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KESA Update

November 2024

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Topics for this Update

  • Action Planning

  • Opportunity Makers

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If we strengthen coherence across Kansas through focusing on a few high-leverage, fundamental actions, ��then our students will develop more knowledge and skills leading to greater opportunities and fewer limitations.

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Kansas School Improvement Model

Fundamentals

(The foundation for school improvement in Kansas Schools)

Structured Literacy

We provide literacy instruction in pre-K-12 aligned to the science of reading and assure teachers and admin are well-trained and knowledgeable in the elements and implementation of structured literacy.

Standards Alignment

We align lessons, instruction, and materials to Kansas standards and clearly identify what students must know and be able to do. This includes interpersonal, intrapersonal, and cognitive skills in pre-K-12.

Balanced Assessment

We assess students for risk and standards and use data to adjust instruction. We have a deep understanding of the purpose of each assessment and how to use the data to raise achievement.

Quality Instruction

We have a culture of high expectations in our classrooms and provide each student access to grade level standards and content through high-quality instructional materials.

Kansas School Improvement Model

Structures

(Reinforce lead indicators and sustain fundamentals within the system)

Lead Indicators

(Actions that support implementation of the Fundamentals)

Measures of Progress

(How we know the action is being implemented effectively)

Resource Allocation

Budget emphasis on implementing high-quality instructional

materials (HQIM) and professional development aligned to state

standards and structured literacy.

Measure

6 Month Target

1 Year Target

Educator Evaluation

Educator evaluation processes and conversations account for

standards in pre-K-12 and optimizing conditions for learning in

classrooms.

Measure

6 Month Target

1 Year Target

Professional Learning

District professional development and mentoring plans account for

the alignment of classroom practice with state standards and HQIM

to optimize conditions for learning in classrooms.

Measure

6 Month Target

1 Year Target

Professional Collaboration

Collaboration system includes grade level and content area teachers

aligning instruction with state standards and HQIM to optimize

conditions for learning in classrooms.

Measure

6 Month Target

1 Year Target

Tiered System of Supports

Data analysis and utilization includes screening for risk and

performance against standards. Appropriate time is provided for

core activities and interventions to meet student needs.

Measure

6 Month Target

1 Year Target

Family, Community and

Business Partnerships

Educators, families, and community partners collaborate to ensure

students are progressing on state standards, competencies, and

postsecondary readiness indicators.

Measure

6 Month Target

1 Year Target

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Action Plan

Component of an Action Plan

  • 1 Fundamental Emphasized
  • 1 or 2 Structures/Lead Indicators (with Local Context for each Structure)
  • 1 or 2 Measures of Progress per Structure/Lead Indicator
  • Answer the 3 Questions (Why, Current Data/Evidence, What’s Next)

School system can have 1 or 2 total components in the Action Plan in 24-25

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If I had nine hours to cut down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my axe.

Abraham Lincoln

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Block & Prohibit

“There will always be more good ideas than there is capacity to execute.”

McChesney, C., Covey, S., Huling, J., Thele, S., & Walker, B. (2022). The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Revised and Updated: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals. Simon and Schuster.

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Action Plan Review Process

System attends School Improvement Day

System submits Action Plan in KESA Application (new)

KSDE Action Plan Review team reviews System’s Action Plan and provides feedback

System’s Action Plan ratings:

Ready to Implement

Needs Improvement

Incomplete

Ready to Implement – begin implementing

Needs Improvement or Incomplete – System must revise and re-submit

60 Days

2 weeks

Action Plans will be reviewed for:

1. Clarity

2. Alignment

3. Data-driven

For all action planning, check out our Action Planning Guide

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Action Plan Supports

MONTHLY OFFICE HOURS

RESOURCES

COMMUNICATE WITH KSDE REVIEW TEAM FEATURE

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Action Plan Supports

  • Action Plan Office Hours
    • Upcoming, 3:00 – 4:00 on Zoom
      • December 4th
      • January 8th
      • February 5th
      • March 5th
      • April 2nd
      • May 7th
      • June 4th
  • Watch KESA listserv and KSDEWeekly for announcements

Pre-submit your questions here.

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Action Plan Supports

  • Resources
    • Accreditation webpage
      • Ksde.org > Accreditation from righthand navigation menu
      • Scroll down to resources

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Action Plan Supports

  • Communicate with KSDE Review Team
    • Send quick questions
    • Get feedback on your draft
    • Ask for clarifications on your revisions
    • Address technical difficulties in application
    • Request one-on-one support
      • We can coordinate a zoom or phone call to collaborate

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Opportunity Makers

Trajectory-changing Schools:

In 3 years, students who start behind gain a full extra year of learning

The Opportunity Makers. (2024, October 8). TNTP. https://tntp.org/publication/the-opportunity-makers/

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Check out our Accreditation webpage��If you would like to subscribe to the KESA listserv, email accreditation@ksde.org

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KESA Monthly Updates

Mark your calendars for the 2024-25 KESA Zoom updates 

        • Aug. 12  
        • Sept. 9  
        • Oct. 14  
        • Nov. 18 (3rd Monday of month)
        • Dec. 9  
        • Jan. 13  
        • Feb. 10  
        • March 10 
        • April 14 
        • May 12 

2nd Monday of each month except for November

10:30 – 11:15

Zoom link

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Mindy Bruce, Central Regional Executive

mbruce@ksde.org

Amber Miller, West Regional Executive

amiller@ksde.org

Jean Rush, East Regional Executive

jrush@ksde.org

Myron Melton, Assistant Director

mmelton@ksde.org

Rue Huereca-Retana, Adm. Specialist

rhuereca-retana@ksde.org

Jay Scott, Director

jscott@ksde.org

The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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.

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.