. Rebecca Obold Geary, Project Coordinator oboldgea@ku.edu

7600 (voice) 785-864-7605 (fax) 785-864-3434 (TTY)

This project provides technical support and continuity for KSDE staff and the field for the development and maintenance of the existing and future KSDE Student Data MIS. Project staff provides assistance to the Kansas Communities of Practice website, technical assistance documents, the KSTARS Consortium and mentoring for new directors of special education.

KITS goals are accomplished through a variety of activities such as statewide training, technical assistance, a summer institute; a quarterly newsletter, web site, and listserv; and an early childhood resource center whose materials are accessible through an online searchable database.

KIRC will provide, or assist, in the procurement of, Braille, large print, or recorded textbooks and other educational materials for Kansas students who are blind/visually impaired so they can remain and succeed in the most appropriate educational setting, whether public, private, or parochial.

NDSP (Neurologic Disabilities Support Project) is a part of the Kansas Instructional Support Network (KISN.) The mission of the NDSP is to assist Kansas school districts in building their local capacity to serve students with neurologic disabilities. Students with neurologic disabilities include those with acquired brain injury (e.g. stroke, brain tumors, seizure disorders), traumatic brain injury (TBI), autism, or other neurologically based disabilities.

The Student Improvement Team Training process was initiated in 1993 in response to feedback from educators throughout Kansas. To date, over 5,000 educators representing at least 600 schools have taken advantage of this staff development opportunity. While Kansas has had this initiative growing for 10 years, the necessity of addressing the needs of all students is now reflected in the Federal Legislation No Child Left Behind. Working from the premise that we shall leave no child behind necessitates a renewed commitment to how we serve each child in our school.

The training assists teams of varying backgrounds and expertise who are committed to building supports for students that are experiencing academic or behavioral problems and those who work with them.

KEEB's mission is to provide districts, schools, and organizations in Kansas with an efficient online recruitment tool to attract and hire highly qualified educators. KEEB allows schools and institutions across the state of Kansas to post job openings and locate candidates. Individuals interested in a career in education can post an application and apply for specific positions. KEEB provides up to date information on both job postings and applicants via RSS feeds that individuals can receive via their computer or mobile device. In addition, applicants can learn about Kansas licensure, scholarship/loan deferement programs, and Kansas teacher preparation programs. Take advantage of the features of KEEB today and sign up for a free account!

The priority of Project SPOT is to support local education agencies in building capacity to support and conduct systemic improvement activities within their districts

Project STAY now provides direct, hands-on consultation to the thirteen school districts and coops in our consortium. The KSDE grant also provides funding for family and school team trainings across the state. The State Department has also funded Project STAY to provide general consultation via the internet throughout the state of Kansas.

Infinitec Assistive Technology Coalitions permit members to share, collaborate, problem solve and create valuable and necessary assistive technology resources to better serve the mission of providing access to a quality education for all learners.