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Assessment Updates

Link to Updated Interim Blueprint on KAP website.

Fall Interim Window: 10/6/25 - 10/31/25

Spring Interim Window: 1/12/26 - 2/6/26

Updated Interim Blueprint

Updates:

Updated sequence of tested standards
Placed the actual points attributed to each cluster in the table instead of a range of possible points

Purpose of Interim Assessments:

Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) Interim Assessments are designed to fit within a balanced assessment system, where formative, interim, and summative assessments work together to provide a full picture of student learning.
KAP Interim Assessments should serve as instructional guideposts. When used intentionally—embedded in PLC discussions, tied to MTSS supports, and aligned with pacing—they strengthen a balanced assessment system by connecting daily classroom practices with state expectations, ensuring students are on track for success on the summative KAP and beyond.

Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) clearly outline what students know and can do at each achievement level. They help teachers understand where students are in their learning, plan targeted instruction to move them forward, and communicate progress more clearly to families and stakeholders. PLDs for Math, Science, and ELA are now posted on the KAP website.

Link to Math PLDs on KAP website

Mini Tests

We are still in process of adding more and more mini tests in the Educator Portal. Reminder that these new mini tests will be by standard, not the cluster level. Keep checking in to see the continuous progress. If you haven't checked these out, please do so ASAP! They are a great resource to help with formative assessments of the standards. In general, educators do the following:

1. Build tests using Mini-Tests with items that mirror summative assessment items.

2. Copy tests created by staff within their own building/district.

3. Assign Mini-Tests to students and start or stop test delivery to Student Portal.

4. Monitor, Pause, Resume, Reactivate, and End Test Session.

5. Administer Mini-Tests aligned to state curriculum standards.

6. See immediate results from students’ tests.

Available Math Mini Tests by Grade

Mini-Test How-To-Video

Kansas Academic Standards 2025 (Rebranded Edition)

The 2025 Kansas Academic Standards document represents a refreshed and rebranded version of the standards adopted in 2017. While the design and format have been updated to improve usability and accessibility, the academic content remains the same. No changes have been made to the expectations, grade-level standards, or learning progressions established in 2017.

This rebranding ensures that the standards continue to be presented in a clear, consistent, and user-friendly format while maintaining continuity for educators, students, and families.

Kansas Standards for Mathematics

IXL Updates

New release: Fluency Zone and Raceway (Blog post) The ultimate go-to spot to help students build the key skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Welcome to IXL’s Fluency Zone, an all-in-one hub dedicated to helping learners master math facts!

Beginning-of-year IXL checklist for administrators

Set your year up for success! Use this beginning-of-year admin checklist to refresh and start strong with your IXL setup.

Guide: Using IXL after KAP Mini tests

As your students begin taking KAP Mini Tests, IXL makes it easy to use that data to target gaps and personalize learning. Be sure to check out our brand-new KAP Mini Test implementation guide to support your rollout and make the most of your assessment data!

Monthly Town Halls

Join your IXL Kansas team for a standing monthly town hall meeting where you will learn about IXL’s newest releases, learn tips and tricks for a successful implementation, and even hear from some of your colleagues about their favorite ways to use IXL!

October 15th from 4-5 pm CT
November 19th from 4-5 pm CT

Looking for additional IXL support?

Your Kansas team is here to help make sure you make the most of your IXL implementation! Schedule support with local educational consultant, Alex Cramer (alexc@ixl.com) or send questions to kansas@ixl.com.

KSDE & Service Center PD Opportunities

Location Date Registration

Greenbush (Girard) 10/16/25 Link to Register

Greenbush (Lawrence) 10/20/25 Link to Register

Southwest Plains 10/20/25 Link to Register

Smoky Hill 11/4/25 Link to Register

Location Date Registration

ESSDACK 10/27/25 Link to Register

Greenbush (Girard) 1/7/25 Link to Register

Greenbush (Lawrence) 12/1/25 Link to Register

Southwest Plains 10/27/25 Link to Register

Smoky Hill 10/23/25 Link to Register

Session Overview: Unlock the power of language in the math classroom! This session explores effective strategies to help students develop and use precise mathematical vocabulary to deepen their understanding and communication. You'll learn how to create a language-rich environment where students confidently read, write, speak, and reason about math.

Location Date Registration

ESSDACK 11/7/25(Elementary) Link to Register

12/1/25 (Secondary) Link to Register

Orion 11/11/25(Elementary) Link to Register

12/12/25(Secondary) Link to Register

Greenbush (Girard) 1/13/26(Elementary) Link to Register

1/22/26(Secondary) Link to Register

Greenbush (Lawrence) 1/15/26(Elementary) Link to Register

1/19/26(Secondary) Link to Register

Southwest Plains 12/8/25(Elementary) Link to Register

11/3/25(Secondary) Link to Register

Smoky Hill 12/5/25(Elementary) Link to Register

1/22/26(Secondary) Link to Register

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. This month we are focusing on Quantile Scores and the Lexile and Quantile Hub. We would love to have any teachers, curriculum leaders, and administration join us! Our next meeting date will be October 14th from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Link to Register

The KSDE Math team wants to know what Professional Learning you want or need for the 2025-2026 school year! https://forms.gle/7HW2Yfgzi7Lx89oy6 to help us deliver the best PD for this coming up school year.

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

School Improvement Resource Site

Check out the new School Improvement Resource Site!

KSDE School Improvement Resource

Look for the big blue button on the KSDE homepage!

ksde.gov

THE KANSAS MATH STANDARDS GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

The KSDE Kansas Math Standards Guidance Document is a great tool to help with standards alignment. We are so excited for districts to have and utilize this document. Below, you will find a link to the document and an instructional video that talks about its components, creation, interim blueprints, and much more! This is a read only document, so you will need to make a copy to be able to edit and make it your own. If you are not aware of how to make a copy, it is in the video! 😊

KSDE Kansas Math Standards Guidance Document

Instructional video

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: 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.

Additional Opportunities from Outside KSDE

Dear KATM Members,

We are excited to announce the date for the upcoming Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM) Conference!

📍 Where: Wichita State University – Rhatigan Student Center
📅 When: Friday, March 13, 2026
🎯 Theme: Thinking Deeply, Teaching Boldly: Math for All Kansans and Beyond

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration with fellow math educators from across Kansas and beyond.

More details, including registration and session proposals, will be shared soon.

We look forward to seeing you in Wichita this spring!

Warm regards,

The KATM Conference Planning Committee

Grow Your PLN

Join KATM here

Math Education Organization

Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM)

KATM is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics whose mission is to foster engaged community to advance effective practices in teaching and learning mathematics throughout Kansas.

Update Your Account Information

We want to stay connected with you! Please take a moment to log in to your account at KATM.org and update your contact information. Ensuring your details are current helps us provide you with the latest resources, event updates, and member benefits.

Simply log in, review your information, and make any necessary changes. It only takes a few minutes! www.katm.org

Thank you for being a valued member of KATM.

Join NCTM here

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

NCTM advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.

Its Strategic Framework includes Teaching and Learning, Access, Equity and Empowerment, Building Member Value, and Advocacy.

Join NCSM here

NCSM Leadership in Education

NCSM is the premiere mathematics education leadership organization. Our bold leadership in the mathematics education community develops vision, ensures support, and guarantees that all students engage in equitable, high-quality mathematical experiences that lead to powerful, flexible uses of mathematical understanding to affect their lives and to improve the world.

Twitter

KSDE Teacher Leader

They are amazing tools for personalized professional learning and great communities to network with other educators and leaders. Check out @KSDETCHRLEADERS and @KATMWebmaster on twitter and Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics on Facebook. #KSMath

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics

Want to network with other math educators and leaders about Building Thinking Classrooms? Follow Dr. Peter Liljedahl, the author of BTC in mathematics, and you'll find tons of math educators and leaders to collaborate with.

Another great BTC resource is the BTC Facebook page where teachers share tips, ideas, success stories, and ways to address some challenges and struggles.

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