Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 | Issue 155

In This Week's Edition

Feature Stories

Reporting and Operations

Standards and Instruction

Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition

Feature Stories

State Board to receive

state assessment score reports

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will hear reports on the 2025 spring assessments during their monthly meeting, Sept. 9-10, in Topeka.

In August, board members approved new cut scores for the 2025 spring assessments for English language arts, math and science for third through eighth grade and 10th grade students.

The cut scores, set by more than 140 Kansas educators in June, align with the new assessment level descriptors (ALDs) the State Board approved in May.

U.S. Department of Education announces end to National Blue Ribbon Schools program

The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to all state education chiefs this week, announcing the end to the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.

In the letter , a department spokesperson said state education leaders are “best positioned to recognize excellence in local schools based on educational achievements that align with their communities’ priorities for academic accomplishment and improvement.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created in 1982 by U.S. Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell. Click here to see the Kansas schools that have earned the Blue Ribbon distinction since 1983.

Coming Soon: KSDE Insight Podcast - Raising Readers: What every parent should know

Every parent wants their child to be a confident reader. But what really helps children learn to read?

In an upcoming episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson talks with literacy experts about the Science of Reading, the research that explains how the brain learns to read and why it matters for your child.

"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!

Reporting and Operations

Updated checklist available for

school districts' annual KSDE audit

KSDE's "Checklist for School Districts' Annual KSDE Audit" has been updated for the 2025-26 school year. This checklist clearly identifies documentation required for the district audit, including a list of items to upload in advance. It is located under the “Audit Guides” section of the Fiscal Auditing webpage.

Laurel Murdie, KSDE’s director of fiscal auditing, is highlighting the checklist content during each of the Counting KIDS workshops now through Sept. 12.

KSDE teacher licensure provides

update for mentoring stipend

Mentoring continues to be a licensure requirement for initial license upgrade in Kansas. However, systems are not required to enter mentors for stipend reimbursement requests this year. The Kansas legislature did not provide funding for the mentor stipend program for the 2025-26 school year.

Contact Leslie Bruton, Leslie.bruton@ksde.gov, with questions.

Civic Advocacy Network applications resubmission deadline is Sept. 30

KSDE recently experienced an unexpected technical issue that resulted in the loss of Civic Advocacy Network applications submitted earlier this year.

While the files cannot be recovered, we are committed to moving forward in a way that is fair to all applicants. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and partnership.

Standards and Instruction

Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot

window closes Sept. 22

By Amanda Petersen, director, KSDE early childhood

The beginning of each school year creates new opportunities to build relationships with students and families. To advance kindergarten readiness, all Kansas elementary schools are required to partner with families of incoming kindergarten students to collect kindergarten-entry data using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ-3) and the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®: Social-Emotional, Second Edition (ASQ:SE-2).

Reminder: Curriculum leaders

2025-26 meetings announced

Curriculum leaders will meet at the following locations during the 2025-26 school year:

Sept. 26: Bishop Professional Development Center, 3601 S.W. 31st, in Topeka. Register here by Sept. 17.
Nov. 21: Fort Hays State University, Memorial Union, in Hays.
Jan. 30: Bishop Professional Development Center, 3601 S.W. 31st, in Topeka.
April 17: Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, 1155 W. Academy Ave., in Maize.

All meetings will begin at 9 a.m. with the Kansas Instructional Leaders Association and end by 3 p.m. The registration fee is $25 which includes lunch.

Contact Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov, with questions.

Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition

Reminder: 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

nomination application is open; closes Nov. 7

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is accepting nominations for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Every school district is encouraged to nominate one exemplary elementary classroom teacher and one exemplary secondary classroom teacher for this prestigious award.

Not only does participating in this program demonstrate that your district values exceptional teaching, but you will also be providing critical professional development opportunities for your nominees. Participants say year after year this program is life-changing and has made them better teachers.

Kansas Volunteer Commission hosts

Civic Engagement Conference, Nov. 4-5

By Jessica Dorsey, director, Kansas Volunteer Commission

The Kansas Volunteer Commission is excited to announce the 2025 Civic Engagement Conference, to be held on Nov. 4-5 at Washburn University’s Memorial Union. Each day of the conference will function as its own standalone event, but we encourage participants to attend both days for maximum impact.

The conference will bring together individuals, schools and communities to learn, share and network. The theme of the conference is “Empowering Kansans through Civic Engagement.”

Reminder: Deadline to register for higher education program reviewer

virtual training is Sept. 15

KSDE is hosting higher education program reviewer training in October with two virtual options.

Higher education institutions must have approved programs for all areas for which they make licensing recommendations so these program reviews are vital to maintaining strong educator preparation in Kansas.

Attendees’ school districts can be reimbursed for substitutes if needed.

Reminder: Third grade students invited to virtual mock trial on Sept. 17 to celebrate Constitution Day

Olathe USD 233 and Judge Robert J. Wonnell of the Kansas 10th Judicial Court in Olathe invite all Kansas third grade students to participate in a nationwide virtual live mock trial at 10:30 a.m., on Sept. 17, to celebrate Constitution Day.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch will be a guest at this event.

Click here to watch a video featuring Judge Wonnell and Lynne Sheffield, a third grade teacher at USD 233’s Forest View Elementary, who describe how the mock trial will further their understanding of the U.S. Constitution’s core tenets.

Reminder: CDL proxy testing and ELDT theory training offered in Goddard

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and instruction will be available for school transportation professionals Sept. 22-23, in Goddard. Attendance is required for both days.

The event, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day, will be in Goddard USD 265’s Challenger Intermediate School team room, 325 N. Walnut, in Goddard. The cost is $25 (checks payable to Goddard USD 265 and includes drinks, snacks, and lunch both days.

Reminder: Registration open for

Parent Leadership Conference on Sept. 19

Join parents from across Kansas for this one-day conference in September of learning, connection and inspiration. Participants will spend the day connecting and learning from one another.

Breakout sessions will focus on parental rights in special education, challenging behaviors, creating positive childhood experiences, supporting the mental health and substance abuse of parents, fatherhood, the dangers of social media, and many more.

Reminder: Online interactive webinar in October to focus on screentime

and young children

The Kansas Local Interagency Coordinating Council Fall Retreat is a free, virtual opportunity appropriate for all early educators and families. This year’s retreat is titled, “Screen Time and Young Minds: What’s the Real Impact – And What Can We Do Instead?”

Young artists create messages of hope for Suicide Prevention Month

By Danedri Herbert, Office of the Kansas Attorney General

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, fostering hope, and promoting action to prevent suicide and support those affected by it. Suicide remains a leading cause of death in Kansas and across the United States.

Every conversation, act of kindness, and connection can make a difference. Through awareness, education, and support, we can work together to save lives.

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

As part of the KSDE partnership with Renaissance, districts can now schedule virtual sessions at no cost covering FastBridge topics of their choosing. These are one-hour sessions and must be held prior to December 31, 2025. These sessions will be open to other districts as well.

To sign up, go to the Professional Learning Survey, respond to questions 1 and 6, and Jeff Lancial, the customer success manager for Kansas, will contact you.

Renaissance Learning is also offering FastBridge virtual trainings for Kansas educators in September.

Calendar

September

5: ESEA program meeting, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., The Foundry, 400 S.W. 33rd Street, in Topeka. Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/events/GqGgqw. Contact Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-6714, with questions.

5: KESA 2.0 information sessions (repeat of spring session information), in-person, Greenbush South, in Girard. Free and no registration is required. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana, Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov, with questions.

8: KESA 2.0 virtual monthly update, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Join the meeting here. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana, Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov, with questions.

9: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Hutchinson USD 308, Hutchinson CTE Academy, 800 15th Circle, in Hutchinson. Register here by Sept. 3. Contact Fiscal Auditing, 785-296-4976 or auditing@ksde.gov with questions.

9: Secondary transition webinar, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registration required. Contact Stacie Martin, Stacie.Martin@ksde.gov, with questions.

9-10: Kansas State Board of Education monthly meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials.

10: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush South), 947 W. 47 Highway, in Girard. Register here by Sept. 5. Contact Fiscal Auditing, 785-296-4976 or auditing@ksde.gov with questions.

12: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Hiawatha USD 415, Hiawatha High School auditorium, 600 Red Hawk Drive, in Hiawatha. Register here by Sept. 8.

Contact Fiscal Auditing, 785-296-4976 or auditing@ksde.gov with questions.

12: ESEA program administrator webinar series, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/events/gvXHng. Contact Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-6714, 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.