Thursday, April 30, 2026 | Issue 187

Dr. Krystal Young, left, deputy superintendent of Hutchinson USD 308, and district students break ground on the expanded Lil' Hawks Early Learning Program facility which will nearly triple the number of birth to Pre-K children served by USD 308. (Photo submitted by Katie Helfrich, Hutchinson USD 308)

Kansas district-operated childcare programs provide needed developmental opportunities, retention of valuable staff 

From left: Jaiden Kennedy, Katie Koerperich (lead provider), and Jessica Koerperich, are the childcare providers for Golden Plains USD 316's Little Paws Daycare, in Selden. (Photo submitted by Brandy Spresser, Golden Plains USD 316)

Kansas district-operated childcare programs not only give children the building blocks needed to transition to kindergarten but also help in the vital retention of educators and other district staff.

As National Provider Appreciation Day on May 8 approaches, we take a look at two Kansas districts committed to their youngest learners and keeping their educators in the classroom.

Read more...

Areia Bustillos, Syracuse USD 494, is participating in the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP).

(Photo submitted by Areia Bustillos.)

Michelle White, Syracuse USD 494, is participating in the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP).

(Photo submitted by Michelle White.)

RTAP Apprentice in Action:

Growing educators close to home -

Syracuse USD 494 builds from within

For Areia Bustillos and Michelle White, the path to becoming teachers wasn’t immediate. It developed through time spent in classrooms, steady encouragement from colleagues, and a district willing to invest in potential it already had. Through the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP), Syracuse USD 494 created a sustainable way to turn potential into preparation.

Read more...

Families with students enrolled in public schools who have lost housing due to natural disasters may be considered eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. (Photo submitted by Maureen Tabasko, KSDE)

Serving students who lose

housing during natural disasters 

By Maureen Tabasko, M.Ed., coordinator of McKinney-Vento, KSDE Special Education and Title Services

Kansas residents are not strangers to the hazards of severe weather and sadly many Kansans recently have first-hand experiences with the recent series of destructive storms.

After these adverse weather events, one of the many issues facing communities is damaged or destroyed housing. Families with students enrolled in public schools who have lost housing due to natural disasters may be considered eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act (Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized in 2015 by Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (42 U.S.C § 11431). This federal act ensures students who lost housing have educational protections including those who have become homeless due to disaster.

Read more... 

Rewind: KSDE Insight Podcast, “The Homework Debate: Helpful or Outdated?”

Homework has long been a fixture of the American education system, but its value remains contested more than a century after the debate began. Today, schools find themselves caught between competing priorities: maintaining high academic expectations while also protecting student well-being.

During the April KSDE Insight Podcast, “The Homework Debate: Helpful or Outdated?”, Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson speaks with two Kansas educators who share their nuanced perspectives about how much homework is good for students:

• Taylor Bussinger, social studies teacher at Prairie Trail Middle School, Olathe USD 233
• Adam Topliff, social studies teacher at Wamego High School, Wamego USD 320

This month’s KSDE Insight Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.  

Coming Soon:

KSDE Insight Podcast -

A conversation with

Dr. Jake Steel 

The May KSDE Insight Podcast will feature a conversation between retiring Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson and his successor, Dr. Jake Steel.

Have a question about your child’s education? Commissioner Watson and Dr. Steel want to hear from you. 

Parents can email their questions to insightpodcast@ksde.gov — and it could be featured in the May episode! 

Join us May 4- 8, as we celebrate our educators during #TeacherAppreciationWeek!

Next week, watch for videos on Facebook and X (@ksdehq) of the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year team members as they describe who have been the greatest influences on their journeys as teachers.

Mandated reporting video

available on YouTube

KSDE is aware the previous link to the video describing updates to mandated reporting requirements wasn't working. The video is now available on YouTube.

The video outlines the recent updates that clarify expectations for recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, ensuring professionals and community members can respond quickly and appropriately when concerns arise. The following areas are covered in the video:

• Differences between safety, risk, and danger
• Who is required to report
• How abuse, neglect, and poverty are defined

Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov, or Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, with questions.

Templates for discipline data and

ESI documentation available

With the rollover to the new website, KSDE is aware of two data collection templates not loading. As this gets resolved, they have been attached here for your convenience.

Discipline Data Collection template: discipline data for 2025-26 is due by June 30.

ESI Data template: ESI data from Dec. 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, is due June 10.

Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-6937, or Brian Dempsey, brian.dempsey@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-5522.

Final reminder for May 1 Intermediate ASQ training; other upcoming trainings

KSDE and the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) will host “Using ASQ to Engage Families and Support Learning (Intermediate ASQ)” on Friday, May 1, from 1- 2:30 p.m. and on Friday, July 31, from 9-10:30 a.m.

KSDE and KPIRC will also host “Introduction to the ASQ” on Friday, Aug. 7, from 1- 3 p.m.

The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2) are widely used developmental screening tools. All Kansas schools are required to partner with families to complete the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 for incoming kindergarten students, and many other early childhood professionals use the ASQ as well. See the Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot Fact Sheet for additional information.

Contact Amanda Petersen, Amanda.Petersen@ksde.gov; Stacy Clarke, Stacy.Clarke@ksde.gov; or Natalie McClane, Natalie.McClane@ksde.gov, with ASQ questions.

EdReports to host May 5 webinar describing new reviews of Pre-K instructional materials

EdReports will host a webinar at 12:30 p.m., on May 5, to provide an introduction to the new reviews of Pre-K instructional materials for Creative Curriculum Frog Street and Every Child Ready. 

Click here to register for the May 5 webinar when presenters will share an overview of the review process, share key findings from the first set of reviews, and offer guidance on how to interpret and use the findings in context. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how the reviews can inform, but not replace, locally driven decisions about curriculum, adoption, and implementation.

The KSDE Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program Requirements and the Kansas Prekindergarten Guide both provide additional guidance, and the KSDE Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 27-29, will include sessions focused on instructional materials selection, including for Pre-K.

Contact Natalie McClane, Natalie.McClane@ksde.gov, with questions.

Final reminder: School Nutrition Program

CEP training set for May 5

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness team is hosting a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) virtual training at 2 p.m., on May 5. The CEP is a non-pricing meal service option for schools in low-income areas.

Training topics include the following: 

• An overview of CEP 
• Requirements to operate 
• How to determine whether sites qualify 
• Frequently asked questions  

Go to https://cnw.ksde.gov under Training, CNW Calendar for the training link.

Contact KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness, (785) 296-2276, with questions. 

Reminder: FFVP application due May 29

The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) application for the 2026-27 school year is due May 29.

Participation in the FFVP is limited to elementary schools, with priority given to schools with the highest percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price school meals. This program provides all children in participating elementary schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school year.

The application can be found at https://cnw.ksde.gov under SNP, SNP What’s New.

Schools selected to participate will be notified this summer and will be reimbursed for their documented expenses every month.

Contact CNW@ksde.gov or (785) 296-2276 with questions.

K-State Extension professionals attended a Farm to Plate workshop on April 24, in Hays. (Photo submitted by Eryn Davis, KSDE)

Farm to Plate workshop held for

K-State Extension professionals in Hays

By Eryn Davis, director of KSDE CNW Farm to Plate program

KSDE CNW and the K-State Extension Community Food Systems team hosted a Farm to Plate workshop on April 24, to provide information to K-State Extension professionals regarding Farm to Plate and Child Nutrition Programs (CNP).

The workshop, in Hays, provided an overview of Farm to Plate programs, strategies for local food procurement, connections with agricultural education and school gardens, Farm to Plate guides and resources, and coaching materials to use when working with schools on Farm to Plate activities.

Participants received a detailed list of CNP operators in their counties including information on current activity with local food procurement and agricultural education. K-State Extension agents present had focus areas in youth development, 4-H, agriculture, family and consumer sciences and natural resources.

Contact Eryn Davis, eryn.davis@ksde.gov, with questions about the Farm to Plate program.

Registration open for 2026 KSDE

SETS Leadership Conference, June 23–25

The 2026 KSDE Special Education and Titles Services Conference, June 23-25, is designed for Kansas educational leaders overseeing special education, school improvement, ESEA programs, and early childhood.

The latest policy updates and practical strategies for improving district educational services will be provided. 

Register here for the conference that will be at the Hyatt Regency, in Wichita.

Contact Brad Schwartz, blschwartz@pittstate.edu, with questions.

Fine arts educator summer

workshops offered

KSDE is offering professional development workshops for any teacher interested in arts integration and any teacher teaching music, theatre, art or media arts classes.

These workshops are designed to address high quality, standards aligned instruction, providing engaging, interactive learning.

May 26-27: Exploring Music in Early Childhood: A Teacher Workshop, in Lawrence.

June 2 – 3: Teaching Theatre Techniques: Applying Classic and Innovative Techniques for Strengthening Belonging, in Manhattan.

June 4 – 5: African Drumming Workshop, in Manhattan.

June 8 – 9: Media Arts: a Growing, Ever-Changing form of Artistic Expression, in Shawnee.

June 11 - 12: Discovering the Conceptual Integration of Art, Math, and Science, in Manhattan.

Contact Joyce Huser, joyce.huser@ksde.gov, with questions.

Reminder: Schedule available for

2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference

The schedule is now available for the 2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 27-29, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center, in Wichita. 

Registration is also open for this event and hotel reservations can be made here. 

Contact Kelli Byrne, kelli.byrne@ksde.gov, with registration questions. Contact Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov, with all other questions.

Kansas Technical Assistance System Network  training opportunities

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) provides evidence-based professional learning and technical assistance, grounded in the federal requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

• View upcoming professional learning opportunities on the TASN events calendar. 
• Learn more about TASN projects. 

Contact Michele Hayes, mrhayes@pittstate.edu, with questions. 

May

1: Using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) to Engage Families and Support Learning (Intermediate ASQ), virtual, 1- 2:30 p.m. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov. 

1: Deadline to submit mentors/mentees/assignments for stipend requests. Contact: Leslie Bruton, leslie.bruton@ksde.gov, (785) 296-8011.

1: Deadline to update Special Education Categorical Aid Personnel Report. Contact: Evelyn Alden, evelyn.alden@ksde.gov, (785) 296-3868.

1: Request June federal funds (Form 240) if funds available opens; closes May 20. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020.

1: Foundations for School Success End of Year Survey for Kansas Preschool Pilot opens; closes May 30. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov, (785) 296-5081.

1: IDEA application for funds: Title VI-B Flow Through Part 1, funds for 2025-26 school year opens; closes June 6. Contact: Dean Zajic, dean.zajic@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2425.

2: Kansans Can Star Recognition Program applications close. Contact: Myron Melton, myron.melton@ksde.gov, (785) 296-8110.

5: Introduction of EdReports’ new reviews of Pre-K instructional materials, virtual, 12:30 p.m. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov.  

6: KIDS Collection EOYA – End of Year Accountability opens; closes June 30. Contact: KSDE Helpdesk, (785) 296-7935.

8: ESEA program administrator webinar series, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Click here to register: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/T0xWJA.  Contact: Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, (785) 296-6714.

9: Deadline to submit Special Education Transportation Claim Form (Form 308). Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973.

11: Kansas Parents as Teachers Final Expenditures claim form open; closes May 22. Contact Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020.

12: Juvenile Detention Center final expenditures submission window open; closes May 23. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020.

12: Kansas Parents as Teachers final expenditures claim form opens; closes May 23. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020.

12-13: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, Topeka. Click here for agenda and meeting materials.

15: CTE Pathways Student Data Management window opens; closes Aug. 15. Contact: Pathways Helpdesk, (785) 296-4908.

19: Professional development final expenditures claim form opens; closes June 2. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020.

24: KIDS Collection TASC (Teacher and Student Connection) data submission closes. Contact: KSDE Helpdesk, (785) 296-7935. 

28: ESEA Title IA monthly office hour, 9 – 10 a.m. Register here: ESEA Title IA May Office Hours. Contact: Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov.

31: Deadline to submit 2026-27 application for Body Venture exhibit: https://cnw.ksde.gov > SNP > SNP What’s New. Contact: Child Nutrition and Wellness team, cnw@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2276. 

June

1: Applications are due for the next Kansas Registered Teacher Apprentice Program cohort. Contact: Joel Gillaspie, joel.gillaspie@ksde.gov, or Aysha Satterlee, aysha.satterlee@ksde.gov.

3-5: Kansas School Transportation Safety Conference and State Driving Competition, DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport. Driving competition is June 3, in Maize. Click https://www.kspta.net for conference information and registration.

9-10: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, Topeka. Click here for agenda and meeting materials.

29-30: 2026 BOOST Summit, Emporia State University. Register here. Contact: Cris Seidel, crisseidel@educatekansas.org.

July

14: Deadline to register for 2026 Great Ideas in Education conference, Wichita. Contact Kelli Byrne, kelli.byrne@ksde.gov, with registration questions.

27-29: 2026 Great Ideas in Education conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center, 400 W. Waterman, Wichita. Contact: Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov.

31: Using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) to Engage Families and Support Learning (Intermediate ASQ), virtual, 9- 10:30 p.m. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov.  

August

7: Introduction to the ASQ, virtual, 1 – 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov.