2026 KSDE SETS Administrators Conference

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.

This session will provide an overview of Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and Excess Cost reports. We will walk through each report and highlight key areas – budgets, exceptions, consequences of failure. Common errors and best practices will also be discussed. This session is helpful for both seasoned and new staff.

This session will dive into current graduation, drop-out, transition, employment and post-secondary participation rates for Kansas students with disabilities. After our review a panel of special education administrators will share the practices and procedures in their organizations that promote success for their students with disabilities.