Thursday, April 17, 2025 | Issue 135

In This Week's Edition

Feature Stories

State-level autism supports highlighted during Autism Acceptance Month in April
Chapman bus driver turns commute into craft time with daily projects for her students
In case you missed it: KSDE Insight Podcast: The Tech Dilemma: Enhancing Education or Hindering Focus?

Accountability, Accreditation and Assessments

KSDE Accreditation and Design team provides important KESA information

Standards and Instruction

Reminder: Perkins Secondary Improvement Grant Application Part Two for FY26 due for eligible recipients on May 1

Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition

Feature Stories

Lee Sickle, center, director of the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network’s (TASN) Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports (ABTS) program, was honored earlier this year with the Outstanding Advocacy Award at the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, in Kansas City. (Photo: TASN - Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports Facebook page)

State-level autism supports highlighted during Autism Acceptance Month in April

Lee Sickle has had a front-row seat witnessing how Kansas children with autism have received services in the state’s education system for the past several decades.

“When I started this work more than 30 years ago, evidence-based practices were still up for debate,” she said. “Now, we have a substantial body of research and evidence identifying effective interventions. However, a challenge remains in ensuring educators are familiar with these practices.”

Sickle is the director of the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network’s (TASN) Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports (ABTS) program which is supported by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). She said the ABTS program provides not only the training but also the necessary coaching to special education professionals in the field because “training without coaching rarely impacts professional practice,” she said.

Connie Marshall, third from right, a Chapman USD 473 bus driver, uses the time she spends driving her students each day creatively, teaching them how to crochet and other crafts. (Photo submitted by Connie Marshall)

Chapman bus driver turns commute into craft time with daily projects for her students

Connie Marshall believes she has the best office window.

Marshall is referring to the windshield of the school bus she drives about 140 miles daily for Chapman Unified School District 473.

“This is my dream job,” she said. “I’m really happy doing this. I get to see the sunrise in the morning.”

Trent Armstrong, transportation director for USD 473, said he appreciates Marshall’s strong work ethic and dedication to the students she drives to and from school every day.

“She cares about the kids. She puts her heart into everything she does,” he said. “She’s just a superior driver. I can’t say enough good things about her.”

In case you missed it: KSDE Insight Podcast: The Tech Dilemma: Enhancing Education or Hindering Focus?

In today’s K-12 classrooms, technology is more accessible than ever—bringing new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and personalized learning. But with increased screen time, digital distractions, and the challenges of managing devices, educators and families are asking: Is technology truly enhancing education, or is it making it harder for students to focus?

In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, The Tech Dilemma: Enhancing Education or Hindering Focus?, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson is joined by guests:

Gabrielle Evans, junior at Olathe South High School, Olathe USD 233
Katie Allen, parent and member of the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 board of education
Robert Stiles, MA, MPH, director of TelehealthROCKS at the University of Kansas Medical Center

Accountability, Accreditation and Assessments

KSDE Accreditation and Design team

provides important KESA information

In-person KESA 2.0 spring 2025 information sessions

Educators are invited to attend in-person KESA 2.0 information sessions this spring for updates on the latest developments on the accreditation process.

These events are hosted by Dr. Ben Proctor and Dr. Jay Scott, of KSDE’s Division of Learning Services, to ensure districts and systems are prepared for the 2025-26 school year. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback and network with fellow educators.

Standards and Instruction

Reminder: Perkins Secondary Improvement Grant Application Part Two for FY26 due for eligible recipients on May 1

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 is designed to improve and expand services for students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs.

CTE programs prepare students for further education and careers in current or emerging employment sectors of high skill, high wage, or in-demand occupations. The courses within CTE programs include competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills of students.

The FY26 Perkins Secondary Improvement Application - Part 2 grant is due for eligible recipients on May 1.

Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition

Universal Design for Learning online courses offered in June

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) will be offering an online course, “Systemic Implementation of Universal Design for Learning” (UDL), in June.

District and building administrators, as well as instructional coaches, are encouraged to participate in this administrator cohort to learn more about implementing UDL through engaging modules and collaborative discussions at 11 a.m., on June 3, 10 and 17.

Click here to register. Contact Janet Peters, jpeters@upcnet.org, with questions.

Kansas Celebrates

National Home Visiting Week, April 21-25

By Lisa Williams, coordinator,

KSDE Early Childhood team

The inaugural National Home Visiting Week (NHVW) will take place April 21-25, an observance to celebrate and recognize home visitors and the positive impact they make on maternal and child health outcomes.

The Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals, an organization focused on strengthening home visiting and human service programs across the country, is collaborating with nonprofit partners and elected officials to organize the event.

Early childhood care and wellness conferences set for May 6 and 8

The team supporting the All In For Kansas Kids statewide strategic plan for early childhood invites families with young children, early childhood care providers, and mental health professionals to attend two free conferences on May 6 and 8.

These conferences will focus on mental health and special healthcare needs, foster family-driven connections and help professionals better support families.

Kansas Department of Labor unveils T.O.T.O., a cutting-edge career exploration platform

By Sandy Johnson, Kansas Department of Labor

The Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor has launched Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities (T.O.T.O.), an innovative career exploration platform designed to help students and career changers navigate their professional paths.

To further support your efforts in career development, our team is available to participate in back-to-school nights, present in-school demonstrations, and attend school career fairs. These in-person opportunities allow us to showcase T.O.T.O., answer questions, and provide hands-on guidance to students, parents, and staff, allowing everyone to discover the wealth of opportunities available right here in Kansas.

Reminder: Safe and Supportive Schools conference set for May 7-8

Registration is open for the Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, May 7-8, at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Manhattan. The cost for this day and a half training is $75.

The deadline to register is May 6. Click here for event and lodging information.

Click here for presentation titles and times. Attendees should plan ahead to attend breakout sessions that best meet the needs of their school district.

The keynote speaker is Mitch Holthus, voice of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mitch Holthus, voice of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past 32 years, will be the keynote speaker at the Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, May 7-8, in Manhattan.

(Photo: mitchholthus.com)

Reminder: KSDE Teacher Licensure team calls for volunteers to revise

educator preparation standards

The KSDE Teacher Licensure team is seeking volunteers to help revise the educator preparation standards for the following license and endorsement areas:

Agriculture
Journalism
Speech/Theatre

Indicate interest and availability for any of the license/endorsement areas on the survey: https://ksde.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bm6eYfkG6Je9qrc.

Program standards define the knowledge and skills expected of just-qualified program completers ready to enter the profession and guide the design of higher education preparation programs.

Reminder: April is the

Month of the Military Child

The month of April provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the service of our youngest heroes: military children.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation on Tuesday, April 1, designating April as the Month of the Military Child.

Kansas military youth are resilient and take pride in their family’s service to our country. They deserve our appreciation and support.

Reminder: Titles announced for some

Great Ideas in Education Conference sessions

The KSDE Division of Learning Services has announced a few of the session titles for the Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 28-30.

Be sure to identify the members of the district and/or building leadership teams who will attend the conference and register by July 15. Room reservations can be made here.

FastBridge implementation professional learning and support are available

As part of the Kansas FastBridge statewide program, Renaissance Learning offers opportunities for professional learning and support to Kansas educators. This includes videos, webinars, consultation, and on-site workshops. The videos can be accessed through FASTFLIX.

Webinars are listed below under “Upcoming FastBridge virtual trainings.” Consultations and workshops can be requested on topics such as onboarding, data reviews and more.

Calendar

April

21: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Orion, in Clearwater. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.

22: (POSTPONED) Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition (K-12), Southwest Plains, in Sublette. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: (POSTPONED) Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition (K-12), ESSDACK, in Hutchinson. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: (POSTPONED) Clear, Intentional and Effective Writing: The Writing Tenets (3-12), Orion, in Clearwater. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

24: Higher education program reviewer virtual training, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov, with questions.

25: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Smoky Hill, in Salina. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.

25: Optional second grade reading assessment window closes. Click here for more information. Contact Chelsey Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov or the Kite service desk at 855-277-9752 or kap-support@ku.edu with questions.

28-29: Kansas Math Project professional development, Hilton Garden Inn, 221 W. 43rd Street, in Hays. Click here to register. Click here to enroll to complete asynchronous modules at your own pace. Contact kmp@kansasmtss.org with questions.

30: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center, in Oakley. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.

April 30-May 1: Kansas Math Project professional development, Topeka, Sunflower Nonprofit Center, 5820 S.W. 6th Street. Click here to register. Click here to enroll to complete asynchronous modules at your own pace. Contact kmp@kansasmtss.org with questions.

May

1: Deadline to submit Perkins Secondary Improvement Grant Application Part Two for FY26. Click here for more information. Contact Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov, with questions.

2: 2025 Star Recognition applications deadline. Contact kcanstars@ksde.gov with questions.

6: Clear, Intentional and Effective Writing: The Writing Tenets (3-12), Smoky Hill, in Salina. Register here. Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.

7: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at ESSDACK, in Hutchinson. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.

7-8: Safe and Supportive Schools Conference, Hilton Garden Inn, in Manhattan; $75; deadline to register is May 6. Click here for event and lodging information . Contact John Calvert, john.calvert@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7056 with questions.

8: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Greenbush North, in Lawrence. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.

13-14: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials.

14: Science collaboration for new science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

14: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Southwest Plains, in Sublette. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.

16: KESA 2.0 in-person information session, at Greenbush South, in Girard. This is an optional meeting and registration is not required. Attendees can participate in either a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. OR an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana at Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov for more information.

20: Science collaboration for curriculum leaders, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

21: Science collaboration for science teachers, virtual, 4-5 p.m. Register here. Contact Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov, with questions.

23: Fifth annual “Give Back Kansas Challenge” closes. Contact Dr. Jessica Dorsey at jessica.dorsey@ksde.gov or (785) 296-3163 with questions.

31: Deadline to submit “Request to Schedule Body Venture” form for the 2025-26 school year. Click here: https://cnw.ksde.gov, SNP, SNP What’s New. Contact the Child Nutrition and Wellness team, cnw@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-2276 with questions.

June

10-11: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials.

17: Building Opportunities for Outstanding Teachers (BOOST) summit, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fort Hays State Memorial Union, in Hays. Sponsored by Educate Kansas. Register here. Contact Cris Seidel, crisseidel@educatekansas.org, with questions.

30: CPA independent auditor reports (non-single audit) due to the Kansas Department of Administration’s Municipal Services. Click here for instructions. Contact KSDE’s Fiscal Auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976 with questions.

July

8-9: Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials.

15: Deadline to register for 2025 Great Ideas in Education Conference. Register by July Make room reservations here. Contact Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov, with questions.

28-30: Great Ideas in Education Conference, Hyatt Regency, in Wichita. Register here. Click here for room reservations. Contact Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov, with questions.

August

4: Preparing for the Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot, virtual, 3:30 – 4 p.m. Register here. Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, with questions.

5: Preparing for the Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot, virtual, 10 – 10:30 a.m. Register here. Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, 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.