KESA Update
January 2025
Topics for this Update
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.
Accreditation Determination Areas
Each accreditation area has:
Compliance
School Improvement
Outcomes
Timeline
School Year | Compliance | School Improvement | Outcomes |
2024-2025 | Report Evaluate | Evaluate
| Report |
2025-2026 | Report Evaluate | Evaluate
| Report |
2026-2027 | Report Evaluate | Evaluate
| Report Evaluate* |
*We will begin evaluating outcomes in 2026-27 school year as we are making an investment in school improvement through implementation of four fundamentals. By delaying evaluation, we will be able to elevate the importance of high-leverage action.
KESA 2.0 Collaboration Process
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
School Improvement Days
School Improvement Days Update
Goals of the SI Day:
KESA Action Plans
Action Plan
Component of an Action Plan
School system can have 1 or 2 total components in the Action Plan for 24-25
Action Plans - Overall Data
Fundamentals
Structures
Fundamentals & Structures
Next Round of KESA Check-ins
Roughly 6 months after the School Improvement Day
Next Round of KESA Check-ins (after your SI Day)
Timeline for next round of KESA Check-ins
2024 - 2025: Check-ins will begin in March (with the systems that had a School Improvement Day in September 2024). The Check-ins will continue through June.
2025 - 2026: No Check-ins in July (if your system’s 6 months falls in July, we will adjust) and run through October 2025.
Quick Hitters
SAVE THE DATE
KESA Application
Gaining access to the KESA Authenticated Application
Completing the Action Plan blank template
Editing and Submitting the Action Plan
School Improvement Day Cancellation Protocol
Check out our Accreditation webpage��If you would like to subscribe to the KESA listserv, email accreditation@ksde.org��
KESA Monthly Updates
Mark your calendars for the 2024-25 KESA Zoom updates
Mindy Bruce, Central Regional Executive
Amber Miller, West Regional Executive
Jean Rush, East Regional Executive
Myron Melton, Assistant Director
Rue Huereca-Retana, Adm. Specialist
Jay Scott, Director
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.