KSDEweekly: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 | Issue 165

In This Week's Edition

Feature Stories

State Board receives update on federal waiver request to create single accountability system
KSDE Insight Podcast: Stronger Schools, Brighter Futures: How Kansas Improves Student Learning

Standards and Instruction

2025-2026 Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot (ASQ) participation rate data available to review

Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition

Feature Stories

Dr. Renee Nugent, KSDE deputy commissioner of the division of learning services, updated State Board members this week on the federal waiver request regarding supports for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) schools.

State Board receives update on federal waiver request to create single accountability system

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education were updated during their monthly meeting in Topeka this week on the requested federal waiver related to supports and resources for the five- to 10% lowest performing schools in Kansas as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. Renee Nugent, deputy commissioner of the Kansas State Department of Education’s division of learning services, told board members the waiver is to temporarily delay - until the 2028-29 school year - the identification of schools needing Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI).

KSDE Insight Podcast:

Stronger Schools, Brighter Futures:

How Kansas Improves Student Learning

What does “school improvement” really mean, and how does it help your child? In the current episode of KSDE’s Insight Podcast, we explore how Kansas schools are working together to strengthen learning for every student.

You’ll hear how teachers are using the science of reading, aligning lessons to clear standards, and making smarter use of assessment data. It’s all part of Kansas’ effort to create stronger schools and brighter futures.

"Ask the Commissioner" podcast segment answers parents’ questions about education

Have a question about your child’s education? Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson wants to hear from you.

Each month on the KSDE Insight Podcast, Dr. Watson will answer parent questions in his “Ask the Commissioner” segment.

Encourage parents to email their questions to insightpodcast@ksde.gov — and it could be featured in the next episode!

Standards and Instruction

2025-2026 Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot (ASQ) participation rate data

available to review

By Amanda Petersen, director, KSDE early childhood

The first five years of a child’s life are an incredible opportunity to set a positive direction. Strong relationships between families and teachers lay the foundation for a successful school year.

In Kansas, all elementary schools must partner with families to complete the Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot. Collecting information about each child’s development prepares schools, families and children for kindergarten. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ-3) and Ages & Stages Questionnaires®: Social-Emotional, Second Edition (ASQ:SE-2) are questionnaires completed by a child’s parent or caregiver to provide a snapshot of developmental milestones.

Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition

Beginner EDCS training sessions set to

continue in December

School staff members who are new to the Educator Data Collection System will participate in three more training sessions in December. “What is it and why do I have to do it?” on Nov. 13, was the first session in the four-part series.

Dec. 2: Part 2: “My staff is entered, now what?,” 1-3 p.m. Join the Zoom here: https://ksde.zoom.us/j/82473927554. The agenda includes exploring the Staff Data tab:

Find/update staff
Add new staff
Shared staff
Exited staff
Delete data

Save-the-Date: 2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference slated for July 27-29

The 2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference will be July 27-29, at the Hyatt Regency and Century II Convention Center, in Wichita.

Join educators, leaders, and innovators from across Kansas for two and a half days of inspiration, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas in education.

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.

Renaissance provides FastBridge virtual trainings to districts and Kansas educators

There are still available slots as part of the KSDE FastBridge partnership for district-specific

virtual sessions at no charge to the district. These sessions must be held prior to Dec. 31.

Contact Jeff Lancial, jeff.lancial@renaissance.com, to sign up.

Renaissance Learning is also offering the following FastBridge virtual trainings for Kansas educators in November through January:

Calendar

November

14: IDEA Maintenance of Effort and Excess Cost report opens; closes Jan. 14. Contact Dean Zajic at (785) 296-2425 with questions.

14: Early retirement survey due. Contact KSDE school finance, (785) 296-3872, with questions.

15: Window closes for request for December federal funds (Form 240) if funds are available. Contact Amanda Williams, (785) 296-2020, with questions.

15: Accreditation Licensure Waiver (Form 16) first semester applications due. Contact Shane Carter (785) 296-2289.

15: Career (CTE) Pathway Programs of Study - Application & Maintenance opens; closes March 1. Contact Pathways helpdesk at (785) 296-4908 with questions.

15: Mill Rate by Fund submission for all USDs opens; closes Dec. 15. Contact Marcia Ricklefs at (785) 296-4209 with questions.

15: Prior year EOY MIS collection - data is finalized. Contact Mason Vosburgh at (785) 296-4945 with questions.

17: Juvenile Detention Center application opens for select LEAs; closes Dec. 1. Contact Amanda Williams at (785) 296-2020 with questions.

17: Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant Request for Proposals (RFPs) opens; closes Jan. 16. Contact Natalie McClane at (785) 296-5081 with questions.

21: Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fort Hays State University’s Union, Room 228, 700 College Drive, in Hays. Contact Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov, to register. The cost is $25 which includes lunch.

29: Deadline for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grantees to submit claims for Sept. 2025. Contact Arleen Anderson at (785) 296-2276 or arleen.anderson@ksde.gov with questions.

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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 and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: KSDE General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, KSDE, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612, (785) 296-3201.