English Language Arts
April 2026
Embedded Files
You've Got This!
You've Got This!
April always seems to arrive with a burst of energy—and a calendar to match. Between cheering on kids at spring sporting events, navigating diagnostics and testing, preparing for upcoming exams, finishing curriculum units, and simply trying to sneak in a little time to enjoy the warmer weather, it’s no wonder this month feels so full. It all moves quickly, so don’t forget to pause, laugh, and take in the moments as they come. Before we know it, we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the school year!
As your teams begin thinking ahead to summer planning, please take note of very important house bill currently awaiting signature from Govenor Kelley. I have included a link to the Conference Committee brief outlining the new details and expectations for schools below.
On a lighter note, we are excited to share two upcoming extended learning opportunities from the KSDE ELA team. In June, we’ll offer an abridged study of The Writing Revolution 2.0 by Hochman and Wexler, focused on practical, classroom-ready strategies for strengthening student writing. In July, we’re also looking forward to connecting at the KSDE Annual Great Ideas in Education Conference, a great opportunity to collaborate, learn, and recharge alongside colleagues from across the state. Then, looking ahead to fall, we’ll begin an extended study of Joan Sedita’s The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy. Be sure to check out the details below and consider joining the conversation—we’d love to learn alongside you!
Please know, you’re doing important work every single day. Hang in there, take it one step at a time, and know that what you’re doing matters—for your students and for each other.
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.
Congratulations Dr. Curtis
Congratulations Dr. Curtis
We are proud to congratulate Dr. Laurie Curtis, KSDE Early Literacy/Dyslexia Program Manager, on receiving the inaugural Fritz-Callewaert Literacy Leadership Award at the third annual Elevating Literacy Conference on March 30 in Wichita. This honor recognizes Kansans who champion literacy and advance evidence-based instruction across the state. Dr. Curtis’s impact reaches far beyond Kansas, as she collaborates with educators locally, nationally, and internationally to support the Science of Reading and advocate for all learners.
In her remarks, Dr. Curtis shared, “This award belongs to everybody. Collaborative work is critical for what we’re trying to do. The work doesn’t slow down.” We couldn’t agree more—and we are grateful for her unwavering dedication and leadership. There is no more fitting recipient for this first award than someone who so consistently and passionately champions literacy for all💜
Legislative Updates You Need To Know
We are here to help you!
Perhaps you have heard that current Kansas Senate Bill 438 has been revised, and those changes were brought through the 2026 legislative session and are now specified in Kansas House Bill 2485, which is awaiting the Governor's signature. The Kansas Board of Regents brought forth changes to PK-12 education practice and policy - key changes that you may want to be aware of are included in the Conference Committee Report Brief. Please read the section, "Every Child Can Read Act," that provides details and timelines for implementation. A link to the full bill can be found HERE.
KSDE understands and shares the concern that these changes arrive with significant expectations, tight timelines, and many unanswered questions about implementation at the classroom level. Please know that the KSDE Early Literacy / Dyslexia and ELA teams are committed to supporting educators. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, practical resources, and ongoing communication to help schools navigate these changes with confidence, and plan to be by your side helping in every way we can.
Join Us! Extended Learning Opportunities with KSDE
Purchase your copy directly through The Writing Revolution Website, Amazon, or any bookstore of choice.
The Writing Revolution 2.0
The Writing Revolution 2.0
Join the KSDE ELA team for an abridged study of The Writing Revolution 2.0 highlighting what is new, what is improved, and what works for explicit writing instruction in your classroom. This abridged study is designed for busy educators who want meaningful takeaways without the full book commitment. You’ll walk away with clear strategies, fresh ideas, and tools you can implement in your classroom.
When: Meet for 8 short times through Zoom for an hour each day.
June 8 - 11th from 10:00 - 11:00 AM
June 15 - 18th from 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Who: Any educator wanting to strengthen writing instruction in the classroom
How: Click on the Registration Link. But hurry! Registration will close by May 19th.
Earn PDC points to submit to your district for the next school year!
You will receive 1 hour of professional development credit for each Monday night meeting you can attend. A certificate will be sent out the following day for you to collect and submit to your district.
Once registration is closed, you will receive a confirmation email, a zoom link, and an outline for each meeting date in June.
Registration opens in March so secure July 27-29 on your calendars and start building your team who will attend this transformative event.
Click on THIS LINK to find out more information, group rate pricing, and registration.
Great Ideas Conference
Great Ideas 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.
Purchase your copy of the book directly through the Keys to Literacy website, click on the QR code above, or buy through your favorite bookstore or online store.
The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy
The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy
The KSDE ELA team will be partnering with the Early Literacy team to offer a text-based learning opportunity with Joan Sedita’s new book, Adolescent Literacy Integrating Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Instruction in Grades 5-12.
When: Starting next fall through Zoom.
We will begin Monday, September 7th - Monday, November 2nd
From 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Who: Any educators in grades 4-12, including classroom teachers, special education/intervention educators, literacy coaches, and administrators.
What To Expect: This book helps secondary educators understand the unique aspects of adolescent literacy. We will cover the practical suggestions for integrating reading and writing instruction into content-area classrooms and providing data-driven intervention for older struggling students.
How: Click on the registration link. Registration will be open until August 19, 2026.
Earn PDC points to submit to your district!
You will receive 1 hour of professional development credit for each Monday night meeting you can attend. A certificate will be sent out the following day for you to collect and submit to your district.
Once registration is closed in August, you will receive a confirmation email, a zoom link, and an outline for each date
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:
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
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.
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