KSDE STEM - Science Program Manager: Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov
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NOTE: KSDE website is undergoing a major update. During this transition all science documents from the website are also linked in this newsletter under the "KSDE's Four Fundamentals and Science" section!
If you can't find a resource you need, please reach out to stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov.
March Focus Fundamental: Balanced Assessment
March Focus Fundamental: Balanced Assessment
Kansas Assessment Program Summative Assessment Window Opens Today (3/23) and Closes 4/24
Science Assessment is administered in:
5th grade (5th grade NGSS standards)
8th grade (MS NGSS Standards)
11th grade (HS NGSS Standards)
At all grade levels, assessment includes questions from all three domains (Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Phyiscal Science) as well as Engineering, Technology and Application of Science (ETS) standards.
At all grade levels the state assessment...
2 testing sessions - each approximately 20 questions
This year the 11th grade test will be longer to include field test items, approximately 25 questions per session.
Each test session is expected to last approximately 45 minutes, but there is NOT a time limit for the state test.
It is strongly recommended to complete each section on different days or with a break between.
The goal of the Kansas Science assessment is to measure how well students can make sense of real world phenomena using the science and engineering practices and disciplinary core ideas.
Preparing Students for the Assessment
Practice tests are available. These items are intended to help students learn how to navigate the KITE platform, not as a review of content for the assessment. These can also be shared with families to be able to see the assessment platform at home. https://student.kiteaai.org
Recommended to use the practice tests to help students find the annotation tools, caculator, periodic table (HS), and the text to speech button. The practice tests provide sample questions for each type of technology-enhanced question on the assessment.
The practice tests can be accessed by teachers, families, students, and can be projected to demonstrate navigation to the class BEFORE the assessment.
Strongly recommended to have students practice with the text-to-speech feature and have access to headphones during testing.
Preparing your space for the Assessment
Remove or cover (with opaque material) bulletin board displays, charts and diagrams, and other instructional material that could give assistance or advantage during testing .
Ensure all student devices are prepared and ready for use, with batteries fully charged to avoid disruptions.
Arrange the seating in a manner that prevents students from viewing each other’s work, maintaining the integrity of the testing environment.
Place a “Testing – Do Not Disturb” sign outside the classroom door to minimize interruptions from outside the room.
Provide the following materials to students, as needed:
blank scratch paper
pencils for each student to work problems on scratch paper
handheld calculators (if using)
clock visible to students
bilingual dictionaries for English learner (EL) students
headphones
If you are proctoring the state assessment, ensure you have read the Appropriate Testing Practices
Additional guidance in the KAP Summative Test Administrator Manual
Summative Assessment Data
When to expect data:
KSDE plans to have data for the 5th and 8th grade assessments available to districts in late May.
The 11th grade assessment will undergo standard-setting to determine the standards for levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 and we anticipate reports will be available by October 2026. If you are interested in participating in the 11th grade assessment data review and standard-setting, watch the ListServ for an application soon. See the October 2025 Newsletter for details on why the 11th grade assessment results will be released later.
What does the data tell us:
Overall rates of proficiency, Broad categories based on standards groupings, comparisons to the state average
What does the data NOT tell us:
A raw score, % correct
Specific skills or concepts individual students have mastered or missed.
The impact of a specific unit, teacher, or instructional practice
External factors influencing test performance.
How can you use the data:
Identify system-level strengths and gaps
Inform strategic planning, curriculum adoption, or professional learning priorities.
Compare cohort performance over 5, 8, and 11th grades
Make system level adjustments based on the data
Opportunities from KSDE
Opportunities from KSDE
Save the Date - Summer PL!
This summer KSDE Science is bringing PL to Wichita and Kansas City.
Each region will host 2 days of professional learning -- you can attend one or both days. Registration cost is $15 per day and college credit will be available at an additional cost.
We will have breakout sessions focused on elementary, middle school, and high school sciences.
Registration will open in April. Information will be shared on the Listserv and posted in next month's newsletter! Reach out if you have any questions!
Review Higher Education Pre-Service Educator Standards
KSDE routinely reviews and revises the standards for post-secondary teacher preparation program. This spring/summer we will be reviewing three science areas. This is a volunteer opportunity and an opportunity to help shape how new teachers are prepared to enter the teaching field. Once established, the committee will meet approximately every 4-6 weeks for an estimated 5 meetings total, with a goal of having a final draft by approximately late Summer 2027.
KSDE is looking for volunteers to review higher education standards for teacher prep in the following science areas:
Biology 6-12
Earth and Space Science 6-12
Science 5-8
If you are interested, fill out this form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FW5NDYB
Volunteers should hold a license (or recently retired) or be higher ed faculty in the content area. KSDE appreciates the time and expertise of revision committee members and encourages that the time spent on standards work be recognized as professional development service to the profession.
Current standards for the license area are on KSDE’s website at: https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Teacher-Licensure-TL/Educator-Prep-Landing-Page/Higher-Education-Standards
Opportunities for Collaboration with KSDE
Opportunities for Collaboration with KSDE
Virtual Collaboration and Support Options
KSDE Science Virtual Collaboration took the month of March off for Spring Break.
We will be back in April with New Teacher PLC (4/8), Science Teacher Learn & Connect (4/21) and Science Leader Collaboration (4/21)
Collaboration and Support Across Kansas
Some ways we can collaborate...
Facilitating professional development
Co-planning for professional development
Making sense of the science standards
Analyzing for standards alignment
Quality Instructional materials conversations
Supporting implementation of storyline routines
Assessment Data Talks
Science PLC support
**NOTE: PD and Collaboration with KSDE is at NO COST to districts!
KSDE Science Collaboration
Click through on the map to see where and how KSDE science is collaborating with schools and school systems across the state!
2025-2026 2024-2025
Let’s connect and collaborate!
Frequent PD Topics
Overview of the 4 Fundamentals in Science
Analyzing a unit of instruction for 4 Fundamentals
Making sense of the science standards
Vertical Alignment
Exploring the vision for quality instruction
How to make the most of KAP mini-tests
Quality 3-dimensional science assessments
OpenSciEd PD
Supporting student sensemaking
Engaging the Science and Engineering Practices
Phenomena-based instruction
Productive Talk in the science classroom
KSDE's Four Fundamentals & Science
KSDE's Four Fundamentals & Science
These are the elements of effective education that KSDE is prioritizing in our work and in the school improvement model. Under each fundamental you will find additional information and links to the KSDE Resources that support these fundamentals in science classrooms.
Standards Alignment
Standards Alignment
Standards-Alignment has clearly defined student learning expectations aligned to Kansas State Standards and supported with evidence-based instruction and materials .
NGSS K-12 Standards
Standards Alignment Toolkit
Coming soon -- unpacked standards tools for middle school & elementary DRAFT MS DRAFT K-5
Recommended Bundles for scope and sequence:
KSDE Fact Sheet for Prioritization of Standards
Science and Engineering Practices Constructive Coaching Tool
Quality Instruction
Quality Instruction
Quality Instruction refers to implementation of evidence-based lesson design that reflects high expectations, meaningful student engagement, and learning activities aligned to the Kansas State Standards. A data-driven system of differentiated supports is necessary to help each student meet rigorous state standards.
KSDE Vision for Quality Science Instruction
DRAFT -- Observation Tool for Quality Science Instruction
KSDE Science Instructional Materials Selection Guidance
KSDE Instructional Materials Implementation Guidance
2023 Science Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool
Balanced Assessment
Balanced Assessment
A Balanced Assessment System refers to a collection of varying types of assessments that provide feedback regarding instruction and student learning. It utilizes assessment as a measure for learning and of learning.
Screener/Diagnostics
There is not a science-specific screener. We recommend using math and reading screeners to identify students who may need additional support in science.
KAP
The Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) develops and supports the state summative assessment, the interim assessments in the fall and winter, and the mini-test item bank.
State Summative
Interims (Fall and Winter)
Mini-test item bank - Access on Kite Educator Portal
Classroom Based Assessments
Pre-assessment
Formative
informal
formal
Unit and/or Course summative
Structured Literacy
Structured Literacy
Structured Literacy refers to the explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and cumulative approach to teaching literacy that acknowledges the value of both word recognition and oral and written language comprehension as evidenced in all grades and disciplines.
Other Opportunities & Resources for Teachers
Other Opportunities & Resources for Teachers
Elementary Science
Elementary Science
KSDE Farm to Plate Harvest of the Month Lesson Plans
NOAA Educator Opportunities
Several learning opportunities for educators can be found here: https://www.noaa.gov/education/opportunities/educators
Secondary Science
Secondary Science
An all-expenses paid program for science educators offering immersive learning focused on food, agriculture, and beef production. Hands-on experience in El Dorado, KS on June 9 along with blended professional learning with webinars on June 2 and June 23. Build collaboration and community with a cohort of middle school and high school educators from around the state. CEU credits for completing the program. Apply here: https://forms.gle/5SRFcavCcbz4THX76
The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering and Rural Railroad Safety Center are challenging high school students to design and print a model railroad bridge that will span 22 inches and carry the heaviest possible train load. Registered participants will be able to compete against other students at the 3D-Printed Railway Bridge Competition. Teams may consist of one to three students. Click HERE for more information and to register.
The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute is an immersive four-day professional development program for middle school and high school science teachers hosted by the Kansas Biological Survey at the KU Field Station. The program is designed to deepen teachers' understanding of Kansas ecosystems through hands-on exploration, NGSS-aligned lessons and direct interaction with university researchers and subject experts. The institute is grounded in field-based science, curiosity-driven learning, classroom-ready activities and collaboration with like-minded educators.
When: June 2–5, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: University of Kansas Field Station, 350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, KS 66044
Participant limit: 10
Registration fee: $60
Application Due: 3/31 https://kusurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8I0biiZU2xpAKkS
NOAA Educator Opportunities
Several learning opportunities for educators can be found here: https://www.noaa.gov/education/opportunities/educators
Open Science Positions in Kansas
Open Science Positions in Kansas
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