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 KSDE INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES EVALUATION RUBRIC!

The Instructional Resources Evaluation Rubric serves as a guide for districts and schools to assess their current instructional materials or evaluate new purchases for alignment with the Kansas Mathematics Standards. Before beginning the evaluation process, it is crucial for the evaluator or team to gather all necessary resources relevant to the programs being reviewed, as some criteria require access to specific courses to ensure accurate ratings. Each evaluator should also have a reference copy of the Kansas Mathematics Standards.

To ensure a smooth review process, developing a clear protocol is essential. This should include a thorough study of the Instructional Resources Evaluation Rubric by the evaluators, as well as an overview of the entire program prior to starting the evaluation, which can provide valuable context for the review.

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES EVALUATION RUBRIC

New KSDE Observation Tools!

Aligned to the components and language of the KSDE Visions for Quality Instruction, we are excited to share that we have posted observation tools on the KSDE School Improvement Resource Google Site under the Quality Instruction tab. This includes KSDE Observation Tools for ELA, mathematics, and science, with early literacy coming soon. The tools prioritize both teacher actions and student impact with teacher- and student-facing look-fors for quality instruction. The tools also include a one-pager of all indicators followed by note-taking pages. These are not designed to be used as an evaluation tool, but more of an observation/coaching tool.  

As you are considering these resources, they reflect a Version #1. We anticipate updating and making small revisions based on feedback this fall. We encourage you to keep that in mind as you are making plans for instructional improvement using these tools. Also, while the tools are important, we also recognize the importance of professional learning on the tools and how to best leverage them later this summer into the next school year. More information about professional learning related to the tools will be shared later.

If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Hamlet at jennifer.hamlet@ksde.gov

Summer Professional Development!

Due to the loss of ESSER funding, the professional development focused on Standards Alignment has been temporarily paused. KSDE is currently working on an appeal to restore this funding. In the meantime, we remain committed to advancing the important work already underway. The following plan will guide KSDE and Service Center professional development efforts moving forward:

• Science sessions will continue as scheduled this summer. A participation fee of $35 will be required, to be paid by the participant or their district. Free college credit will no longer be available.

• HGSS professional development will proceed with a modified ESSDACK plan. These sessions will also require a $35 participation fee, with no option for free college credit. Sessions planned in collaboration with Greenbush will be moved to the next school year.

• Math, ELA, and Structured Literacy (SL) sessions originally scheduled for the summer will be rescheduled for next school year.

• SEL, PE, and Counseling summer sessions will continue as scheduled for certain Service Centers.   Please reach out to your service center for more information.  A participation fee of $35 will be required, to be paid by the participant or their district. 

We understand how vital this work is to districts and educators across the state. While these changes are necessary at this time, our shared goal is to continue progressing Standards Alignment work. Rescheduled dates and registration links will be shared as soon as they are finalized. Should ESSER funding be restored, we will reassess and reallocate those funds to support and accelerate these efforts.

We truly appreciate your patience, flexibility, and partnership as we navigate this transition and remain focused on delivering high-quality professional development aligned with your needs.

Assessment update!

Below is a timeline for when districts can expect the state assessment results if the state board approves in August: 

• June 9-13 – Standard Setting by Kansas Educators​

• July 8 – KS BOE Standard Setting Results Presentation​

• August 8 – KS BOE Vote on Cut Scores for Performance Levels​

• Approximately September 1 – scores released to teachers, buildings, and districts. Scores in Parent Portal the following week.

This is the link from the May board meeting that discusses standard setting that is very informative:

Standard Setting Methodology with Dr. Karla Egan ​

Start Time: 4:30:47

New School Improvement Resource Site!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

Q:  Do districts need to send in any IXL reports?

A:  No, the survey you filled out earlier in the semester is the only data we need at this time.

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.

Leadership Opportunity!

The Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM) Executive Board proudly represents math educators across the state and provides exceptional professional development for those committed to growing as reflective practitioners.

Now’s your chance to step into a leadership role — or nominate someone else who’s ready to lead!

 We’re Seeking Nominations for the KATM Executive Board!
Do you want to broaden your impact and reach students beyond your classroom?
Do you know a colleague who would thrive in a leadership role?

Nominate yourself or someone else to serve on the KATM Executive Board.

We are accepting nominations for the following elected positions:

·  President-Elect

·  Vice President of Early Childhood Education*

·  Vice President of Elementary*

·  Vice President of Middle School

·  Vice President of College

*Kansas math education needs your voice. Foundational math learning starts early, and we’re placing special emphasis on recruiting passionate leaders in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. If you or someone you know is an advocate for building strong math foundations, we need you at the table.  

We're also recruiting for appointed positions, including:

· Associate Webmaster (yes, it's as cool as it sounds!)

· Zone Representatives for Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 

 Click here to view board roles and expectations

 Nominate Now – Deadline: May 23rd!

 Key Dates:

· Nominations Due: June 6th, 2025

· Voting Period: Through June 9, 2025

· Welcome New Board Members: June 28, 2025 (at our in-person summer board meeting in Topeka)

 Board Commitments:

· Meets four times per year (twice in person, twice via Zoom)

· Participates in our annual conference — the next one is March 13, 2026 at Wichita State University (Save the Date!) 

· Collaborates on occasional committee work and professional development initiatives

Step up. Speak out. Shape the future of math education in Kansas.
Nominate yourself or a colleague today!
Nominate Here – Deadline May 23rd

Not a KATM member yet? 🤔 No worries!
Joining KATM—the professional organization for passionate math educators—is quick and easy.
👉 Click here to learn more or become a member today! (//www.katm.org/join-katm)

Questions about any of our board positions? Please contact Angela Broaddus (angelabroaddus@katm.org) or Luke Henke (lukehenke@katm.org). For questions about membership, please contact Jolene Peterson (jolenepeterson@katm.org). We’re happy to help!

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

Trainings

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.