Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 | Issue 175 | | |
Feature Stories
Accountability, Accreditation and Assessments
Standards and Instruction
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Student Health and Nutrition
Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition
| | Josie Gage, second row, far left, is a first-year industrial arts teacher in Hodgeman County USD 227, in Jetmore. She's pictured with the seventh-graders in her district who made and customized their own step stools. (Photo submitted by Josie Gage.) | | Support is greatest job satisfaction factor for CTE educators, first-year teacher finds out | | |
As a first-year industrial arts teacher for the 2025-26 school year, Josie Gage wanted to know what areas of her job she needed to make a priority. She also wanted to know what factors her fellow Kansas career and technical education (CTE) colleagues believe lead to the greatest job satisfaction.
Gage, a self-professed over-achiever, decided the best way to find out was to conduct a survey. Of the 120 industrial arts-related educators she sent the survey to, 87 responded and rated five job satisfaction statements and this question:
What elements lead to the most favorable setting for a Kansas CTE/TEE (technology engineering education) educator’s optimal job satisfaction?
Read more...
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Coming Soon: KSDE Insight Podcast –
Career and Technical Education:
What It Really Looks Like Today
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On this month’s episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson talks with education leaders about how Career and Technical Education (CTE) helps students prepare for life after high school.
Dr. Watson’s guests will be Natalie Clark, KSDE assistant director of career, standards and assessment services, and Dr. Lindsay Clark, director of college and career readiness for Maize USD 266. This conversation highlights how CTE supports students during high school, improves postsecondary outcomes, and strengthens Kansas communities through partnerships with local industries.
Read more...
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"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!
| | Student use of technology, AI framework to be considered by State Board | | |
Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will hear several presentations during their February meeting related to artificial intelligence (AI) and students’ use of technology.
Drs. James Basham and Trey Vasquez of the University of Kansas will present the “Framework for Responsible AI Integration in Pre-K-20 Education,” developed with the Center for Innovation, Design and Digital Learning (CIDDL).
Read more...
| | New education-related bills introduced during fourth week of Kansas legislative session | | |
Several new education-related bills were introduced during the fourth week of the 2026 Kansas legislative session. These bills include legislation that would require state assessment performance levels and cut scores be based on the 2024 performance levels and cut scores (SB 458), and a bill that would enact the “Affirming Parental Rights” act (HB 2710).
Bill Tracker:
New bills for 2026:
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HB 2409: Prohibiting the commencement of each school term prior to Labor Day.
- Referred to the House Committee on Education.
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HB 2411: Reducing the required waiting period for employment of KPERS retirants hired by a school district for a covered position that requires a teaching license or certificate.
- A hearing was held Wednesday, Feb. 4, in the House Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions.
Read more...
| | Accountability, Accreditation and Assessments | | Virtual monthly KESA update set for Feb. 9 | | |
The virtual KESA monthly update will be 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9.
Click on this new Zoom link to join the session. Be sure to replace the old link with this one.
Discussion topics include implementation, feedback from the Jan. 2026 School Improvement Days and the upcoming six-month check-ins.
Read more...
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ICYMI: How state assessment data affects
local education agencies (LEAs)
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By Cary Rogers, KSDE Special Education and Title Services team
State assessment participation plays a critical role in accountability and compliance for Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
Under federal requirements, schools that are federally identified for support and improvement cannot exit that status unless they meet the 95% state assessment participation threshold. This requirement ensures that assessment data reflects nearly all students and supports equitable decision-making.
Read more...
| | Standards and Instruction | | Resources available for supporting kindergarten readiness | | |
By Natalie McClane, KSDE early childhood team
As spring is just around the corner, many districts are beginning to think about preparing children in their communities to enter kindergarten. The transition into kindergarten is a critical milestone for children, families, and school staff. To make this time most effective, the KSDE early childhood team recommends several resources.
One of those resources is Kindergarten in Kansas, a booklet made available by the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) and KSDE, for families of young children who are getting ready to begin kindergarten.
Read more...
| | Student Health and Nutrition | | Reminder: School Nutrition Program Jump Start training scheduled for Feb. 24 - 25 | | |
A two-day orientation for school nutrition program directors (including authorized representatives and food service directors) will be Feb. 24-25, in Hays.
This training offers a comprehensive introduction to program responsibilities and highlights key resources and tools that support compliance with federal and state regulations. Attendees will gain practical guidance, insights, and best practices from KSDE child nutrition consultants while connecting with fellow new directors to build a supportive professional network.
Contact Holly Steinlage, holly.steinlage@ksde.gov, to register and questions.
| | Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition | | |
Registration open for March 2026
Safe and Supportive Schools conference
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Registration is open for the 2026 Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, March 30–31, in Wichita. Make sure to make a hotel reservation at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview as rooms are filling up fast.
This day and a half conference will bring together educators, administrators, and school professionals to share strategies, resources, and best practices for creating safe, supportive learning environments for all students.
Read more...
| | Kansas federal education funds administration forum set for late March | | |
KSDE and the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) are hosting the 2026 Kansas Federal Education Funds Administration forum, March 26-27, at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex, in Wichita.
Sessions will include the most critical elements of ESEA and IDEA administration, private school equitable services, effective practices, UGG, EDGAR, single audits, and the other requirements fundamental to all federal education programs in a way that is accessible to new staff and meaningful to veterans.
Read more...
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Save-the-Date: 2026 BOOST Summit
will be in late June; registration open
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The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and Educate Kansas are proud to host the 2nd Annual BOOST Summit (Building Opportunities for Outstanding Teachers), June 29-30, at Emporia State University.
This two-day event will feature dynamic breakout sessions focused on educator recruitment and retention, special keynote presentations from KSDE and The American Association of School Personnel Administrators leadership, and a spotlight on both evidence-based strategies and innovative, emerging practices.
Read more...
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ICYMI: More details provided for
2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference
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By Pat Bone, KSDE division of learning services
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) invites district and building leadership teams to the 2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 27-29, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center, in Wichita.
This powerful three-day experience has been designed to strengthen coherence across Kansas’ school improvement efforts.
Read more...
| | 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).
Contact Michele Hayes, mrhayes@pittstate.edu, with questions.
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February
6: ESEA program administrator webinar series, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Click here to register: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/T0xWJA. Contact Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-6714 with questions.
6: Kansas Volunteer Commission survey deadline. Contact Sarah Nelson, sarah.nelson@ksde.gov, with questions.
9: Monthly virtual KESA update, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Click on this new Zoom link to join the session. Contact Jay Scott, jay.scott@ksde.gov, with questions.
10-11: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, in Topeka. Click here for agenda and meeting materials.
11: CNW Wellness Wednesday, Navigating Milk and Dairy Options, vitual, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 268 377 696 640 70 Passcode: Pu3Wb7AK). Contact Holly Steinlage, holly.steinlage@ksde.gov, with questions.
12: Visiting International Teacher (VIT) informational webinar, 12 – 1 p.m. Contact Sarah Nelson, sarah.nelson@ksde.gov, with questions.
Read more...
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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. | | | | |
