The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is seeking an experienced math individual for the role of STEM Math Program Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dedicated team doing meaningful, impactful work. In this position, you'll collaborate with passionate and talented professionals, all committed to education. 

Click on the link below to apply.

Math STEM Program Manager Job Posting

*If the selected candidate is currently under an employment contract with a Kansas school district, the position will be held for them until the contractual obligations are fulfilled and then will join our team.  

New School Improvement Resource Site!

Math Pathways Zoom series!

Join us for the Math Pathways Zoom Series, a set of informative sessions designed to help you navigate the new Math Pathways. Whether you have specific questions or are seeking general guidance, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity to clarify any confusion about the new pathways and learn from other districts about their implementation strategies. We’ll meet every two weeks at 4:00 p.m., starting on April 2nd, 2025, and concluding on May 14th, 2025. Don’t miss out—please find the link below to join us!

https://ksde.zoom.us/j/83803864436

Passcode: 118961 

KANSAS MATH PATHWAYS!

Background of Kansas Math Pathways

Traditional postsecondary mathematics, including requiring college algebra for most majors, and requiring traditional prerequisite remediation that does not count toward a baccalaureate degree, impose unnecessary obstacles to degree completion for Kansas students. 

According to KBOR’s  Developmental Education Data Report, too few students are completing a traditional prerequisite developmental course and a general education math course within a two-year period.  Further, according to a 2015 Report published by the Mathematical Association of America, A Common Vision for Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences Programs in 2025, “mathematics courses are the most significant barrier to degree completion in both STEM and non-STEM fields.”

The Kansas Board of Regents seeks to implement proven practices that remove these obstacles and advance access, affordability, success, and completion (all components of the Board’s strategic plan, Building a Future), by working with the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin on Mathematics Pathways. 

Kansas is now one of the 22 states participating in the Launch Years Initiative, which supports the scaling of mathematics pathways from high school through postsecondary education and into the workplace, aligned to students’ goals and aspirations.  The Dana Center provides resources and support and holds an annual convening at which participating states can share ideas, best practices, and experiences related to the initiative.

The gateway and developmental course placement guidance, corequisite support section framework, shall take effect during the Fall 2026 semester and continually apply thereafter. See below for the timeline and the three pathways' graphics with what programs would fall under each pathway.

 click here to see additional information - Math Pathways 

The Kansas State Department of Education announced it will continue its partnership with IXL Math for the 2025-2026 school year, with IXL Learning to provide schools with a free supplemental instructional program that can help Kansas students improve their math skills. 

IXL UPDATES!

• IXL has updated the names of our two IXL Diagnostics to provide more clarity and better reflect their flexibility. Read more here.

• Here are a few easy ways to help students get the most out of IXL during their summer break! (Whether it be with a teacher or through family use at home.)

• High school educators and administrators, join IXL for part of our Unleashed series: Supporting every high school student’s path to success. Read more and sign up here.

• Have questions or feedback? Interested in scheduling a 'spring tune-up' to collaborate, discuss new and upcoming IXL features, and align your usage to local goals and needs? Simply email kansas@ixl.com and we will get it set up!

Join educators from across Kansas in setting cut points for the KAP 2025 Assessments!

Join educators from across Kansas in setting cut points for the KAP 2025 Assessments. During the KAP Standard Setting, educators will analyze the test items for each KAP assessment, along with performance-level descriptors, and set cut points that reflect student proficiency levels.  

The KAP Standard Setting will be held in person from June 9 through 13 in Topeka. Panelists will be selected to serve on a two-day or three-day panel. This event will be a tremendous professional development opportunity that provides educators with a voice in how the KAP assessments are reported for students. There will be delicious meals, snacks, and ample opportunity to network with educators from across the state. 

Complete the INTEREST SURVEY today to show your interest in participating. 

We are seeking individuals with experience working with a range of students, including practicing educators and other certified school staff. We want to ensure we have panelists who represent a cross-section of the state, including large and small districts, rural and urban areas, and a variety of socioeconomic contexts, as well as those that have experience teaching English learners, students with disabilities, and students with varied experiences.  

Additional details 

• Selected individuals will receive an invitation email after completing the Interest Survey. The invitations will include the panel educators are assigned to, as well as panel-specific dates, times, and compensation details. Invitations will also include a link to confirm registration. 

• This is a paid opportunity! Selected individuals will be paid $200 per day for their contributions to the event. Lodging will be provided for those who qualify, and travel costs will be reimbursed. 

Interested in participating? 

If you are interested in participating in the KAP Standard Setting, select the following link to complete the interest survey by March 31, 2025.   

KAP Standard Setting INTEREST SURVEY 

Can’t participate but know someone who should? 

• Forward this email to friends or colleagues you would recommend for this work!   

• Post the attached flyer in the teacher’s lounge or teacher work room!   

Next steps   

Once we have collected information from interested individuals, KSDE staff will select participants, and we will notify you by email using the kap@ku.edu email account. 

We would love to have you join us! 

Email kap@ku.edu if you have any questions. 

Best regards, 

KAP Staff 

785-864-0066 

MONTHLY MATH MINUTES!

Please join us for our monthly professional development from the KSDE math team.  Every month we will have mathematics updates from the state, professional development opportunities, and a topic of the month.  We would love to have any teachers, curriculum leaders, and administration join us!  Register below.  You can click the register button at the time of the meeting as well, it does not have to be prior to be able to join.  

Join us for April's Professional Learning for math updates and the following breakout rooms:

• AI for teachers

• The new School Improvement Google Site from KSDE

• IXL 

Monthly Math Minutes Registration Link

Congratulations to our 2025 Kansas PAEMST State Finalists for Mathematics!

These state finalists will be reviewed at the national level to be recognized as national finalists.

PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science (including computer science) teaching. Since 1983, more than 4,700 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Awardees serve as models to their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. The 2025 PAEMST cycle recognizes secondary teachers.  

Cherryl Delacruz   Katherine Flax       Mashach McKnight

College Prep Academy     Western Plains High School     Chase Middle School/College Prep Academy

Topeka, Kansas Ransom, Kansas         Topeka, Kansas

KSDE AND SERVICE CENTER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES!

PRIORITIZATION OF STANDARDS!

The state has observed that the term 'priority standards' is being used frequently by school districts. How each district defines priority standards is EXTREMELY important. Are they emphasizing certain standards identified as having gaps based on data, or are they focusing on specific standards while omitting some mandated ones? There is a significant difference between these two concepts.

Below is a release from KSDE outlining our stance on priority standards.

Addressing the Prioritization of Standards Fact Sheet

EDITS TO THE KANSAS MATH STANDARDS GUIDANCE DOCUMENT!

Date updated Tab Cell (column / row) Edit(s)

2/19/25 All tabs Column I row 1 Added "How to Use" Guidance Document video

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

Q:  Does KSDE have a list of suggested math curriculum for districts?

A:  At this time, KSDE cannot recommend any specific curriculum.  KSDE did do a survey of math curriculum that is being used by districts across Kansas.  

Q:  Can 8th grade Algebra I count for High School credit?

A:  This is local decision that the school board of education for each district will need to determine.

Q:  Where are the resources for the KAP mini tests, interims, and summative assessments located?

A:  Resources | Kansas Assessment Program (ksassessments.org) 

Q:  Are the Kansas Math Standards changing for the 2024-2025 school year?  If not, when will they be reviewed next?

A:  The Kansas Math Standards will not be changing for the 24-25 school year.  KSDE has not set a timeframe when the math standards will be updated next. 

Q:  When will the Standards Alignment Toolkit for math be done?

A:  We will not have the entire toolkit completed until later this year, but the new Math Guidance Document will be released at the KSDE conference, October 23rd - 25th. 

Q:  Is IXL free for the 2025-2026 school year?

A:  Yes, IXL will be free again for the 25-26 school year.  The future years will be determined on a year-to-year basis. 

Q:  Are the interim questions rejects from the summative assessment?

A:  No, the items on the interims are new and designed specifically for the interim blueprint.

Q:  Is the mini test window open all year long?

A:  Yes, the mini tests do not have a certain window that they can be accessed.  They are free for you to use whenever and however you fill fit for your students.  

Q:  Can individual whiteboards be used on the Summative Assessment?

A:  Yes, as long as the students are spread out and they cannot see each other boards.

Free Resource for Teachers, Parents and Students!

Lexile & Quantile Hub is a free resource that is provided for all Kansas educators, parents, and students.  Join us for the next Monthly Math Minutes on October 8th for a more in-depth look.

Lexile & Quantile contains targeted, free resources appropriately matched to students by Quantile measure and math content. Free premium membership to all Kansas educators. 

• • Math Content with Quantile Measures.  

  • More than 600 textbooks and software programs with over 80,000 lessons have been calibrated to the Quantile scale. 

  • Over 3,100 online and downloadable resources have been calibrated to the Quantile scale. 

  • Title:   Educator Access to the Lexile and Quantile Hub

    • Description:  This video provides an overview of how educators register to access tools and resources in the Lexile and Quantile Hub. KSDE has a partnership with MetaMetrics that allows all educators Premium access to the Lexile and Quantile Hub at no additional cost. 

    • https://youtu.be/dJx64pb5njI

  • Title:   Classroom Applications using Quantile Teacher Assistant

    • Description:  This video provides a demonstration of how to utilize Quantile measures and the Quantile Teacher Assistant tool to support classroom instruction. 

    • https://youtu.be/F5Ojz_NqDzY

The Kansas Math Project Training

Registration for these trainings will be available at https://ksdetasn.org/mtss/kmp-information.

If you would like to do the trainings via Moodle, please click the following link:  Trainings via Moodle   Once there, click on “Create account,” create your free Moodle account and begin with KMP Foundational Module A. You will sequentially go through KMP Foundational Modules A-E, taking each module’s quiz and ending with the cumulative quiz. 

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) has partnered with Newman University to offer college credit for educators who receive certificate(s) of completion from the Kansas Math Project training.

The opportunity to earn college credits applies to past KMP participants as well as future KMP participants. 

Fill out the Newman University application here, https://apply.newmanu.edu/register/workshops, to receive credit(s) for one or more of the following sessions: 



• Foundation modules = 1 credit hour 

• Pre-K – Grade 2 modules = 2 credit hours 

• Grades 3-5 modules = 2 credit hours 

• Secondary modules = 2 credit hours 

Contact Todd Wiedemann, kmp@kansasmtss.org, or Cindy Spriggs, spriggsc@newmanu.edu, with questions. 

2025 KATM Conference - Making Math Visible

🗓️ Mark your calendar for March 28, 2025 to attend the 2025 KATM Annual Conference at Wichita State University!🗓️

The theme for our annual conference this year is "Making Math Visible," embedding the following conference strands:

📊 Data Literacy & Visualization

💻 Technology Integration

🎨 Visual Representations of Mathematics

🌍 Real-World and Cultural Relevance

📚 High-Quality Mathematics Instruction

⚖️ Balanced Assessment

Do these areas appeal to you? Then, we'd love to see you in Wichita!

For specific conference offerings, cost of attendance, and to register for Making Math Visible conference, follow the link to our website: katm.org/conference.