Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 | Issue 206

State Board digs into draft policy for instructional technology

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education focused this week on the draft policy regarding the effective use of instructional technology in Kansas schools during their September meeting, in Topeka. 

Keeping the focus on the board’s goal of high-quality instruction in every Kansas classroom, Education Commissioner Dr. Jake Steel led board members in discussing what their role is and how the Kansas State Department of Education can support districts and nonpublic accredited schools in creating their local instructional technology policies.

Read more about the State Board's work on the instructional technology policy and the other items from their September meeting.

ICYMI: Kansans Can Star Recognition program paused for 2026-2027 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will pause the Kansans Can Star Recognition program for the 2026-2027 school year.

This program previously recognized districts in qualitative areas (Kindergarten Readiness, Social-Emotional Growth, Individual Plan of Study, Civic Engagement) and quantitative areas (Academically Prepared for Postsecondary, High School Graduation, Postsecondary Success, Commissioner's Award). 

KSDE is committed to an aligned, coherent approach to supporting the Kansas school improvement model. This pause will allow KSDE to create a program aligned to these focused priorities, while districts focus on implementing their school improvement action plans in 2026-27. 

KSDE thanks every school employee for the important work they do on behalf of students and looks forward to recognizing districts for their efforts to ensure every student receives high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day. 



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

Reading specialist mentoring

requirements outlined

All educators holding an Initial Reading Specialist License are required to be mentored by a professionally licensed reading specialist. This mentoring experience must be completed over the course of one year and serves as a requirement for upgrading from an Initial Reading Specialist License to a Professional Reading Specialist License. Districts have the option to provide an in-district mentoring program, coordinate with an outside mentor program provider, or coordinate with another district with a professionally licensed reading specialist on staff to complete the requirement. 

The mentoring process provides new reading specialists with valuable opportunities to strengthen their instructional expertise, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and deepen their understanding of evidence-based literacy practices that support student achievement. 

Approved settings for Reading Specialist License upgrade 

To qualify for a license upgrade, reading specialists must serve in a role that meets the requirements outlined in licensure policy while holding the Initial School Specialist License with a reading specialist endorsement. Eligible settings include the following: 

• Serving in a reading specialist coded position (Course Code 96002); or 
• Serving in a position in third grade or below while: 
• Holding an Initial Reading Specialist License, and 
• Teaching reading as part of their classroom responsibilities. 

For educators serving in fourth grade or above, the position's assigned duties must include reading specialist responsibilities such as: 

• Screening, assessing, and diagnosing students who are experiencing reading difficulties. 
• Collaborating with other teachers and educational staff to develop and implement intervention plans for struggling readers. 
• Providing literacy expertise and support that helps ensure students receive targeted instruction and interventions based on identified needs. 

Contact TLAlicense@ksde.gov with questions. 

Reminder: Mentor teacher stipends

guidance for 2026-27

Mentor stipends reimbursement will be available for the 2026-27 school year. The procedures for applying for reimbursement will change, but the requirements remain the same as in previous year.  

In previous years, mentors were entered during the fall semester and in the spring semester. For the 2026-27 school year, mentor information will be entered in the spring semester only after the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) is closed. 

Who Is eligible for reimbursement as a Local Education Agency (LEA)? 

• Kansas USDs, cooperatives, and interlocals are eligible. 
• Private schools, outside providers/service centers, and special schools are not eligible. 

LEA requirements 

• Maintain a mentoring program. 
• Submit the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) through Educator Data Collection System (EDCS). 
• Complete and submit the mentor stipends report by May 1, including mentors, mentees, assignments, and final submission. 

Mentor eligibility 

• Professional or accomplished license. 
• Classroom teacher assignment (educator types 1-5). 
• Minimum of three consecutive school years of teaching experience. 
• Completed mentor training program. 
• May mentor no more than two new teachers. 

Mentee eligibility 

• Valid non-substitute license. 
• Classroom teacher assignment (educator types 1-5). 
• New-to-the-profession teacher with 0-2 years of experience reported on the LPR. 

Key dates 

• Application opens no later than April 1. The opening date will be dependent upon the closure of the Licensed Personnel Report. 
• Final stipend request is due May 1. 
• State certification and final prorated amounts will be finalized by June 15. 

Distribution of funds 

• Stipends are prorated based on available funding and eligible mentors statewide. 
• Funds are reimbursed to the LEA general fund and must be paid only to qualified mentors. 
• Mentors supporting first-year teachers are funded first. 
• A mentor with two mentees receives only one stipend, equal to the larger qualifying amount. 

Administrator checklist 

☐ In-district mentor program or coordinated outside district provided program. 

☐ Confirm mentor and mentee eligibility. 

☐ Ensure LPR data is accurate and submitted. 

☐ Enter and connect mentor and mentee in Mentor Stipends application. 

☐ Submit final stipend request by May 1. 

Contact Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov, with questions. 

KDHE accepting applications for

CPR training and purchase of AEDs 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is now accepting applications for state funding to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and the purchase and maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). 

The funding, authorized through House Bill 2513, is available to eligible public and nonpublic school districts, as well as religious or charitable associations, libraries and tribal entities that have a registered and approved Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) with KDHE. 

The program is designed to increase access to lifesaving training and equipment across Kansas, with an emphasis on expanding access in rural communities. Funding opportunities include CPR and AED training for public and nonpublic school districts and support for AED maintenance and purchases. 

A total of $750,000 is available through three funding opportunities: 



• $500,000 for AED maintenance and/or purchases for eligible public and nonpublic school districts. 
• $125,000 for CPR and AED training for eligible public and nonpublic school districts. 
• $125,000 for AED maintenance and/or purchases for eligible religious or charitable associations, libraries and tribal entities. 

Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2027, or until all available funding has been expended. The first application review will begin Oct. 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply early while funding remains available. 

Public and nonpublic school districts can apply for available training, AED purchase and maintenance opportunities through the school entity application. 

Religious or charitable associations, libraries and tribal entities can apply for AED purchase and maintenance funding through the non-school entity application. 

For more information, visit the KDHE CERP webpage. 

Kansas FFA Foundation offers

Gift of Blue jacket grants

The Kansas FFA Foundation is accepting applications for its fall Gift of Blue grant program, which provides official FFA jackets and ties or scarves to Kansas FFA members who need financial assistance. Applications are due Sept. 21.

The blue corduroy jacket has represented FFA membership, leadership, and belonging since 1933. Personalized with a member’s name on the front and chapter on the back, it connects students to a tradition shared by generations of agricultural leaders.

Read more about this grant opportunity on the Kansas FFA Foundation website.

ICYMI: School Improvement Days, implementation and supports

team updates 

By Jay Scott, director of KSDE implementation and supports team 

School Improvement Day Resources 

We are looking forward to School Improvement Days beginning later in September. 

All the School Improvement Day resources are now posted to the KESA Resources webpage. One of the main resources is the Implementation Standards/Indicators and Share-out Questions document that KESA DLT’s can use to monitor implementation of their KESA Action Plan as well as prepare for their 10-minute Share-out at their respective School Improvement Day. 



Our team will be hosting several virtual School Improvement Day Prep meetings to assist in preparing your KESA DLT for their School Improvement Day. Look for a meeting invitation to one of these prep meetings soon if they are not already scheduled.  

As always, contact your Regional Executive or Cohort Executive with any questions. 

Team name change 

As many of you are aware, KSDE is currently working through a reorganization, to support school improvement and meet the State BOE goals. One part of this reorganization is our Accreditation & Design Team becoming the Implementation & Supports Team. 

Our school improvement/accreditation work this year will remain virtually the same as it has the last two years so, the extent of the change at this point is simply changing our name. School Improvement Days, 6-month Check-ins, Action Plans, and meeting Compliance standards will continue this year as it has since KESA 2.0 began with the 2024-25 school year. 

The new Implementation & Supports Team now includes additional staff at KSDE. Here is the newly formed team: 

• Joe Jewett – Support for Federally-identified schools 
• Trish Backman – School Mental Health 
• Chris Macy – 21st Century after-school programs 
• Amber Miller – West Region 
• Jean Rush – East Region 
• Emily Scott – ESOL & Title III 
• Maureen Tabasko – Education of Homeless Children and Youth (McKinney-Vento) 
• Heather Terrill – Neglected & Delinquent programs 

This new team is working to define our Future State, focused on the 4 Fundamentals, during this year to be ready for the 2027-28 school year.  

Personnel Changes for 2026-27: 

We have had two personnel changes with our Regional Executives and Cohort Leads. Mindy Bruce, Central Region Executive, has resigned with her last official day being Aug. 28. Myron Melton, Cohort Lead for Suburban and Private System Cohorts, retired in June of this year. That leads to the following changes: 

• For 2026-27 only, the Central Region Executive position will be split across the three service centers in the Region. Instead of filling Mindy’s position this year, we contracted with Orion, ESSDACK, and Smoky Hill to provide support for school improvement/accreditation. Here are the educational service center staff who are working in the role of Central Region Executive this year: 
• Jill Lachenmayr - Orion 
• Tammy Fellers, Beth Parker, Kerri Maggard – ESSDACK 
• Noalee McDonald-Augustine – Smoky Hill 

The Central systems have been split geographically among the three service centers. We’re excited to partner with our service centers to continue to support your school improvement efforts this year. 

• I will be the Cohort Lead for the Suburban and Private Systems Cohorts, in addition to supporting the Urban and Special Purpose System Cohorts. 

In summary, our team’s name has changed, but that is the extent of the change for this year. Next spring, we will begin to share how our Implementation & Supports team will function beginning with the 27-28 school year.  

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

KSDE CNW to host School Nutrition Program directors forum on Oct. 9 

The KSDE Child Nutrition & Wellness (CNW) team will host a School Nutrition Program (SNP) Director’s Forum, 1-5 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 9. The forum is open to all SNP directors and will be held in conjunction with the School Nutrition Association of Kansas (SNA-KS) Annual Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport Hotel.  

Make plans to attend the meeting to hear updates from KSDE and connect with other directors. Register here for the SNP directors forum by Oct. 2.  

 Contact Holly Steinlage, holly.steinlage@ksde.gov, for more information. 

Location change announced for Sept. 25 curriculum leaders meeting 

The location for the Sept. 25 curriculum leaders meeting has changed to the  

Geary County Convention Center at Sonesta, 310 Hammons Drive, in Junction City. 

The following topics will be covered:  

• A discussion led by Kansas instructional leaders Joshua Snyder and Adelyn Soellner. 
• The structures of structured literacy 
• Kansas individualized literacy plans  
• Supporting adolescent readers through structured literacy 
• Supporting literacy in non-ELA content areas 

Save the date: Nov. 20 - Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Registration information will be posted on the curriculum leaders webpage when available. 

Contact Jennifer Hamlet, jennifer.hamlet@ksde.gov with questions. 

Mark your calendars: EDCS training for Licensed Personnel Report set for this fall 

The KSDE teacher licensure team is offering the following training sessions this fall to help district staff complete their Licensed Personnel Report (LPR).

EDCS Review Day 1 – Start With Your Staff 

Oct. 1: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Join the Zoom meeting here. 

Oct. 6: 2- 4 p.m. Join the Zoom meeting here. 

To make sure your EDCS journey is a success, you need to start with your staff. We will begin in the Staff Data tab and make sure that you understand: 

• Entering staff using a roll over function 
• Entering staff using a file import function 
• Using find/update staff
• Adding new staff
• Deleting staff
• Exiting staff

EDCS Review Day 2 – Sharing is Caring 

Oct. 20: 1- 3 p.m. Join the Zoom meeting here. 

Oct. 29: 9 – 11 a.m. Join the Zoom meeting here. 

Shared staff is undoubtedly the trickiest part of the EDCS journey for both the hiring district and the receiving district. We will look specifically at within the Staff Data Tab and make sure you understand the following: 

• Receiving district(s) in find/update staff 
• Shared staff tab as a hiring district 
• Shared staff tab as a receiving district 
• Why Feb. 14? 

EDCS Review Day 3 – Error Messages? What do they mean? 

Nov. 9: 1-3 p.m. Join the Zoom meeting here. 

Nov. 17: 9 – 11 a.m. Join the Zoom meeting here. 

You have batch imported your staff in EDCS. You have tackled Shared Staff. You’re checking your submit status and then you see your SAR report has errors. What does that mean? In this training we will discuss how to find and fix errors, how to unsubmit and resubmit, and answer any other questions you may have in this final EDCS session. 

Contact Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov, with questions. 

Webinar for using updated Kansas Assistive Technology Guide

set for Sept. 16 

The updated Kansas Assistive Technology (AT) Guide for the 2026–27 school year is officially live on the TASN website. Designed to help school administrators, educators, and IEP teams deliver effective, compliant AT services, the guide receives annual updates to ensure local agencies have access to practical, high-quality resources. 

A key addition to this year’s release is a new appendix dedicated to AT in early childhood. 

For teams returning to or just discovering the guide, its structure centers on practical, real-world application. Throughout the core document, two student profile examples are woven in to give IEP teams concrete, step-by-step documentation examples. To maintain consistency across educational stages, these same two student profiles are extended into both the Transition and Early Childhood appendices—showing how AT consideration and support evolve alongside a student's educational journey. 

Educators and teams interested in learning how to effectively leverage the AT guide and its new appendix are invited to attend an informational webinar. 



• Sept. 16 
• 3:15 – 4 p.m. 
• Registration is available directly on the TASN Events webpage. 

Contact Paige Buckingham, pbuckingham@ucpnet.org, with questions. 

Reminder: 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nomination application open;

closes Nov. 6

 The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is accepting nominations for the 2028 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. 

Principals and superintendents do not submit a nomination entry form identifying their candidate(s) but will be required to approve and sign the nomination form completed by their candidate(s). 

 The 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nomination packet is available on the KTOY webpage. 

All nominations must be submitted using KSDE’s Kansas Teacher of the Year online authenticated application program that closes Nov. 6, 2026. 

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

Reminder: KSDE fall school transportation

meetings scheduled 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) School Transportation Safety Unit will host a series of fall transportation meetings across Kansas. 

These meetings are open to public and private school transportation directors, transportation supervisors, school transportation contractors, and other school officials involved in school transportation. Vendor attendance is not permitted. Topics will include: 

Note: The material covered in these meetings will also be presented for Greenbush members during their transportation forums in September. Greenbush members are welcome to attend any of the meetings listed below if a different date or location is more convenient. 

Go to the School Transportation Upcoming Events webpage to access more information and register for the following meetings that will be 9:30 a.m. to noon (CDT). There is no cost to attend, and meals will not be provided. 

• Sept. 11: Salina 
• Sept. 15: Topeka 
• Sept. 17: Great Bend 
• Oct. 1: Goddard 
• Oct. 8: Arkansas City 

Contact Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov, with questions. 

Reminder: Secondary Transition Tuesday

webinar dates announced 

The KSDE Special Education team is offering a webinar series for educators, parents, and youth to stay current on Secondary Transition topics in order to feel confident about putting into practice what they learn from these information sessions. 

Register here for the following 2026-27 sessions, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., that will be recorded and posted afterward on the KSDE TASN Secondary Transition webpage:

Oct. 6: College is for Everyone: Preparing Students with IDD for Postsecondary Education 

Nov. 10: Pre-employment Transition Services 

Dec. 8: Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making Options 

Jan. 12: School Mental Health Practices to Build Resilience 

Feb. 9: Community Supports Waiver 

April 13: Postschool Outcomes 

May 11: Individual Plans of Study 

Contact Stacie Martin, stacie.martin@ksde.gov, with questions. 

Reminder: Registration open for

McKinney-Vento webinars

Online trainings are available this month and in October for professionals who work with McKinney-Vento students. 

Sept. 17: “Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness under Title 1, Part A,” 11 a.m. – noon. 

Oct. 15: “Transportation Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness,” 2 – 3 p.m.  

Contact Maureen Tabasko, maureen.tabasko@ksde.gov, with questions.  

Reminder: Registration open for the

ESOL Innovations conference set for Nov. 9

Discover the latest supports for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and gain insights into the latest resources, strategies, and supports shaping the field at the ESOL Innovations Conference on Nov. 9. 

Register here for the conference that will be at Wichita USD 259’s Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend. 

Carol Salva, author of Boosting Achievement: Reading Students with Interrupted or Minimal Education, will be the conference’s keynote speaker and breakout presenter.  

The following topics will be covered during the conference:  

• Designing MTSS intervention models and materials that are appropriate for ELs 
• Co-teaching models for meeting the needs of your ELs 
• The referral process and services for dual-identified students (SPED and EL) 
• Supporting students with SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) needs 
• Strengthening Tier I instruction 
• Interpretation and translation services and best practices 
• State auditing and reporting 
• Community resources and advocacy groups 
• Utilizing data to drive instruction for ELs 

Click here for the group rate at Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town.  

Contact conference@esolinnovations.org with questions. 

KDADS unveils new

988 Kansas Lifeline website

The new 988 Kansas Lifeline website is now live and serves as a centralized hub for publicly available toolkits, FAQs, resource links, and outreach materials, with additional resources being added over the coming months. 

These new materials with cohesive, statewide imaging are the first step in a multi-year effort to take a more intentional approach to statewide awareness, education, and outreach around 988 as an access point to suicide prevention and crisis services. 

During suicide prevention awareness month in September and beyond, keep 988 Kansas Lifeline in mind as a potential partner for upcoming projects and initiatives. Get in touch with KDADS with ideas, collaboration opportunities and requests for support. 

Contact Lydia Shontz-Hochstedler, Lydia.ShontzHochstedler@ks.gov, with questions. 

Reminder: School mental health training

offered this fall

KSDE is partnering with the Kansas Educational Service Centers to create school mental health teams who will align their local school mental health plans with KSDE's most recent guidance. The toolkits for in each of the following areas have recently been updated:

• Suicide Prevention, 2023
• Mandated Reporting, 2024
• Bullying Prevention, 2025

KSDE's guidance on each topic can be found on the school mental health webpage.

Districts interested in updating their implementation plans to align with KSDE guidance may register for any of these upcoming trainings:

Sept. 22: Orion, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Clearwater. Register here.

Oct. 2: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lawrence. Register here.

Oct. 7: Smoky Hill, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Salina. Register here.

Oct. 9: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Hutchinson. Register here. 

Oct. 21: Smoky Hill, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hays. Register here. 

Oct. 23: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Girard. Register here.

Oct. 29: Southwest Plains, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sublette. Register here. 

Oct. 30: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hutchinson. Register here. 

Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@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.

September

11: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Instructional Resource Center, Olathe USD 233, in Olathe. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.

11: CNW farm tour, in St. John. To register, contact Eryn Davis, eryn.davis@ksde.gov

11: CTE technical assistance, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Hays High School, in Hays. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

11: Request for State Foundation Aid for October closes; all USDs. Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973

11: Designation of Attendance Officer(s) due. Contact: Hannah Miller, hannah.miller@ksde.gov, (785) 296-7083 

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

14: Counting KIDS workshop, 1-4:30 p.m., Hiawatha High School auditorium, Hiawatha USD 415, in Hiawatha. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.

15: At-risk accountability plan information session, virtual, 1 - 2 p.m. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov.

15: Request closes for October Federal Funds (Form 240), if funds available. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020

15: Outcomes Part B verification window closes for Early Childhood SPED, ages 3-5. Contact: Angel Spann, angel.spann@ksde.gov, (785) 296-8965 

17: Constitutional Day live mock trial for Kansas third-graders, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., virtual. Register and get more information here. Contact: Adam Topliff, adam.topliff@ksde.gov

17: Test coordinator webinar, 1 p.m. Join here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

17: ESSA building expenditures report for all USDs opens; closes Oct. 15. Contact: Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, (785) 296-3872  

17: “Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness under Title 1, Part A,” virtual, 11 a.m. – noon. Contact: Maureen Tabasko, maureen.tabasko@ksde.gov.

18: CNW farm tour, in Marysville. To register, contact Eryn Davis, eryn.davis@ksde.gov

20: USD budgets due to KSDE’s Frank Harwood, frank.harwood@ksde.gov, Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, or Daniel Kalas, daniel.kalas@ksde.gov, or call (785) 296-3872

20: KIDS Collection ENRL (Funding and Enrollment) opens; closes Oct. 10. Contact: KSDE Helpdesk (785) 296-7935

21: Authenticated application opens for at-risk accountability plan submission. Plans are due Oct. 31. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

21: CTE technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Shawnee Mission USD 512 Center for Academic Achievement, in Overland Park. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

21: At-risk plan and application training, 1-2:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

21: Principals’ Building Report (PBR) and Superintendents’ Organization Report (SO-66) open; close Oct. 9. Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973

22: Interlocal agreements open; close Oct 10. Contact: Marcia Ricklefs, marcia.ricklefs@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4209

22: Kansas Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2) for incoming kindergarten students closes. Contact: Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, (785) 296-3953 

22: 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

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

24: Annual test coordinator training, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka.  Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

24: CTE technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Derby USD 260 Administrative Center, in Derby. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

24: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Docking State Office Building, in Topeka. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

25: Title IV-A Expenditure Survey for SFY25/26 due. Contact: Christine Macy, christine.macy@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-3287

25: Fall Vacancy Report (FVR) due in the Educator Data Collection System (EDCS) by 5 p.m. CST. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov

25: (LOCATION CHANGE) Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Geary County Convention Center at Sonesta, 310 Hammons Drive, in Junction City.

Contact: Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov

28: CTE technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Southwest Plains Service Center, in Sublette. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

29: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Dodge City USD 443 district office, in Dodge City. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

30: At-risk plan and application training, 9-11:30 a.m., in-person, Hays USD 489 Rockwell Administrative Center board room, in Hays. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

30: Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) application due. (Open year-round for changes). Contact: Nicole Clark, nicole.clark@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4925

October

1: New fee for all teacher licensure applications goes into effect. Go to the KSDE teacher licensure webpage for more information. Contact: TLALicense@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2288

1: New test coordinator bootcamp, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

1: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Eudora USD 491 West Resource Center, in Eudora. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

5: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Andover USD 385 district office, in Andover. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

6: 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

6: Kansas Volunteer Commission MLK Day of Service mini grant application due. Contact volunteer@ksde.gov

7: At-risk plan and application training, 9:30 a.m. - noon, in-person, Salina USD 305 district office board room. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

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

8: Annual test coordinator training, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., Southwest Plains Regional Service Center, in Sublette. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

8: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@ksde.gov. 

8: Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) alternate state assessment webinar; DLM^® ELA and math instructional resources, 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov

9: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Manhattan High School, in Manhattan. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

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

9: Kansas Horizon Award nominations due/postmarked. Contact: Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4950

9: United States Senate Youth Program nominations due. Contact: Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4950

12: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Garden City High School, in Garden City. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

13-14: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials

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

14: New test coordinator bootcamp, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Hays USD 489, in Hays. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

15: At-risk plan and application training, 1-2:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

15: Test coordinator webinar, 1 p.m. Join here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

15: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Olathe Public Schools Innovation Center, in Olathe. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

15: “Transportation Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness,” virtual, 2 – 3 p.m. Contact: Maureen Tabasko, maureen.tabasko@ksde.gov

20: Educator preparation program reviewer training, virtual, 9 a.m. – noon. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact: Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov

22: At-risk plan and application training, 1-2:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

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

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

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

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

31: At-risk accountability plans due in the authenticated application. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

November

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

9-10: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials

12: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@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. Registration information will be posted when available.

December

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