2026 KSDE SETS Administrators Conference

Participants will explore the legal foundation of permissive use of funds and examine how special education and related services may appropriately be delivered in general education classrooms and other education-related settings. The session will also highlight how permissive use of funds can support tiered systems of supports by allowing specially designed instruction, supplementary aids, services, and inclusive practices to occur while ensuring FAPE and supporting student success within the core curriculum, including periods when education systems are making the initial shift to tiered systems.

This presentation explores practical, research-informed strategies that early childhood leaders can use to create and sustain inclusive learning environments. Participants will learn seven key strategies that promote equity, collaboration, and individualized support. “Making Inclusion Possible” focuses on empowering leaders to support children of all abilities, backgrounds, and needs in high-quality early education settings.

Kansas is evolving its approach to special education monitoring and accountability. As the state transitions from a cohort-based monitoring model to a risk-based model focused on student outcomes, it is more important than ever for educators and administrators to understand how their work connects to the broader system of general supervision.
This session provides a foundational overview of the Kansas Integrated Accountability System (KIAS) and its role in supporting the state's general supervision responsibilities. Participants will explore general supervision not simply as a compliance requirement, but as a continuous, data-informed process designed to improve outcomes for students. We will examine how KIAS supports local education agency (LEA) and district accountability, continuous improvement efforts, and state-level oversight while highlighting upcoming changes to monitoring practices and what they mean for administrators.
Whether you are new to KIAS or looking for a refresher, this session will help you understand the big picture, navigate the evolving accountability landscape, and strengthen the connection between your local work and the state's efforts to improve outcomes for all students.

This session focuses on helping early childhood leaders and program staff effectively use data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes related to Indicator 7. By moving “from data to decisions,” participants will learn how to collect, analyze, and apply meaningful data to strengthen program performance and ensure continuous improvement The session will explore strategies for understanding Indicator 7 requirements, identifying trends, and translating data into actionable steps. Participants will examine how to use data to guide instruction, enhance supports for children, and align services with program goals. Emphasis will also be placed on building a culture of data use, engaging teams in reflective practices, and maintaining data integrity.

This session will share a systemic approach to improving specially designed literacy instruction for secondary students with reading goals on their IEP’s. We will highlight the collaboration between KSDE and the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education in the implementation of a pilot project that builds secondary special education staff capacity in the science of reading, structured literacy, and in using assessment data to guide instruction and individualize reading goals. This pilot is a work in progress, and we will share the successes and challenges of this ongoing work, along with how we are navigating implementation.

Beginning this upcoming school, the Family Engagement Survey–2 (FES–2) on districttools.org will be used to collect the SPP APR Indicator 8 data as well as the ESEA parent and family engagement requirements. Bring your computer to this session to access the website and view available data from prior years. We will discuss the process for administering the survey, how to review results for your district/LEA, and expectations for participation. Join us to learn how districts have used the FES–2 results to improve their family engagement practices.

This session highlights the critical role of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in building and sustaining effective partnerships in early childhood and community-based programs. Participants will explore how MOUs can clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations among partners, while promoting accountability and trust. The session will cover key components of strong MOUs, strategies for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships, and practical approaches for aligning services across agencies.