The National Institute for Early Education Research’s (NIEER) released State of Preschool 2012 Yearbook. According to NIEER’s latest study, 28 percent of America’s 4-year-olds were enrolled in a state-funded preschool program in the 2011-2012 school year, the same percentage as the year before. This stagnation in enrollment growth was compounded by an unprecedented funding drop of $500 million nationwide. The State of Preschool 2012 Yearbook looks at Kansas' two state-funded early learning programs, the Four-Year-Old At-Risk Program and the Kansas Pre-K program, specifically looking at policies supporting early learning, state spending and access to programs.

The Kansas Afterschool Alliance is teaming up with the Noyce Foundation to recognize exemplary afterschool STEM programs serving young people in grades 4 through 8.Help us showcase how afterschool STEM programs are helping young people get excited and engaged in STEM.Applications are due by May 15 - Apply now!

The much anticipated consensus revenue estimates were released on April 24, 2013. Given the dramatic tax cut package passed in 2012, there was concern that the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) forecast may cast a pall on the state budget for FY 2014 and beyond. The revised estimates will be used by Legislature as they continue to negotiate the budget and tax bills in the Veto Session, which begins on May 8.

The Kansas Learning First Alliance (KLFA) recently met in Topeka. As a continuation of Tom Foster’s topic of presentation in January, Kansas College and Career Ready Standards (KCCRS) were the focus. The highlight of our day was the presentation by Dr. Pat Pat Forgione, Executive Director of the K-12 Center at Educational Testing Service (ETS). In addition, the meeting included a panel discussion about the legislative session. The panel included Tom Krebs (KASB), Karen Godfrey (KNEA), and Cheryl Semmel (USA|Kansas).

The KELI Building Leader Mentoring and Induction Task Force held its fourth meeting on March 27th at Kansas State University. Representatives from KAESP, KAMSA, KASSP, KSSA, USA|Kansas, KASB, and KSDE were present. The goals for the session were to review what the Task Force had learned, provide service center and large district updates, describe the “ideal” mentoring/induction program from principal and district perspectives and discuss priorities, create a web of existing resources to support a mentoring/induction plan, and craft stakeholder communication.

Every four years KPERS members elect two board members – one by school members and one by non-school members. If you are a retired, active or disabled KPERS, KP&F or Judges member, you are eligible to vote. This year, there are six (6) school candidates on the ballot; we have posted their bios for your review.

Voting will be open through the month of April, with the winners being announced on May 17, 2013. The newly elected trustees will take office on July 1, 2013.