Kansas seeks to improve clarity for schools across the state

KANSAS (KSNT) - The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is asking federal education officials for help to align state and federal school accountability systems into a single model focused on student achievement and school improvement.

The KSDE submitted the waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education (DE), per a press release on Oct. 27.

Currently, schools and districts in Kansas operate under two different systems: the Kansas Education System Accreditation framework and the federal Every Student Succeeds Act identification process. These systems both attempt to improve student outcomes, but having to use two systems creates an administrative burden, as well as confusion for districts across the state, according to the KSDE.

In July, the DE encouraged states to request "creative and effective waivers" to maximize the impact of federal funds, as well as improve the outcome for students. The KSDE believes these waivers will serve the Trump Administration's goal of improving academic achievement by returning education to the states.

According to the press release from the KSDE, the waiver requested would:

• Delay new identification of Comprehensive Support and Improvement, Targeted Support and Improvement, and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement schools until the 2028-29 school year.
• Delay the exit of currently identified schools until no later than the 2027-28 school year.
• Allow schools currently identified to continue receiving federal 1003(a) school improvement funds each year they remain identified.

The KSDE said the waiver would provide enough time to bring both accountability systems together under one model. This would create a single system of support that is clear, efficient and focused on proven strategies for improving student outcomes.

“This is about coherence and stability,” said KSDE Deputy Commissioner Renee Nugent. “By aligning our state and federal systems, we are removing barriers and ensuring every Kansas school is working from the same set of goals. This unified approach allows educators to focus on what truly matters, supporting students and accelerating academic achievement.”

The waiver request is open to public comment, and state residents are encouraged to review the proposal and submit feedback on the KSDE website. If the waiver is not approved by the DE, the KSDE will continue to meet all federal requirements and continue its work to build a single accountability and improvement system.

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