Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 | Issue 211 | | |
State Board receives 2026 state
assessment data during October meeting
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Members of the Kansas State Board of Education learned this week the state is making progress on its goal to reduce the number of students scoring in Level 1 on the English language arts (ELA) and math spring assessments.
From 2025 to 2026, all Kansas students in grades 3-8 and 10th grade taking the ELA assessment had a 1.0 percentage point decrease in Level 1, the level showing a limited ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards. There was a 1.46 percentage point increase in the number of all Kansas students scoring at proficient and advanced Levels 3 and 4 on the ELA state assessment from 2025 to 2026.
Math scores from 2025 to 2026 showed all Kansas students in grades 3-8 and 10th grade taking the state math assessment had a 1.8 percentage point decrease in Level 1 while students scoring at proficient and advanced Levels 3 and 4 had a 2.27 percentage point increase in their math scores.
Read more about what the State Board addressed during their October meeting.
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Dr. Zach Conrad, KSDE deputy commissioner for the division of accountability and information technology, presented the 2026 English language arts and math state assessment results to the State Board on
Oct. 13.
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Final reminder: Deadline to submit
dyslexia screener data is Oct. 16
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The fall universal dyslexia screener reporting window is currently open. KSDE understands due to issues with student information systems and the transition to the Kansas Education Data System (KEDS), some districts will not be able to meet the original deadline of submitting screener data by Oct. 10.
KSDE has extended this deadline to Friday, Oct.16. This does not change the testing window but does extend the deadline to report the data.
While KEDS is the recommended reporting system for this data, KSDE realizes some districts may not have all of their universal dyslexia screener data uploaded into their system. To accommodate districts in this situation, KSDE is also going to accept these scores via manual upload.
If you are interested in submitting your data using this method, complete the Excel template and submit to datasubmission@ksde.gov prior to the Friday, Oct. 16 deadline.
NOTE: The 2026 Kansas Dyslexia Handbook can be found on the KSDE website for all systems to use for guidance at kansas-dyslexia-handbook-(2025).pdf
Contact datasubmission@ksde.gov with questions.
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ICYMI: 2026-27 pictorial directory of
superintendents now available
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The 2026-27 pictorial directory for Kansas USD superintendents can be accessed by going to www.ksde.gov, click on “Data & Reporting” and then click on “Directories,” or clicking on the document to the right.
If a superintendent change occurs during the school year, contact Jen Ashley, jen.ashley@ksde.gov, or Cheryl Franklin, cheryl.franklin@ksde.gov, for updates to the pictorial directory.
The 2026-27 Kansas Educational Directory is still in the process of getting updated. Current school year data is being collected from schools in the Principal’s Building Report and S066. This directory will be posted on the KSDE website in late November/early December.
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Reminder: Public input requested for
teacher licensure standards
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The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is inviting the public to share feedback on proposed updates to the standards used to guide educator licensure programs in Kansas.
The public comment period is open until Oct. 24.
These standards help ensure future teachers, school specialists, and school leaders are well-prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in Kansas schools.
The updates were developed by committees of subject matter experts, in both higher education and PreK-12 grade educators, who reviewed national standards, current research and input from professional organizations.
The Building and District Leadership Educator Preparation Standards can be found here: Public Review/Comment for Kansas Educator Licensure Program Standards.
Contact TLALicense@ksde.gov with questions.
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Reminder: Reviewers needed for
educator preparation programs
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The Kansas State Department of Education is seeking KSDE-trained program reviewers to review several educator preparation programs this fall.
Higher education institutions must have approved programs for all areas for which they wish to make licensing recommendations, so these reviews are vital to maintaining strong educator preparation in Kansas.
More information about what volunteers will do and a survey asking what programs they are willing to review can be accessed here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCZTLCY
KSDE deeply appreciates the time and expertise of reviewers and encourages that time spent on reviews be recognized as professional development service to the profession.
Contact Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov, with questions.
| | Standards and Instruction | | |
KSDE reading specialist
professional learning community available
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KSDE has a Kansas reading specialist professional learning community (PLC) for any reading specialist working in our KSDE-accredited schools and is welcoming new members.
This PLC meets virtually, 4-5 p.m., via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Contact Dr. Laurie Curtis, KSDE assistant director of teaching and learning for literacy, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, to join the PLC or have questions.
| | Special education maintenance of effort and excess cost office hours offered | | Student Health and Nutrition | |
Reminder: KSDE receives FY2026
equipment assistance grant
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The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has been awarded the USDA FY2026 Child Nutrition Equipment Assistance grant. KSDE has $183,851 available for competitive grants.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) sponsors may apply to obtain new equipment or to renovate or replace existing equipment by going to the CNW website under SNP and then clicking on What’s New. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 13.
Contact Eryn Davis, eryn.davis@ksde.gov, with questions.
| | Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition | | Reminder: Registration open for curriculum leaders meeting on Nov. 20 | | |
EIPA workshop for Strategies for
Deaf-Plus Students offered on Nov. 14
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Registration is open for the EIPA video conference workshop, “Strategies for Deaf-Plus Students,” 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Nov. 14.
Topics for the virtual session include interpreter role clarity, visual and linguistic supports, pacing, cognitive load, collaboration within IEP teams, and decision-making that promotes access, dignity, and student autonomy.
NOTE: The $75 registration fee will be covered by the KSDE special education team if participants register by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.
Step 1: Enroll and apply to attend. Participants will go to TASN Events | KSDE TASN and select "Register for this Event." Follow the prompts to enroll as a “Kansas” participant. If this is your first time participating, click on Sign up and create an account. Within a short period of time, you should receive an email from accounts@ksdetasn.gov confirming the successful account set up.
Step 2: Monitor your email. Verified Kansas workshop participants will receive an email from Jessica Askew, jessica.askew@ksde.gov. This email contains the vital information you will need to register with Boys Town and be able attend the workshop free of charge.
Step 3: You must then register with Boys Town. Follow the prompts and instructions contained within Jessica Askew’s email referenced in Step 2. Doing so will grant access to the EIPA workshop registration website in the form of a link and code to waive the registration fee. Next, the Boys Town EIPA training center will send instructions on how to access the online training platform shortly before the Nov. 14 workshop.
Contact Jessica Askew, jessica.askew@ksde.gov, with questions.
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Kansas higher education institutions recognized for continuous improvement
in educator preparation
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The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) recently awarded 2026 Murray Leadership Recognition to Bethel College, in North Newton, and MidAmerica Nazarene University, in Olathe.
This recognition is awarded to educator preparation providers (EPPs) who achieved accreditation with no stipulations or areas for improvement by demonstrating strong evidence and data trends.
Previous Kansas recipients of this award are the following:
- Fort Hays State University, 2025
- Kansas State University, 2024
- University of Kansas, 2022
Contact Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov, with questions.
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ICYMI: Fort Hays State University Noyce scholarships available for science and
mathematics teacher candidates
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Fort Hays State University has created a post-baccalaureate program to increase the number of secondary science teachers to meet the demands of rural school districts.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Scholarship is a competitive award program for individuals with a bachelor's degree in science or mathematics who are considering a teaching career.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Students teach in a rural school district.
- Complete two years of teaching in a high-needs rural district within four years of program completion.
Contact Paul Adams, dean of the FHSU College of Education, padams@fhsu.edu, with questions.
| | “Screen Time and Young Minds” presentation part of LICC virtual retreat on Oct. 23 | | |
The presentation, “Screen Time and Young Minds: What's the Real Impact - And What Can We Do Instead? Part 2,” will be part of the Local Interagency Coordinating Councils (LICC) virtual fall retreat, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Oct. 23.
Register here for this presentation targeted to providers and teachers of children birth to age 5 and their families, but open to everyone who wants to learn about the screen time effects on infants and kindergarteners.
Angie Neal, a speech language pathologist, will review the impacts of screen time on developing brains, offer ways to mitigate the effects, and discuss how to have conversations about screen time with families.
Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-3953, with questions.
| | Save-the-date: Kinders Can! conferences slated for December, January | | |
Emotional regulation, rigor and diversity will be celebrated during the Kinders Can! conferences slated for December and January.
Mark your calendars for these events created for Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade teachers that will be at the following locations:
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Dec. 1: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Girard. Register here.
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Dec. 3: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lawrence. Register here.
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Dec. 10: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Hutchinson. Register here.
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Dec. 11: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Hutchinson. Register here.
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Jan. 22: Southwest Plains, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sublette. Register here.
Contact Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov, with questions.
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Reminder: Kansas Office of
Early Childhood to host virtual sessions on
changes to child care regulations
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The Kansas Office of Early Childhood Child Care (KOEC) Licensing team is hosting a virtual session to provide a comprehensive overview of child care regulatory changes.
The team will provide guidance to help ensure a clear understanding of the requirements and answer questions.
The “Out of School Time” webinar will be 6 - 7 p.m., on Oct. 20. Register here.
Contact the KOEC child care licensing office at (785) 296-1270 with questions.
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Reminder: School Bus Safety Week
is Oct. 19-23
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Kansas school administrators and staff are encouraged to raise awareness, share important safety messages and celebrate your professionals who safely transport Kansas students each and every day during School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23.
All Kansas school districts and transportation providers are asked to select one school day between Oct. 19 - 23, when your school buses are operating. Have school bus drivers record all observed stop arm violations occurring while students are loading or unloading from the school bus.
Complete and submit your data using the Stop Arm Violation Data Collection Survey. Districts are asked to submit the survey even if no violations are observed on the selected day.
Contact Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov, with questions.
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Reminder: Safe Schools Week
is Oct. 19 – 23
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ICYMI: Kansas Reads to
Preschoolers Month slated for November
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“Lightning Bug Jamboree,” is the 2026 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers book, a story featuring rhymes, lightning bug facts and an original song. Written and illustrated by Kansans Stephanie Brinkley and Victoria Mikki, respectively, this is Brinkley’s debut picture book.
Visit the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers webpage for resources to promote “Lightning Bug Jamboree,” during Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Month in November, the annual event that encourages reading to all Kansas children from birth to age five. This special month is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas.
Contact Valarie Lamoreaux, deputy state librarian, Valarie.Lamoreaux@ks.gov, or (785) 296-0393 with questions.
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PAX Kansas online trainings
offered at no cost this fall
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The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is providing training and materials this fall for educators and other school-based liaisons.
Attendees of these virtual sessions will learn practical behavior skills based on trauma-informed, evidence-based strategies for children and older students in school-based settings.
More information and registration for each of the following PAX trainings can be accessed here:
Oct. 22: PAX Tools for Caregivers workshop, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Nov. 2-3: PAX Good Behavior Game for teachers of all grade levels, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 5-6: PAX Good Behavior Game for early childhood professionals working with children ages 3 – 5, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 11-12: PAX Tools for Human Services for social workers and counselors who work with young people as part of their professional practice.
Contact info@paxis.org with questions.
| | Kansas Technical Assistance System Network training opportunities | | |
The Kansas State Department of Education Technical Assistance System Network (KSDE TASN) provides professional learning and technical assistance, in support of the KSDE School Improvement Model and grounded in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Contact Dr. Michele Hayes, mrhayes@pittstate.edu, with questions.
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KSDE School Finance interest letter provides important dates,
reporting requirements
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The KSDE School Finance team provides an updated
interest letter each week to help districts stay informed about key financial timelines and requirements.
This letter includes interest rate information from the Pooled Money Investment Board, state and federal payment schedule reminders, reporting deadlines, legal max notices, budget hearing timelines and other fiscal guidance that support effective financial planning and compliance.
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October
16: Deadline for submitting dyslexia screening data. Contact: datasubmission@ksde.gov
16: Professional development and mentoring program updated contact information due. Contact Ed Kalas, edward.kalas@ksde.gov
16: CDL proxy testing and ELDT theory training, 8 a.m., at Clay County Community High School, 1630 9th Street, in Clay Center. Contact: Mike McCoy, mikemccoy@usd379.org
19: E-Rate training, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in Salina. Register here. Contact: Jenni Marlatt, jenni.marlatt@ksde.gov
19-23: Stop Arm Violation Data Collection survey open during School Bus Safety Week. Contact: Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov
19-23: Safe Schools Week. Contact: John Calvert, john.calvert@ksde.gov, or Ben Thursby, ben.thursby@ksde.gov.
20: Educator preparation program reviewer training, virtual, 9 a.m. – noon. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact: Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov
20: EDCS/LPR Review Day 2 training, 1 – 3 p.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov
20: E-Rate training, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in Hays. Register here. Contact: Jenni Marlatt, jenni.marlatt@ksde.gov
20-21: Commercial driver’s license (CDL) and entry-level driver training (ELDT) theory event, 8 a.m., Clay County Community High School, 1630 9th Street, in Clay Center. Contact: Mike McCoy, mikemccoy@usd379.org
21: School mental health local plan compliance training, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register here for the session in Hays. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov
21: E-Rate training, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in Sublette. *Virtual attendance option available. Register here. Contact: Jenni Marlatt, jenni.marlatt@ksde.gov
22: At-risk plan and application training, 1-2:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov
22: E-Rate training, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in Clearwater. Register here. Contact: Jenni Marlatt, jenni.marlatt@ksde.gov
23: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Textron Aviation Career & Learning Center, in Wichita. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov
23: School mental health local plan compliance training, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register here for the session in Girard. Contact: Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov
23: Kansas State Interagency Coordinating Council’s (SICC) hosts “Screen Time Effects on Infants to Kindergartners,” virtual, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Contact: Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov
23: E-Rate training, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in Girard. Register here. Contact: Jenni Marlatt, jenni.marlatt@ksde.gov
27: Annual test coordinator training, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., Maize Performing Arts and Aquatic Center, in Maize. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040
28: Kansas Civic Engagement Conference, Docking State Office Building, in Topeka. Information and registration available at kanserve.ksde.gov. Contact: volunteer@ksde.gov
28: At-risk plan and application training, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov
28: New test coordinator bootcamp, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Maize Performing Arts and Aquatic Center, in Maize. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040
28: Child and Adult Care Food Program Jump Start training, in Wichita. Contact Pam Rosebaugh, pam.rosebaugh@ksde.gov, to register.
29: School mental health local plan compliance training, 8:30 a.m. – 2: 30 p.m. Register here for the session in Sublette. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov
29: EDCS/LPR Review Day 2 training, 9 – 11 a.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov
30: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., FHSU North Central Tech South Campus, in Hays. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov
30: School mental health local plan compliance training, 8:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. Register here for the session in Hutchinson. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov
31: Dropout/Graduation Summary Report (DGSR) due for all USDs. Contact: DGSR Helpdesk (785) 296-4924
31: At-risk accountability plans due in the authenticated application. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov
November
3: CTE and Perkins coordinator network meeting, virtual, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Access the Zoom link here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov
5: Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) alternate state assessment webinar; DLM® science instruction aligned with the new science Essential Elements (EEs), 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov
6: ESEA programs administrator webinar, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Register here. Contact: Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov
6: 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year application closes. Contact: Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4950
9: Trauma-Responsive School Community facilitator workshop, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Register here. Contact: Ben Faunce, benf@tasnsmhi.org
9: ESOL Innovations conference, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Wichita USD 259’s Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center. Contact: conference@esolinnovations.org
9: EDCS/LPR Review Day 3 training, 1 – 3 p.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov
9-10: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials
10: Secondary Transition Tuesday webinar, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Access the TASN webpage for more information and to register. Contact: Stacie Martin, stacie.martin@ksde.gov
12: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@ksde.gov.
17: EDCS/LPR Review Day 3 training, 9 – 11 a.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov
18: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov
19: Test coordinator webinar, 1 p.m. Join here. Contact Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040
20: Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Register here. Contact: Jennifer Hamlet, jennifer.hamlet@ksde.gov
December
2: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov
8: Secondary Transition Tuesday webinar, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Access the TASN webpage for more information and to register. Contact: Stacie Martin, stacie.martin@ksde.gov
8-9: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials
10: Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) alternate state assessment webinar; WIDA Alternate Access and the History, Government and Social Studies (HGSS) Alternate Rubric and "DLM® fall test window wrap-up - What needs to be finished by Dec. 18?", 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov
11: ESEA programs administrator webinar, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Register here. Contact: Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov
15: CTE and Perkins coordinator network meeting, virtual, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Access the Zoom link here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov
16: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov
17: Test coordinator webinar, 1 p.m. Join here. Contact Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040
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| | Click here to have KSDEweekly sent to your inbox. | | 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. | | | | |
