English Language Arts
March 2026
Embedded Files
Welcome Spring
Welcome Spring
Spring always brings a sense of fresh energy, and with spring break approaching, it’s a great reminder to take a moment to pause and recharge. The work happening in our classrooms is meaningful and demanding, and this break can offer a chance to step back, refresh, and return ready for the final stretch of the school year. Take some time over the break to soak up a little sunshine, enjoy an extra cup of coffee, and maybe read a book just for fun—or spend a few minutes catching up on the ELA newsletter and the strategies shared in previous issues!
When we return, many of our PLC conversations will likely turn toward state testing, AP exams, and progress monitoring. In this issue, I’ve included helpful information about the KAP assessment, professional development opportunities for secondary teachers interested in AP training, and a few simple strategies to help finish the year strong.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support. But for now, enjoy the well-deserved break!
Mary Lonker
HELP SPREAD THE NEWS! Make sure you and your colleagues are signed up to receive the ELA newsletter with updated information, professional development opportunities, and guidance documents each month. Click the link HERE to join our KSDE ELA Listserve.
And did you know? We can come to you and your school! KSDE offers free professional learning to support educators across all school systems in Kansas. This professional learning provides valuable resources, in-person and virtual training, and development opportunities to enhance teaching practices and improve student outcomes. Click the link HERE to request professional development offered by the KSDE Program Managers.
Helping Prepare for the ELA Assessment Test
As the ELA summative assessment window grows closer, there are a few ways to help prepare your students. Below are some simple reminders and easy access to test cordinator and test administrator manuals - no need to go search the website!
Test Coordinator Information:
The March Test Coordinator Webinar will take place on Thursday, March 12 at 1:00 due to Spring Break. The zoom link can be found here. There will be quite a few reminders, so be sure to tune in!
ELA Kansas Assessment Important Dates and Reminders:
The ELA Summative Assessment Window: March 23 - April 24th for brick and mortar testing
The ELA Summative Assessment Window for virtual students: April 27 - May 8th
NEW ELA Instructional Mini Tests Available and New Spreadsheet
There are 21 new ELA Grade 3 Mini Tests available in the KITE Educator Portal
The new Mini Test Items Spreadsheet allows an educator to sort and filter a list of Mini Test items by a particular data element (standard, item type, Lexile measure, complexity, release date, etc.). In this way, educators can see a list of available items to begin thinking about which might be best for their custom Mini Test. Please note: You will need to hit the left arrow key at the very bottom of the spreadsheet to access all the ELA minitests!
Interested in the Grade 2 Reading Test?
This assessment is optional, and all second-grade students are eligible to participate. The assessment consists of two, untimed sessions designed to be completed in 25-minute blocks. The first session contains 18 items. The second session contains 17 items. All items are machine-scored, and results should be used to drive instruction.
KITE Practice Tests
KITE Practice Tests
Did you know KITE developed Practice Tests for students! These "tests" are built simply to help students learn how to use and navigate the embedded tools and to answer the different types of questions on the ELA summative test. Most practice tests will include instructions above each type of question explaining how to answer that question type. It also helps students encounter the more technology enhanced items that may ask students to categorize, label, match, order, etc. Practice tests help students understand and navigate the questions before the summative exam. Click HERE to access the Kite Practice Test Guide.
Student Tools
Student Tools
The Kite Student Portal includes several embedded tools that students can use while taking an assessment. Tools are accessed from the toolbox pop out by selecting the arrow icon in the left margin of the screen. Remind your students these tools are available to use as they take the test, such as the use of a highlighter, the search feature, a strikeout feature, or flags to mark questions for review. Utilize the practice tests and allow students to become familiar with these tools before the summative exam.
KAP Accessiblity Tools
KAP Accessiblity Tools
KITE offers a variety of customizeable tools for students who require accomodations during the assessment. Test coordinators are responsible for setting up the student's personal needs preferences (PNP) before the testing window opens. For details about which accomodations should be set for students please click on the links below. Remember - the PNP access will be disabled once the General Assessment window opens on March 23. Click HERE to access the Accessiblity Manual for a detailed descripton and explanation on each tool.
Interested in Teaching AP?
Interested in Teaching AP?
Advanced Placement classess gives students the opportunity to engage in complex text, explore ideas in depth, and develop strong communication skills. For schools that don't currently offer these courses, introducing AP English courses opens doors for students to not only earn college credit, but also ensures students have access to rigourous academic opportunities that prepare them for post secondary reading and writing content. If interested in learning more, you can check out the AP Summer Institutes that offer training either in person or virtually. Grants are even available to attend the summer training for free! You don't even need to begin teaching an AP course yet, but become trained and knowledgeable on how to align your curriculum and get resources and ideas.
Great Leads Conference
Great Leads Conference
Make 2026 your district’s most aligned and impactful year yet by attending the Great Ideas in Education Conference, July 27-29, to ignite coherence, accelerate learning and expand opportunities.
Join the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) for a powerful three-day experience at the Wichita Hyatt Regency & Convention Center designed to align leadership teams and drive meaningful change across Kansas schools. This year’s theme focuses on high-leverage practices that boost student success, remove barriers, and create equitable opportunities for every learner.
Why attend the Great Ideas conference?
Strategic back-to-school kickoff: Perfect timing to review data, refine plans, and start the year with clarity and momentum.
Collaborative learning: Connect with peers from similar districts, share best practices, and strengthen collective impact.
Role-aligned sessions: Every team member—from academics to operations—will gain actionable insights tailored to their responsibilities.
Registration opens in March so secure July 27-29 on your calendars and start building your team who will attend this transformative event.
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