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Common Core of Standards Considered

Kansas  is participating with approximately 40 other states in work to identify a “common core” of standards for reading and mathematics.   Dr. Alexa Posny, Commissioner of Education, outlined the process to the State Board at their meeting May 13.

An initiative of the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, the process is intended to lead to a common core of standards that are “aligned with college and work expectations, include rigorous content and skills, and [are] internationally benchmarked,” according to the Memorandum of Agreement signed by Posny and Governor Mark Parkinson.

The common core is expected to reflect the standards developed by national subject matter organizations and by the American Diploma Project/Achieve.  Kansas ’ standards are already closely aligned with both of those.

The MOA also explains that the standards would be “aligned to state assessment and classroom practice” and that the second phase of the initiative would include the development of common assessments aligned to the common core standards.

State Board members indicated interest in the work along with concerns that state and local school district autonomy be maintained.

Licensure Regulations Hearing in June

Proposed changes and additions to the Kansas licensure regulations will have a public hearing on Tuesday, June 9, at 1:30 pm in the board room of the Kansas State Department of Education, 120 E. 10th, Topeka.

Any person can speak at the public hearing or provide written testimony prior to the hearing.

The major changes are the adoption of a Teacher Leader license, adding paths for becoming a school counselor without teaching experience, adding a renewal option for the Initial License, and extending the time for KSDE to approve district 5-year “in-service education” plans.

Copies of the proposed regulations can be found in the State Board materials for the March 10, 2009 meeting, pages 93-143.

Committee Reappointments Approved

The following people were reappointed to 3-year terms on committees that advise the State Board:

• Professional Standards Board:  Donna Bagley, private colleges
• Licensure Review Committee:  Pamela Amott, UTW, special education teachers
• Professional Practices Commission:  Randy Mousley, UTW, teachers

In other action, the State Board:

• Approved the action plan for implementing State Board goals
• Received information on updates to the KSDE website
• Heard a presentation from USD 259 on student coaching
• Appointed members to the Special Education Advisory Council
• Approved a petition to disorganize USD 279, Jewell
• Issued an order to divide the territory  of USD 279 between USD 107, Rock Hills, and USD 273, Beloit
• Adopted a recommendation from the Professional Practices Commission
• Approved recommendations for 2 licensure waivers, both special education
• Approved recommendations from the Licensure Review Committee for 18 license/endorsements
• Approved continuation of the $39 license fee for 2009-2010
• Approved the contract with CETE for the Kansas  assessments, not to exceed $4m
• Approved the timeline for review of Kansas  curriculum standards
• Heard a presentation on Troops To Teachers
• Received an update on Teacher Leader license and assessment work

The next meeting of the State Board will be Tuesday and Wednesday, June 9 and 10, in Topeka.  The agenda and meeting materials will be available on the KSDE website , usually by June 1.

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.