Across Kansas, leaders are navigating growing student needs, limited resources, and funding pressures that challenge traditional approaches to special education delivery. If the goal is improved outcomes for students, leaders may need to rethink where—and how—they invest scarce capacity.
This session examines the leadership shift toward strengthening prereferral intervention systems and leveraging special education staff as collaborative partners within the broader educational system. Participants will discuss how system design, staff development, and resource decisions can either reinforce fragmentation or build stronger, more integrated supports for students. Attendees will leave with an overview of how Kansas has evolved from GEI to MTSS, the resulting changes in legislation over the years, and how these can positively impact resource challenges in special education.
