Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 | Issue 212

Carrie Phelps, top right, has been a Goddard USD 265 police officer for the past 10 years and currently serves as the district's assistant chief of police. She's pictured here talking with a family at a recent Touch-A-Truck event. (Photo submitted by Carrie Phelps, Goddard USD 265.)

America’s Safe Schools Week:

Safe schools in Kansas depend on partnerships, communication 

Keeping school buildings secure is a priority for every school community. However, several Kansas school safety professionals agree strong communication and relationships are just as important as physical security measures in keeping students and staff safe. 

“At Wichita Public Schools, we invest in building features and systems that enhance safety, while also emphasizing the daily interactions between staff and students,” said Terri Moses, division director of safety and environmental services for Wichita USD 259. “Effective safety depends on both physical safeguards, such as secured entries, and trusted adults who recognize concerns early and help students feel connected and supported.” 

Read more about what Kansas districts are doing to foster relationships and communication to keep their school communities safe.

Ryan Lamar, top right, is a former Goddard Police Department officer who has been on the Goddard USD 265 police staff since 2021. He's pictured here filling in with a fourth grade class until a substitute teacher could arrive. (Photo submitted by Carrie Phelps, Goddard USD 265.)

KSDE 2025-26 draft annual report,

“What Matters Most,”

available for viewing 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has released, “What Matters Most,” the 2025-26 annual draft report that outlines the Kansas State Board of Education’s and KSDE’s shared vision for high-quality instruction. The document also outlines how the school improvement model is strengthening the connection between accountability and targeted supports for schools.

Notable data points in the 2025-26 draft annual report:



• Overall progress was seen in the 2026 state English language arts and math assessment scores from the previous year.
• Chronic absenteeism decreased again to 17.8%, a drop of 1.7 percentage points from the 2024-25 to 2025-26 school years, and down from a high of 24.5% in 2021-2022 during the COVID years.
• The number of teacher vacancies decreased by 28% from 2,204 in the spring of 2025 to 1,588 during the spring of 2026.
• As of September 30, 2026, 14,851 Seals of Literacy have been added to educators’ licenses while more teachers and administrators are completing structured literacy training.

The full draft report can be accessed here: https://www.ksde.gov/data-and-reporting/annual-report. This document will be updated when the 2025-26 graduation rate and other data are finalized by the end of the calendar year.

Contact Denise Kahler, denise.kahler@ksde.gov, with questions.

Final reminder: Public input open for

teacher licensure standards until Oct. 24  

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 Saturday, 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.  

October virtual KESA update, materials

available for viewing 

The recording of the Oct. 12 virtual KESA update is available for viewing. 

The information shared during the October update dove into implementation science and the new Implementation Guidance for School Systems with partners RMC Research and Mathematica. Click on the images to the right to access the materials. 

The next KESA monthly update will be 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., on Nov. 9.

Contact Jay Scott, jay.scott@ksde.gov, with questions.  

ICYMI: KSDE reading specialist

professional learning community available

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. 

Reminder: Special education maintenance of effort and excess cost office hours offered beginning Oct. 27

Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and member districts are invited to attend virtual special education maintenance of effort and excess cost office hours beginning Oct. 27.   

Attendance is not required, but participation is strongly encouraged. These sessions are designed to provide guidance, answer questions and offer support.    

Click here for more information and to register for individual dates or all office hours.  

Contact Helen Swanson, helen.swanson@ksde.gov, with questions.   

Reminder: FY2026 equipment assistance grant applications due Nov. 13 

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.  

Balanced assessment system focus of

Nov. 20 curriculum leaders meeting 

The November curriculum leaders meeting will focus on a balanced assessment system, one of the Four Fundamentals of the school improvement model. This session will be 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Nov. 20, at the Bishop Education Center, 3601 S.W. 31st Street, in Topeka. 

Assessment is more than a test or a score—it’s a system for gathering information, understanding where students are in their learning, and using that information to determine what comes next.  

Attendees will dig into what a balanced assessment system looks like in practice and how the different pieces work together to support teaching, learning and data-driven decisions. There will also be timely KSDE updates, practical resources to take back to your district and plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate with curriculum leaders from across Kansas. 

The KSDE teaching and learning team looks forward to seeing curriculum leaders from across the state as we continue supporting high-quality teaching and learning for all students. 

Registration closes Nov. 6. Note: Refunds cannot be issued after registration closes. If your plans change, cancellations must be received on or before Nov. 6. 

Contact Jennifer Hamlet, Jennifer.Hamlet@ksde.gov, with questions or additional information. 

Observation Coaching Tools

materials and training videos available 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has created Observation Coaching Tools to support districts as they work to strengthen the quality of instruction in classrooms across the state. 

These tools are designed to make the instructional vision for each content area visible in daily practice by translating each vision’s focus areas into clear, observable indicators of high-quality teaching and learning. 

Each content’s observation coaching tool is aligned to its respective content-area vision statement and reflects KSDE’s expectations for rigorous, standards-aligned instruction. These tools are intended to support teachers in developing a shared understanding of effective instructional practices and to support school and district leaders as they engage in observation, feedback, and coaching conversations. 

NOTE: The Observation Coaching Tools provided below are not evaluative in any way and should not be used for formal teacher evaluation.  

• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool for K-2 ELA_ Foundational Skills.pdf 
• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool for K-2 ELA_ Knowledge (2).pdf 
• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool for 3-12 ELA (No Notes).pdf 
• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool for 3-12 ELA (2).pdf 
• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool for Math (1).pdf 
• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool for Science.pdf 
• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool Science (No Notes).pdf 
• KSDE Observation Coaching Tool.pdf 
• Observation Coaching Tool Guidance.pdf 

The following training videos are available to help educators, instructional coaches, and administrators understand the purpose and intended use of the Observation Coaching Tools:  

• Overview of KSDE's Observation Coaching Tools Training 
• K-2 Foundational Skills Observation Coaching Tool Training 
• K-2 ELA (Knowledge) Observation Coaching Tool Training 
• 3-12 ELA Observation Coaching Tool Training 
• Science Observation Coaching Tool Training 
• Math Observation Coaching Tool Training  

Contact Jennifer Hamlet, assistant director of KSDE teaching and learning, Jennifer.Hamlet@ksde.gov, with questions. 

KSDE teaching and learning team offers professional learning opportunities 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is offering free professional learning to support educators across all school systems across the state.

This professional learning may include resources, in-person or virtual training and other learning opportunities designed to strengthen instructional practices and support student success. 

If you are seeking professional learning support in one content area, contact the appropriate KSDE team member listed below: 

• English Language Arts: Mary Lonker, Mary.Lonker@ksde.gov  
• Science: Stephanie Alderman-Oler, Stephanie.Alderman-Oler@ksde.gov  
• Fine Arts: Joyce Huser, Joyce.Huser@ksde.gov  
• Mathematics: Jennifer Hamlet, Jennifer.Hamlet@ksde.gov  
• Computer Science: Stephen King, Stephen.King@ksde.gov  
• Structured Literacy/Dyslexia: Dr. Laurie Curtis, Laurie.Curtis@ksde.gov  
• School Counseling/PE/Health: Jennifer Hamlet, Jennifer.Hamlet@ksde.gov  
• English Learners: Emily Scott, Emily.Scott@ksde.gov  
• History, Government, Social Studies/Library and Information Literacy/World Languages/Financial Literacy/Indigenous Education: Adam Topliff, Adam.Topliff@ksde.gov  

If your professional learning needs involve multiple content areas, contact Jennifer Hamlet, assistant director of KSDE teaching and learning, Jennifer.Hamlet@ksde.gov, to coordinate support across the appropriate areas. 

Reminder: EIPA workshop for

Strategies for Deaf-Plus Students

offered on Nov. 14 

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. 

Final reminder: “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.

Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-3953, with questions. 

Reminder: 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: 

• Dec. 1: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Girard. Register here. 
• Dec. 3: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lawrence. Register here. 
• Dec. 10: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Hutchinson. Register here. 
• Dec. 11: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Hutchinson. Register here. 
• Jan. 22: Southwest Plains, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sublette. Register here. 

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

ICYMI: PAX Kansas online trainings

offered at no cost in November

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is providing training and materials in November 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: 

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).

• View a list of Upcoming KSDE TASN events 
• Learn more about KSDE TASN projects

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

KSDE School Finance interest letter

provides important dates,

reporting requirements 

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.

October

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

27: Special education Maintenance of Effort and Excess Cost office hours. Click here for more information and to register for individual dates or all office hours. Contact: Helen Swanson, helen.swanson@ksde.gov. 

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

30: 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

2: Request December federal funds (Form 240), if funds available, opens; closes Nov. 15. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020

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: Request for state foundation aid for December opens (all USDs); closes Nov. 13. Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973

9: KESA monthly update, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., virtual. Join the Zoom session here. Contact: Jay Scott, jay.scott@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. 

13: USDA FY2026 Child Nutrition Equipment Assistance grant application due. Contact: Eryn Davis, eryn.davis@ksde.gov

14: EIPA video conference workshop, “Strategies for Deaf-Plus Students,” virtual, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Register here. Contact: Jessica Askew, jessica.askew@ksde.gov

14: IDEA Maintenance of Effort and Excess Cost Report (all USDs) opens; closes Jan. 14. Contact: Helen Swanson, helen.swanson@ksde.gov, (785) 296-1712

15: Accreditation licensure waiver (Form 16) first semester applications due. Contact: Shane Carter, shane.carter@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2289

15: Career (CTE) pathway programs of study application and maintenance opens; closes March 1. Contact: Pathways Helpdesk (785) 296-4908

15: Mill rate by fund submission for all USDs opens; closes Dec. 15. Contact: Marcia Ricklefs, marcia.ricklefs@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4209

15: Prior year EOY MIS collection data finalized. Contact Mason Vosburgh, mason.vosburgh@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4945

16: Kansas Preschool Pilot grant request for proposals opens; closes Jan. 15. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov, (785) 296-5081

17: Juvenile detention center application due (select LEAs) opens; closes Dec. 1. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020

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