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Sep 6, 2010 - 1:14:50 PM

Topeka - The Kansas Education Commission convened this afternoon for its first meeting since the Kansas State Board of Education authorized its formation. The Kansas Education Commission will examine the framework for reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The Kansas Education Commission is the state's strategic approach to reauthorization and educational change.

Mary Ellen Welshhon, Superintendent/K-12 principal in Golden Plains USD 316 and Steve Splichal, Assistant Superintendent, Hiawatha USD 415 were appointed by USA|Kansas. In total, administrators from USA|Kansas and its member associations will represent more than one-third of the total Commission.

The purpose of the Commission will be to thoroughly examine the key priorities found in the Blueprint for Reform, released by the U.S. Department of Education. Subcommittees will focus on the five priorities areas:

• College- and career-ready students,
  
• Great teachers and leaders in every school building,
  
• Equity and opportunity for all students,
  
• Raise the bar and reward excellence and
  
• Promote innovation continuous improvement.

The Commission will exame the key priorities in order to:

• Revise state statutes and regulations to ensure that Kansas students are prepared for their next steps;
  
• Provide coherence to the discussions and work currently underway in various segments of Kansas education regarding the reauthorization of ESEA and the future of education in our state; and
  
• Allow for a smooth transition from the accountability system of No Child Left Behind to the new system as outlined in the Blueprint for Reform.

The Commission will meet again on August 30 and October 8, with plans to present a preliminary draft to the State Board of Education on December 14.

The most current agenda and a complete listing of Commission members can be downloaded below.

Click to download the attached file(s):

• U.S. Department of Education Blueprint for Reform
• Kansas Education Commission member list
• Kansas Education Commission Subcommittees
• Kansas Education Commission agenda - July 6, 2010