KSDE Newsroom

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will receive an update on the structured literacy training requirements for licensure during their monthly meeting, Jan. 14-15, in Topeka. 

Fellow Kansans,

Forty years ago, KANSAS! magazine launched a children’s edition titled KANSAS! Too, which sparked curiosity and inspired young readers across the state for more than a decade. As one of those young readers, the magazine ignited my passion and deep love for our state. 

Today, I am excited to carry that legacy forward by introducing the next chapter: KANSAS! Kids.

As part of the second iteration of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation process, known as KESA 2.0, districts and school systems are attending regional School Improvement Days during the 2024-25 school year with three to four other like systems.  

These days are facilitated by Kansas educators who have been trained and volunteer their time to help their colleagues understand what is required for KESA 2.0 accreditation. They guide those attending the School Improvement Days through a broad review of their district-level data, including assessment scores.

The Kansas State Department of Education’s website and email domains will change from “.org” to “.gov” this month. 

Districts that have opted into the KSDE and IXL Math contract to receive IXL Math at no local cost are required to provide data on math practice twice a year for the 2024-25 school year.   

The Educator Data Collection System (EDCS) is open for submission of the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) and Spring Vacancy Report (SVR).  The LPR is due on March 1. The SVR will be submitted within the LPR. 

Students who have risen above the challenges of life situations by exiting foster care and entering into permanent guardianship after the age of 13 have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship through Umps Care, a nonprofit organization founded by Major League Baseball umpires.  

The KSDE Information Technology team will host a webinar with Ronnie Williams, coordinator of instructional resources at Greenbush Education Center, 1 p.m., on Jan. 15, to explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. 

The KSDE Accreditation and Design team will be hosting the KESA virtual monthly update, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 13.  

The Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program provides school districts with funding for preschool-aged students. In districts operating approved programs, 3-and 4-year-old students who meet an at-risk criterion for the Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program and who are enrolled and attending on Count Day will automatically count as a ½ student (0.5 FTE) in calculating a district’s enrollment and accompanying weightings. Districts are encouraged to create integrated programs that include all students and to develop strong community partnerships.