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KASB News

High Goals, Improved Instruction and Social and Emotional Support Boost Academics in Baxter Springs

High Goals, Improved Instruction and Social and Emotional Support Boost Academics in Baxter Springs

Posted Date: 03/04/2024

Baxter Springs USD 508 is located in southeast Kansas on the Oklahoma border. The district serves about 860 students with nearly 80 percent of those being high needs. Baxter Springs has . . .

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Strong Focus on Individual Plans of Study Boosts Postsecondary Success in Frontenac

Strong Focus on Individual Plans of Study Boosts Postsecondary Success in Frontenac

Posted Date: 03/04/2024

Frontenac USD 249 in southeast Kansas serves about 1,000 students. The number of students with high needs is 55.8 percent, about 10 percentage points below the state average. In the years 2016-2020, . . .

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Haysville and Salina Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Using Parent Outreach and Support

Haysville and Salina Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Using Parent Outreach and Support

Posted Date: 02/09/2024

Chronic absenteeism is linked to lower academic performance, and students who already lag in outcomes miss school at higher rates. Absenteeism increased during the COVID pandemic, both in Kansas and . . .

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In Kansas, the Good Work Continues

In Kansas, the Good Work Continues

Posted Date: 02/07/2024

As I write this, not even 24 hours have passed since the news that the Kansas Supreme Court would release oversight of the Gannon settlement that aimed to restore adequate and equitable funding to . . .

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Reducing Statewide School Mill Levy

Reducing Statewide School Mill Levy

Posted Date: 02/01/2024

Kansas Republican leaders have said they will propose reducing the statewide 20-mill school levy in the 2024 legislative session. The levy is part of how the state funds public education and without . . .

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Higher Expectations, Career Skills Focus Lifts Topeka's Achievement

Higher Expectations, Career Skills Focus Lifts Topeka's Achievement

Posted Date: 03/04/2024

In September I visited six districts in North Central Kansas that had graduation rates and postsecondary success rates well above what would be expected, based on their enrollment and percentage of . . .

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Kansas State Board of Education January Meeting Summary

Kansas State Board of Education January Meeting Summary

Posted Date: 02/01/2024

At their January meeting, the Kansas State Board of Education was briefed on a range of issues that will impact Kansas school districts. Accreditation & Standards Clarification Dr. Ben Proctor, . . .

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Mark Tallman Visits Kansas School Districts Setting the Bar for Student Achievement

Mark Tallman Visits Kansas School Districts Setting the Bar for Student Achievement

Posted Date: 03/04/2024

Recently, Mark Tallman, KASB Associate Executive Director of Educational Advocacy visited six school districts across Kansas that are setting the bar for student achievement.  Whether it’s . . .

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Derby Using Budget Needs Assessment to Support Improving Student Outcomes

Derby Using Budget Needs Assessment to Support Improving Student Outcomes

Posted Date: 01/30/2024

Kansas school boards are required to conduct a needs assessment of each school building in their district as part of the annual budget process. The needs assessments along with test results must be . . .

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Being Brian: Building Relationships with Legislators

Being Brian: Building Relationships with Legislators

Posted Date: 01/29/2024

It's that time of year again when the state legislature convenes for the 2024 legislative session in Topeka. You might be thinking, "What does this have to do with me, a local school board member?" . . .

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