@ksde.bsky.social
Leadership and support for student learning.
Today kicks off #LoveTeaching Week, designed to celebrate teaching, leading and learning in a way that unites and invigorates educators.
Julie Smith, 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year regional finalist, shares one of her favorite memories of teaching. buff.ly/O5zwP1S
What’s your favorite memory?
Graduation is more than a ceremony; it’s a turning point for your child’s future.
A 90.5% graduation rate means more Kansas students have the foundation they need to pursue college, technical training, military service or careers - and that matters.
Graduation matters.
A new episode of the Insight Podcast is out now!
In this episode, we talk with education leaders about how Career and Technical Education (CTE) helps students prepare for life after high school.
Tune in now on
Spotify: buff.ly/QI79Dd0
Apple: buff.ly/5b4oxxA
YouTube: buff.ly/PxlnmWP
Graduation is more than a milestone; it’s a launching point.
With a 90.5% high school graduation rate, Kansas students are opening doors to what comes next.
Graduation matters.
A new episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast comes out tomorrow! The newest episode is about 'Career and Technical Education: What It Really Looks Like Today.'
In the meantime, catch up on episodes:
Spotify –https://buff.ly/df6LxKJ
YouTube –https://buff.ly/feUNTq1
Apple –https://buff.ly/tlyAwUu
The funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses is a different weighting than others. This is because it is skilled-based work which requires smaller class sizes and costly equipment.
Learn more on:
Spotify: buff.ly/df6LxKJ
Apple: buff.ly/tlyAwUu
YouTube: buff.ly/feUNTq1
The Kansas State Board of Education will meet today, Feb. 10, beginning at 10 a.m.
View the agenda and meeting materials here: buff.ly/vO3jkoU
“Staffing drives most of the budget.” KSDE Deputy Commissioner Dr. Frank Harwood shares how the budget isn’t about what all you can buy, but about having great people working with students.
Available on:
Spotify: buff.ly/df6LxKJ
Apple: buff.ly/tlyAwUu
YouTube: buff.ly/feUNTq1
As we celebrate #CTEmonth in February, Mame Saye Drame, a senior at Olathe North High School and president of Kansas DECA, says CTE gives students real world skills and experiences to take into their future careers. @KSDECA
08.02.2026 17:02 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0February is national #CTEmonth. Riley Sturgis, president of the Riverton FFA chapter and the @Kansas FFA Southeast District, says CTE and FFA have not only prepared him for his postsecondary success but also for life.
07.02.2026 17:02 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Amber Patel is a Winfield High School graduate and vice president of the HOSA-Future Health Professionals of Kansas. As we celebrate #CTEmonth in February, Amber said CTE gives students the chance to observe careers they may be interested in before committing to a postsecondary path. @KansasHOSA
06.02.2026 16:01 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Just as you put money in your savings account, districts also put money into a ‘rainy day’ fund which is called ‘carryover.’ Districts must fund each month of the school year even if they do not receive funding until later on. (buff.ly/c8Tj8rt)
Listen now on Spotify: buff.ly/df6LxKJ
For Kansans whose highest level of education is a high school diploma, graduates earn about 9% more over a lifetime than non-graduates. (Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey)
A high school diploma is the first step toward opportunity.
Graduation matters.
KSDE Deputy Commissioner Dr. Frank Harwood explains how declining enrollment can mean less funding for small districts (buff.ly/yjtvvqB). This often leads to combined classes, fewer support staff, or reduced extracurricular offerings.
More on:
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YouTube: buff.ly/feUNTq1
Did you know Kansas’ funding formula helps districts plan for enrollment increases and declines?
From hiring staff to budgeting ahead, the process includes multiple approval steps before reaching the local board of education.
Listen now on:
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YouTube: buff.ly/feUNTq1
This achievement belongs to Kansas schools and educators who work every day to prepare students for success.
With a graduation rate of 90.5%, the highest in state history, more students are completing high school ready for college, career, or service.
Graduation matters.
Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is a celebration of achievements by African Americans. Take this time to learn about their inspiring stories that shaped our world.
02.02.2026 15:31 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
February is Career Technical Education (CTE) Month.
CTE allows for students to gain real-world expertise while learning. This helps child use their cognitive skills and decide if they like a future career by testing the waters.
Did you know students who are in CTE have a higher graduation rate?
De Soto USD 232 Superintendent Dr. Cory Gibson explains why funding matters and how “in every single way, finance impacts a child’s experience in school.”
Tune in now on
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Apple: buff.ly/tlyAwUu
YouTube: buff.ly/feUNTq1
Happy Kansas Day as we commemorate the Sunflower State's admittance as the 34th state in the Union as a free state on Jan. 29, 1861 - exactly 165 years ago today!
29.01.2026 19:53 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Rachel Marlow was presented yesterday with keys to a car to travel across the state as an ambassador for the teaching profession.
Congrats, Rachel!
Learn more here: buff.ly/ycc2PvX
Are you interested in learning more about Kansas education? Subscribe to our podcast!
This episode 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.
Tune in now on Spotify: buff.ly/df6LxKJ
ICYMI: A new episode of the Insight Podcast is out now!
This episode 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.
Tune in now on
Spotify: buff.ly/df6LxKJ
YouTube: buff.ly/feUNTq1
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Kansas Department of Education will be closed Monday, Jan. 19.
16.01.2026 18:02 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
A new episode of the Insight Podcast is out now!
This episode 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.
Tune in now on
Spotify: buff.ly/df6LxKJ
YouTube: buff.ly/feUNTq1
A new episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast comes out tomorrow! The newest episode is about 'How Kansas Funds Schools and Why It Matters for Families.'
In the meantime, catch up on previous episodes on:
Spotify –https://buff.ly/LlLWU24
YouTube –https://buff.ly/ZEtw7d1
Apple –https://buff.ly/orl2TRV
The Kansas State Board of Education will meet today, Jan. 13, beginning at 10 a.m.
View the agenda and meeting materials here: buff.ly/vO3jkoU
“We’re teaching kids democracy...freedom...and teaching them how they can have a voice in a peaceful way.”
USD 251 Superintendent Robert Blair shares what receiving a Kansans Can Star Recognition award in civic engagement means to him and the district.
Learn more on:
Spotify: buff.ly/JsafvAF
Parents, do you have a question about education in Kansas?
Email insightpodcast@ksde.gov for the chance to have your question answered by Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson on a future episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast.
Are you interested in learning more about Kansas education? Subscribe to our podcast!
In this episode, we explain why civics is more than learning how government works.
Learn more on:
Spotify: buff.ly/JsafvAF
Apple: buff.ly/W8hNILv
YouTube: buff.ly/9KWs4nP
