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October State Board News 
 

State Assessment Results Show Strong Performance

Results of the 2008 Kansas Statewide Assessments show strong performance in reading, mathematics, science and history/government for all students. The participation rate in the state assessments by Kansas students was over 99 percent.   When compared to the 2000-2007 results, reading and mathematics scores reflect a continuing upward trend.

“I attribute these outstanding results to the sustained focus of educators, administrators, and boards of education across Kansas,” said Alexa Posny, commissioner of education. “They have met and exceeded increasing higher targets under NCLB legislation and their students are the beneficiaries”.

The achievement gaps among various groups of Kansas students in both reading and mathematics are gradually closing.

More information regarding the 2008 Kansas Report Card is available at www.ksde.org on the left side of the homepage under “Data/Report Card." State, district and individual information is available.

Board Continues Discussions of Possible Legislative Recommendations       

Dale Dennis, deputy commissioner, provided information regarding two possible legislative recommendations requested by Board President Wagnon. If approved these would be the State Board of Education recommendations to the 2009 Legislature .

The first legislative proposal would permit the candidates for State Board of Education to appear closer to the top of the ballot rather than at the bottom of the ballot as they appear currently.

The second legislative proposal would raise the amount that could be contributed to a candidate for the State Board from $500 to $1,000 per election cycle by any political committee or person. The proposed change in the contribution amount would then equal the amount that may be contributed to a candidate for the State Senate by a political committee or any person which is $1,000 per election cycle. Each State Board district is composed of four State Senate districts.

The board will act on these proposed recommendations at the November board meeting.

Teacher Vacancies

As of August 1, 2008, there were 85 unified school districts with approximately 228. 9 teacher vacancies compared with 315. 5 at the beginning of the 2007-08 school year. There were 210 districts with no vacancies.   Special Education and math openings continue to be the largest need areas followed by the need for Foreign Language teachers and elementary counselors.

  In other action, the State Board:

• Received a report on future school funding from the 2008 Interim Legislative Study Committees.
• Heard a presentation from the Kansas Board of Regents regarding Teacher Preparation.
• Postponed hearing an overview of a Dyslexia Resolution.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the State Board is Tuesday and Wednesday, November 11 & 12, in Topeka .  Board agenda and materials should be available on the KSDE website the week prior to that.

KNEA Legislative Contacts

Blake West, President
Peg Dunlap, Director, Instructional Advocacy
Mark Desetti, Director, Legislative and Political Advocacy
Terry Forsyth, Director, Political Action

The KNEA Lobby Team consists of elected leaders and staff. The Lobby Team welcomes member feedback on issues before the Legislature and on this site.