Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 | Issue 213

Sydney Parcell, left, and Viviana Petelin, students in the transition program at the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB), presented their idea to tackle hunger among the homeless during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Business Solves conference, in Washington, D.C. (Photo submitted by Dr. Jon Harding, KSSB superintendent)

Kansas State School for the Blind students showcase their idea to tackle hunger on national stage

Getting the opportunity to talk to some of the most influential people in corporate philanthropy about their idea for mitigating food insecurity is not something Sydney Parcell and Viviana Petelin of the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) are going to forget anytime soon. 

The students, now in KSSB's transition program, spoke during a panel discussion this week at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's 2026 Business Solves conference in Washington, D.C. about MOVA, a durable, insulated, collapsible bag designed for those experiencing homelessness, victims of natural disasters or those who have limited access to food. 

Read more about the origins of MOVA and the corporate partners who have expressed interest in collaborating with Parcell and Petelin.

Reviewers needed for Kansas

educator preparation programs

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is seeking program reviewers for the following educator preparation program areas this fall: 

• Chemistry 
• Elementary Unified 
• Physical Education 
• Restricted 
• World Languages 

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. 

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.  

ICYMI: KSDE 2025-26 draft annual report,

“What Matters Most,” available  

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.

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.

Reminder: 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.  

Requirements of the Kansas Individualized Literacy Plan (KILP) explained

You may not have heard of KILP, but it is just around the corner as a part of the legislation passed as Kansas House Bill 2485.

The law requires students who are in kindergarten through third grade to have an individualized literacy plan if they are determined at “high risk” on the fall universal literacy screener.

The Kansas Individualized Literacy Plans (KILPs) are required to be implemented starting in fall of 2027 in all accredited schools in Kansas.

Click on the image to the right to learn more about the requirements and other valuable information about the KILPs.

Contact Dr. Laurie Curtis, KSDE assistant director of teaching and learning for literacy, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

Deadline approaching for 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nomination applications 

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year is Friday, Nov. 6. 

The Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award recognizes Kansas educators who are examples of excellent teaching in the state’s elementary and secondary classrooms. The KTOY program builds and utilizes a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession. 

Click here for all the information needed to submit the KTOY application. 

Contact Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4950, with questions. 

Reminder: 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. 

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. 

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. 

ICYMI: Observation Coaching Tools

materials and training videos available 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has created Observation Coaching Tools to align to their 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. 

Reminder: 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 through the sharing of 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. 

Registration open for the

2027 Midwest CVI conference  

Registration is open for the 2027 Midwest CVI conference, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., on March 5, in Wichita. This event is hosted by the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) and Children’s Mercy. 

This conference will explore cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI) research, practical strategies for support at home and in the classroom and collaborative practices that center on children and families. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or healthcare provider, this event offers the following: 

• Expert-led keynote and breakout sessions 
• Family-centered resources and success stories 
• Practical strategies for early intervention, education, and care 
• Opportunities to connect with others passionate about CVI 

For more information about the conference and to register, click here.  

Contact Marites Altuna, maltuna@kansasblind.gov, with questions. 

Kansas FFA members compete

at national convention  

Dozens of Kansas FFA members recently competed in categories ranging from agricultural communications to veterinary science at the 99th National FFA convention, Oct. 21-24, in Indianapolis. 

Click here to see the results of the various competitions in which Kansas FFA members participated.  

Awards and recognition were given in career and leadership development events, Star and Proficiency, the agriscience fair, national chapter recognition and national band and chorus participants.  

The 2026 national convention included student and teacher workshops, a student showcase stage, national days of service and a rodeo, in addition to other activities and events. 

The 100th National FFA convention will be Oct. 27-30, 2027, in Indianapolis. 

Contact Anthony Meals, anthony.meals@ksde.gov, 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

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

6: Registration closes for Nov. 20 curriculum leaders meeting. Contact: Jennifer Hamlet, jennifer.hamlet@ksde.gov. 

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

1: Kinders Can! conference, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., in Girard. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov

2: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov

3: Kinders Can! conference, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., in Lawrence. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@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

10: Kinders Can! conference, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., in Hutchinson. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov

11: ESEA programs administrator webinar, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Register here. Contact: Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov

11: Kinders Can! conference, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., in Hutchinson. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@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

January

12-13: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials

22: Kinders Can! conference, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., in Sublette. Register here. Contact: Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov