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Enrollment trends stabilize for most post-secondary institutions
According to the Kansas Board of Regents, there are 7 public four-year universities, 25 independent colleges, and 26 community and technical colleges.
According to the SFSL, Benedictine College is in the greatest danger of closure in Kansas due to recent financial scores and disclosures.
In 2023, the Kansas Reflector reported that public higher education enrollment in Kansas had increased by 2% to serve 168,000 for the fall 2023/24 school year. However, Emporia State University saw a decrease of 12.5%.
The Kansas Board of Regents reported that over ten years (2013-2023), public higher education enrollment has decreased by 9.5 %.
Public four-year institutions with the most significant drop in enrollment from 2013-2023 include:
- Emporia State University (-22.8%)
- Kansas State University (-20.0%)
- Pittsburg State University (-22.5%)
Private independent institutions with the largest drop in enrollment from 2015-2022 include:
- Baker University (-24.11%)
- Barclay College (-40.91%)
- Donnelly College (-21.50%)
Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, told the Reflector that enrollment only paints half a picture, "The rest of the story is what it costs to operate the university. Enrollment numbers hold little significance unless they are compared to expenses. This means enrollment isn't necessarily equal to success."
Incoming freshmen face new graduation requirements
Starting with the class of 2028, Kansas high school students will face new graduation requirements to prepare them for life after graduation. The changes include reducing English Language Arts credits from four to three and a half, with an additional half credit focusing on communication skills through courses like speech, debate, and journalism.
Students must also complete a STEM elective, three science units with a lab component, and three mathematics units.
The Kansas State Department of Education emphasizes employability skills and technological proficiency. Additionally, students must take at least two post-secondary assessments, such as the ACT or SAT, or engage in community service or extracurricular activities. Despite these changes, the total credit requirement remains at 21.
Task force to study whether students should be left to their own devices
The Kansas State Board of Education has formed a task force to address concerns about using cell phones and other devices in classrooms following the widespread adoption of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some districts, like Wichita, have decided to reduce technology use in elementary schools, citing budget constraints and research linking excessive screen time to adverse effects on children's development. While some educators welcome the shift, others worry about effective instruction without digital tools. The board aims to balance technology use and student well-being, considering feedback from educators and parents.
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