USA|Kansas

Deputy Kansas education commissioner receives Dan and Cheryl Yunk Excellence in Educational Administration Award

Sat, 12 May 2012 14:45:54 PST

A Kansas public servant with a career spanning more than five decades in education is being recognized by Kansas State University's College of Education for his innumerable contributions to educational administration. Dale Dennis, deputy commissioner of education for the Kansas State Department of Education, is the 2012 recipient of the Dan and Cheryl Yunk Excellence in Educational Administration Award from Kansas State University's College of Education. The award honors the Manhattan couple who were exemplary teachers and administrators throughout their careers in the Manhattan school system.

State Board Member named recipient of the 2012 ABC Award

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:04:32 PST

The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force is pleased to announce the presentation of the Task Force’s 2012 ABC Award to Sue Storm, Kansas State Board of Education member. This award, part of the Task Force’s annual Friends of Education program, represents the Task Force’s highest honor in recognition of outstanding contributions and/or long-term service to public education in Kansas.

Volunteers, organizations recognized as "Friends of Education"

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:49:39 PST

The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force is pleased to announce the 2012 Friends of Education award recipients. The Friends of Education Award program recognizes volunteer efforts of individuals, organizations and businesses that demonstrate support of public education.

Former Legislators tell Governor, Legislature "Enough is Enough"

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:29:31 PST

Topeka - Today, a group of 46 former traditional Republican legislators from across the state have joined forces to form Traditional Republicans for Common Sense. The group will advocate for common sense policy positions - like job creation, funding our schools and providing for common sense tax policy.

US Department of Education seeks more information from Kansas on ESEA waiver application

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:22:45 PST

Education Commissioner Diane DeBacker said Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Education is expressing reservations about the state’s request for a waiver from No Child Left Behind. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education granted 11 state waivers. In the second round, 26 states (including Kansas) and the District of Columbia are applying. Kansas submitted its application in February. Those states are now going through a “peer review” process which involves federal officials combing through the applications to ensure they comply with the waiver guidelines.

KSDE announces 2012 Common Core Summer Academies

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:27:25 PST

KSDE has announced the 2012 Common Core Summer Academies. During the summer, five 3-day regional Summer Academies will focus on the development of Kansas Common Core Standards implementation plans. Participants attending the academies will create or refine a building or district-specific multiyear implementation plan for the Kansas Common Core Standards. Building and districts attending the academy will have an opportunity collaborate with others to improve their plans.

KELI announces Let's Talk workshop on Common Core

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:25:21 PST

The Kansas Education Leadership Institute (KELI) has announced a new Let's Talk professional development opportunity for educational leaders. The May 3, 2012, session will focus on the transition to Common Core Standards. This KELI session will focus on what real leaders are doing now in Kansas schools to make the transition work--what decisions leaders need to make, who they involve, and how they allocate resources. KELI is a partnership among several statewide organizations, including USA|Kansas.

Gannon v. Kansas trial date set

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:43:19 PST

Gannon v. Kansas, the school finance lawsuit filed in 2010 by Schools for Fair Funding, is set to begin on June 4, 2012. The three-judge panel that will hear the case set the trial schedule after the pre-trial conference held last week.

From the Commissioner: Pride in Kansas public schools is well-placed

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:40:06 PST

Kansans are proud of the quality of their public schools, and a steady and continuing increase in student performance over the past decade has given us ample reason for that pride. Unfortunately, faith in a number of our schools may have been shaken recently because of misleading information being widely shared by a private organization that is focused primarily on tax reduction.

Kansas seeks waiver from NCLB

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:30:47 PST

On Monday, the Kansas State Department of Education submitted the ESEA Flexibility Request for waivers from certain provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act to the US Department of Education (ED). To view the Kansas ESEA Flexibility Request, click here.

ESEA Reauthorization continues to move forward, slowly

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:28:13 PST

Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) continues to plug along, with the most recent action being taken by the House Education and Workforce Committee earlier this week. AASA has prepared a memo detailing action taken by the committee, as well as a comprehensive update of what’s happened in DC so far this year.

KPERS names new Executive Director

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:35:43 PST

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System’s Board of Trustees has named Alan Conroy as KPERS’ new Executive Director. Conroy is expected to assume his new position February 13, 2012.

Call for nominations: 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:08:54 PST

The Kansas State Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year. This program identifies, recognizes, and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state

Education Leaders Focus on Innovation and Excellence in Kansas Schools

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:14:35 PST

Topeka - On Tuesday, USA|Kansas and school leaders will appear before Legislative Committees to share stories about innovation and excellence in Kansas public schools. Rather than complaining about the challenges our state and our districts face, our organization is focused on solutions and engaging in a dialogue about how best to support Kansas students succeed in a global market.

Call for Nominations: Friends of Education Award

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:57:00 PST

There may be no greater time to recognize those business, community organizations and public sector partners who support public education. The Friends of Education program, sponsored by the Confidence in Public Education Task Force, was established to recognize volunteer efforts throughout the state in five major categories: school volunteer, community leader, community/civic organization, business/partner activities and public sector institutions.

Governor Brownback Delivers Second State of the State Address

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:58:49 PST

This evening, Governor Sam Brownback delivered his second State of the State address before the Legislature and Kansans via broadcast across the state. Click here to read the text of the Governor's Address.

New national report shows rural enrollment continues to grow

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:56:01 PST

Nearly one in four American children attend rural schools and enrollment is growing at a faster rate in rural school districts than in all other places combined, according to Why Rural Matters 2011–12, a biennial report by the Rural School and Community Trust. In addition, rural schools show increasing rates of poverty, diversity, and students with special needs. These widespread trends are most evident in the South, Southwest, and parts of Appalachia.

Democratic Legislative Leadership proposes Kansas Kids First, a plan to restore K-12 funding

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:22:28 PST

Earlier today, Kansas Democratic Leadership proposed a school finance plan to restore K-12 education funding at press conferences scheduled at Mission Valley Middle School in Shawnee Mission USD 512 and at Lowman Hill Elementary School in Topeka USD 501.

Governor Announces Plan to Improve Career and Technical Education

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:27:44 PST

Topeka – Career and Technical educators and stakeholders joined Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today for the announcement of his plan to boost the percentage of students who are career and college ready upon high school graduation. The plan, which proposes improvements to career and technical education (CTE) programs, is part of Governor Brownback’s Road Map for Kansas commitments to improve education.

2012 Legislative Session Opens Today

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:50:56 PST

At 2:00 p.m. this afternoon, the Kansas Legislature will convene in Topeka for the 2012 session. On Wednesday, January 11, Governor Brownback will deliver his second State of the State address in the House Chamber.