KSDE Insight Podcast

Every parent wants their child to be a confident reader. But what really helps children learn to read? In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, Commissioner Randy Watson talks with literacy experts about the Science of Reading, the research that explains how the brain learns to read and why it matters for your child. We’ll explore the simple skills that build strong readers, like phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, and share how Kansas schools are using proven methods to give every child the best start. Parents also will hear easy, everyday ways to support reading at home, from book time and word games to music and conversation. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child become a lifelong reader, this episode offers clear answers, practical tips, and hope for every Kansas family.Guests:Dr. Laurie Curtis, early literacy/dyslexia program manager on the Career, Science and Assessment Services (CSAS) team.Jennifer Hansen, teacher leader consultant on the CSAS team and an ELA specialist at Geary County USD 475.Sources:https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/letrs-program-teacher-traininghttps://www.lexialearning.com/blog/the-science-of-reading-vs-balanced-literacyhttps://www.shankerinstitute.org/blog/science-reading-laws-lets-begin-factshttps://online.wilson.edu/resources/what-is-early-literacy/https://excelinedinaction.org/2025/01/07/the-science-of-reading-15-states-strengthen-early-literacy-policy-in-2024/

Join our host Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, as we examine a key Kansas State Board of Education outcome, kindergarten readiness. Dr. Watson is joined by KSDE’s Amanda Petersen, director of Early Childhood to talk about the importance of preparing the youngest Kansans for success.Listen as they discuss the ways we partner with parents to understand a child's needs so they will thrive in the kindergarten classroom. Hear examples of two different early childhood programs presented to the Kansas State Board of Education during their October meeting.Grab a digital copy of the Kindergarten in Kansas booklet now available in 6 languages.Download a copy today in:Kindergarten in Kansas – ENGLISHKindergarten in Kansas – SPANISHKindergarten in Kansas – ARABICKindergarten in Kansas – BURMESEKindergarten in Kansas – SWAHILIKindergarten in Kansas – VIETNAMESE

On this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, KansasEducation Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson talks with education leaders about how Career and Technical Education (CTE) helps students prepare for life after high school.Parents will learn what CTE is and how Kansas uses a statewide framework of career clusters and pathways that schools can choose from to build local programs. Districts decide which pathways to offer based on their communityneeds, available resources, and student interests, helping connect learning in the classroom to real-world opportunities.The conversation highlights how CTE supports students during high school, improves postsecondary outcomes, and strengthens Kansas communities through partnerships with local industries. Guests also address common misconceptions about CTE, explain how today’s programs differ from vocational education of the past, and share how students can get involved through coursework and career-focused student organizations.This episode gives parents a clearer picture of how CTE can help students discover their strengths, explore future careers, and graduate ready for college, training, or the workforce.Guests:Natalie Clark, assistant director of Career, Standards and Assessment Services (CSAS), Kansas State Department of EducationDr. Lindsay King, director of college and career readiness, Maize USD 266Connect with us on:The KSDE websiteFacebookX (Twitter)

School funding can feel complicated and disconnected from the classroom, but it plays a major role in the opportunities students experience every day.In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we break down how school funding works in Kansas, where the money comes from, and how funding decisions affect class sizes, programs, and student supports. We also discuss why Kansas’current school funding formula is set to sunset in 2027, what work is already underway with the Legislature, and why it is important for families to understand these conversations now.Joining the conversation are Dr. Frank Harwood, Kansas State Department of Education deputy commissioner of fiscal and administrative services; and Dr. Cory Gibson,superintendent of De Soto USD 232. Together, they offer clear, parent-focused insights into school funding, transparency, and how families can stay informed and engaged.

This month on the KSDE Insight Podcast, we’re talking about something that affects every child’s future: civic readiness. Across the country, there’s growing momentum to give students richer opportunities to engage with real issues, collaborate with others, and contribute to their communities — and high-quality civic learning is helping make those meaningful experiences a reality.In this episode, we explain why civics is more than learning how government works. It teaches skills that help children thrive in school and in life like listening, communicating respectfully, understanding different viewpoints, and working together to solve problems. These are the same skills that support academic success, career readiness, and healthy relationships. Parents will hear practical examples of what high-quality civic learning looks like in classrooms today, including hands-on projects, service opportunities and student voice activities. Tune in to learn how Kansas schools are working to help students become confident, responsible members of their communities, and how families play a powerful role in that journey.This month's guests include the following:North Lyon County USD 251Bob Blair, superintendentDave Watkins, Northern Heights HS principalShawn Wilson, Northern Heights social studies teacherColby USD 315Katina Brenn, superintendentJessica Kistler, 4th grade teacher John Cox, 11th and 12th grade history teacher Heather Stapp, director of teaching and learning

What does “school improvement” really mean, and how does it help your child? In this episode of the KSDE Insight podcast, we explore how Kansas schools are working together to strengthen learning for every student.Hear how teachers are using the science of reading, aligning lessons to clear standards, and making smarter use of assessment data. It’s all part of Kansas’ effort to create stronger schools and brighter futures.We’ll also share simple ways families can get involved by learning about their school’s improvement goals and supporting learning at home.Guests include: Jean Rush, east region KESA executive, KSDE Accreditation & Design.Dr. Rebecca Kramer, superintendent, South Brown County USD 430.David Rebant, math teacher, Horton High School, South Brown County USD 430.To learn more about school improvement, click here: KSDE School Improvement Resource

On this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we break down what state assessments really mean for Kansas students and families.Learn why these tests matter, how they’re used to support teaching and learning, and what the new cut scores mean for interpreting results. Our goal is to give parents clear, practical information so they can better understand their child’s progress and how schools are working to prepare every student for future success.Guests: Dr. Renee Nugent, KSDE Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services.Dr. Dan Gruman, director of assessment and research, Shawnee Mission USD 512Sources:https://ksassessments.org/https://forstudentsuccess.org/parent-support-for-assessments-grows-when-k-12-leaders-show-how-data-helps-schools-and-students/https://www.the74million.org/article/parents-need-to-know-about-student-progress-most-state-data-comes-out-too-late/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimcowen/2021/05/11/state-assessments-offer-parents-much-needed-information-to-help-their-child-succeed/https://www.nwea.org/blog/2025/10-ways-for-teachers-parents-to-communicate-better-about-assessments/https://www.pta.org/home/About-National-Parent-Teacher-Association/PTA-Newsroom/news-list/news-detail-page/2021/02/22/national-survey-finds-majority-of-parents-support-end-of-year-state-assessments-with-modifications-and-resourceshttps://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/formative-and-summative-assessment.shtml

In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we talk directly to parents about the importance of academic rigor - and why challenging coursework is essential to helping students grow, adapt, and succeed in an ever-changing world.Rigor isn’t about overwhelming students with homework; it’s about teaching them to think critically, solve problems, and persevere through difficulty. Because the truth is: students will rise — or fall — to meet the expectations we set. When parents and schools work together to raise the bar, we prepare every student not just for graduation, but for life.Guests:Ben Proctor, superintendent, Hesston USD 460Blake Vargas, superintendent, Caney Valley USD 436Resources:Explaining Rigor to Students | EdutopiaSelf-fulfilling prophecies in the classroom: Teacher expectations, teacher feedback and student achievement - ScienceDirectTeacher Expectations Play a Big Role in the Classroom. Here's How (Opinion)Introduction | The Opportunity MythMicrosoft Word - TCR R2 Thompsonetal 2016.docxEducation Equity and the Necessity of Having High Expectations | Edutopia

In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore the growing concern of chronic absenteeism and its impact on student success. Aimed specifically at parents, this conversation dives into the reasons behind frequent absences—ranging from health and anxiety to transportation and disengagement—and why missing even a few days a month can add up to serious academic and social consequences.Hear from educators and experts on how families can identify barriers, work with schools, and create routines that support regular attendance. Because when students miss school, they’re missing opportunities—and together, we can help keep them on track.Guests:Justin Coffey, principal, Ulysses High School, Ulysses USD 214Shanna Rector, deputy superintendent, Salina USD 305Jenn Reed, assistant superintendent for learning services, Haysville USD 261Resources:Chronic Absenteeism | U.S. Department of EducationThe Problem - Attendance WorksHandout: Strategies to Address Chronic AbsenteeismReducing Chronic Absenteeism: Lessons from Community Schools | Learning Policy InstituteHow Parents Can Reduce Chronic School Absenteeism | K-12 Schools | U.S. NewsFind a SUN Meals location near you: Summer Meal LocationsLearn more about SUN Bucks: SUN Bucks 2025 - Economic & Employment Services

When school’s out, screen time often goes up—and so does the risk of online threats. In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we talk with safety experts with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General and KSDE to explore how parents can help protect their children from online predators and other digital dangers during the summer months.You'll hear practical tips for monitoring online activity, setting boundaries, recognizing warning signs, and starting open, age-appropriate conversations about internet safety.Join us to learn how to keep your kids safe, smart, and secure online—no matter the season.Guests: Crystal Marks, senior special agent, Kansas Bureau of InvestigationJennifer Slagle, youth suicide prevention coordinator, Office of Kansas Attorney General Kris W. KobachJohn Calvert, head school safety specialist, Kansas State Department of EducationResources: Kansas Department for Children and Families mandated reporter form: Mandated Reporter Portal - Prevention and Protection ServicesKSDE Safe and Secure Schools Unit Social Media 101 training. Email John Calvert at john.calvert@ksde.govKansas A Friend Asks app: A Friend Asks - A Friend AsksReeves, R. (2022). Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why it Matters, and What to Do About it. Swift Press.Cyberthreats Children Face During Summer Vacation: A Parent’s Guide to Online SafetyBee In the Know: Online Safety for KidsFacts for Parents - Protecting Children Online - San Diego County District AttorneyChildren and Grooming / Online Predators | Child Crime Prevention & Safety CenterChildren and Grooming / Online Predators | Child Crime Prevention & Safety CenterInstructing Your Kids About Online Safety - PrivacyFind a summer meals site near you at: Summer Meal Locations

As summer break approaches, how can Kansas families and educators help students hold on to the academic gains they've made throughout the year? In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore practical strategies to prevent the “summer slide” — the learning loss that can happen when studentsare out of the classroom for extended periods.Join Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas educators and literacy experts (listed below) as they talk about engaging, accessible ways to keep kids reading, thinking, and learning all summer long. From library partnerships to simple at-home activities, discover tools and tips that make summer learning fun and meaningful.Guests include:Dyane Smokorowski, coordinator of digital literacy, Wichita USD 259Dr. Brent Wolf, principal, Derby Hills Elementary School, Derby USD 260Jeri Powers, reading specialist/teacher leader consultant, Kansas State Department of EducationTopics include:What the summer slide is and who it impacts most.Ideas for families to promote learning without worksheets.How Kansas schools and communities are stepping up.Free and low-cost resources available statewide. Resources mentioned: Capstone: https://www.capstonepub.com/Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/Kansas Framework for Literacy: https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/CSAS/KSDE%20Literacy%20Framework%202025.pdf?ver=2025-03-03-125621-967PBS for Parents: https://www.pbs.org/parents/Start with a Book: https://www.startwithabook.org/Summer Meal Locations: https://ksde.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c59a8dfe7b5046aa893d32296c946f53Sunflower Summer (Open Saturday, July 12-Sunday, August 3): https://sunflowersummer.org/ Other resources: Summer Slide Statistics and PreventionSchool Districts’ Post-Covid Strategies for Summer Learning - FutureEdHow to address the mental health 'summer slide' for K-12 students | K-12 DiveSummer Slide Education | Strategies to Bridge the GapLeave a comment below on suggestions you have to keep kids engaged and learning all summer long!

In today’s K-12 classrooms, technology is more accessiblethan ever—bringing new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and personalized learning. But with increased screen time, digital distractions, and the challenges of managing devices, educators and families are asking: Is technology truly enhancing education, or is it making it harder for students to focus? In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore the benefits and challenges of classroom technology, from 1:1 device initiatives to cell phones and digital learning tools. Join us as we hear from a local board member, parent, student and community health expert on how schools can strike the right balance between leveraging tech for learning and maintaining student focus.To view the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Student Screen Time report and watch previous meetings, click here: Blue Ribbon Task Force on Student Screen TimeOther resources: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/04/04/challenges-in-the-classroom/The Evolution of Technology in the Classroom - Purdue University College of EducationWho's Behind the Explosion of Technology in Schools?The Anxious Generation: The Anxious Generation Out Now. Order the Book.

Welcome to the KSDE Insight Podcast, where we explore the people, policies, and progress shaping education in Kansas.  In this episode, From Slate to Screen: The Journey of Public Education, we take a step back in time to better understand how we got here. Education in Kansas has come a long way — from one-room schoolhouses with slate boards to the dynamic, technology-driven classrooms of today. But to truly grasp the current landscape of Kansas public education, we must examine the policies, reforms, and pivotal moments that have shaped it. How have legislative shifts, and societal changes influenced our schools? And what lessons can we take from history as we navigate the future of education? Join us as we uncover the journey of Kansas education, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and transformative policies that have paved the way for today’s students and educators.This month's guests are Dr. Deb Mercer, dean of Kansas State University's College of Education, and Mark Tallman, associate executive director of educational advocacy for Kansas Association of School Boards. Resources mentioned in this episode:History and Evolution of Public Education in the U.S.: ED606970.pdfConstitution of the State of Kansas - Article 6 - Education: Kansas Secretary of State | Publications | Kansas Constitution | Article 6 - EducationHistory of Kansas Education: ERIC - ED523333 - History of Kansas Education, Kansas State Department of Education, 2001-SepBrown v. Board of Education: Brown v. Board of Education (1954) | National ArchivesElementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA): The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as Amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): A Primer | Congress.gov | Library of CongressIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act: About IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education ActPlease rate, review and subscribe to this podcast! Also, leave a comment suggesting topics you would like to see covered.

Welcome to episode 11 of the KSDE Insight Podcast. This month we explore Individual Plans of Study (IPS) with our guest Dr. Robyn Kelso, education program consultant at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). Find out what an individual plans study is, what it is not and how IPS can benefit students and teachers.Also in this episode, we check in with Cheryl Johnson the director of Child Nutrition and Wellness at KSDE to learn more about changes to free meals, how families that are eligible for free or reduced-price meals must apply to receive free meals and that all other students must pay full price for their meals as they did pre-pandemic.We also meet Dr. Ben Proctor, deputy commissioner of the Division of Learning Services at KSDE. Hear about Dr. Proctor's past education experience and his desire to support school districts and staff around the state.Links mentioned in this episode:KSDE.org - find features on Summer Learning around Kansas.HirePaths.com - career planning help and resources.Sunflowersummer.org - a learning program designed to help students and families explore state attractions for free.

In this episode, our host Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, is joined by Dr. Kelly Spurgeon, sr. ed. research analyst on the Career, Standards and Assessment Services Team at KSDE to talk about the Kansas State Board of Education outcome – Postsecondary Success. Listen in on this informative chat as Dr. Watson and Dr. Spurgeon dig into the need to measure Postsecondary Success and the factors around how we calculate it. Find a full transcript of the episode on our website: https://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Communications/ADA/Ep%2010%20Postsecondary%20Success%20Tanscript.pdf?ver=2022-06-21-152859-857%27

In this episode our host Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, is joined by Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), Interim Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Scott Smith to talk about the Kansas State Board of Education outcome – Academically Prepared for Postsecondary. Listen in on this rich discussion as Dr. Watson and Dr. Smith explore the importance of measuring how prepared students in Kansas are for postsecondary success. Resources mentioned in the episode: Kansas LEADS is a conference designed and led by educators from across the state. Get more information and register for the June 3-4, 2022 conference in the KC Metro area: https://kansasleads.mystrikingly.com/ See messages to Kansas teachers from KSDE staff and the Kansas Teacher of the Year team members for Teacher Appreciation Week. Find all of the messages on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd_2hYcIboc-hSR9iOhoATE2yz8VtpXe0 Find a transcript of this episode here.

In this episode our host Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, is joined by Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) staff members Dr. David Fernkopf, assistant director, Curricular Standards, Virtual Schools and Dr. Robyn Kelso, education program consultant - Graduation from Career, Standards and Assessment Services (CSAS) to talk about graduation in Kansas. Listen as they discuss work being done by the Graduation Requirements Task Force and hear explanations of the proposed changes. You can provide input on proposed recommendations to change the current graduation requirements to reflect what a graduate needs in the 21st century. Feedback from all Kansans is welcome. You can find the feedback form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgh-IpVSnY3zDAAKh1UdVOs48u-bcjLjqxI8gOP2-8TYBQHA/viewform The deadline to complete the survey is April 15. Find a full transcript of the episode on our website: https://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Communications/ADA/KSDE%20Insight%20Podcast%20Ep%208%20Graduation%20Tanscript.pdf?ver=2022-04-11-142624-760

Welcome to episode 7 of the Kansas State Department of Education Insight podcast. In this episode, our host Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson sits down with KSDE’s Shanna Bigler, mental health education program consultant, for a conversation about social emotional growth. We also get an introduction to the 2022 Kansas Teacher of the Year Susanne Stevenson. Hear Susanne describe her goals for the coming year as Kansas Teacher of the Year. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.ksde.org/Search-Results?search=mental%20health https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education-and-Title-Services/Social_Emotional_Growth https://www.ksdetasn.org/universal_search?search_term=mental+health https://www.ksdetasn.org/universal_search?search_term=social+emotional Find a full transcript of this episode here.

In this episode, Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson wraps up 2021 and looks ahead to 2022. Find a transcript of this episode here.

On this month's episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast we talk about Civic Engagement. In 2015 the Kansas State Board of Education listened to Kansans and identified Civic Engagement as a top outcome for student success. That outcome was reinforced by feedback from Kansans again in 2021. Listen in as our host Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson talks with KSDE’s Nathan McAlister, Humanities Program Manger about what Civic Engagement looks like in Kansas. They discuss social studies assessments along with the emotional presentations given to the Kansas State Board of Education from students and military veterans supporting the Honor Flight program that many Kansas schools participate in.In the first half of the episode, Dr. Watson shares news and information from the State Board of Education including the recent Kansans Can Star Recognition award presentations and the significance of recognizing the successful work of Kansas educators.Click for a full transcript of episode 5.