Warm Seasons Greetings

I absolutely love this time of year! But, it always seems to pass in the blink of an eye as the holidays roll together and our calendars quickly fill with sports, gatherings, and endless to-do lists. Because this season moves so quickly, I’ve combined our November and December ELA Newsletter.

Before diving in, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for all you do during this busy season. I know how much time, energy, and heart it takes to keep students engaged and learning while balancing the many demands that come with this time of year. Your dedication truly makes a difference—and it doesn’t go unnoticed ♥️

As you read, please take a moment to explore the extended learning opportunities still available through December, including sessions hosted by our service centers, and the upcoming learning opportunity next semester with Tim Shanahan’s new book discussing text complexity.

You’ll also find a few new “tips” featured on our Reading and Writing page, along with a review of Joan Sedita's new resource book, a video link to Dr. Steve Graham discussing writing strategies, and a list of fun holiday books celebrating different cultures. In addition, make sure to check out our new page addition dedicated to ELA Standards alignment.

As always, I’d love your feedback! If there’s something new you’d like to see in future newsletters—or if you have any questions—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help in any way I can.

Happy Holidays, Mary

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.

KAP Interim Reports and the Mini-Tests

Were you able to take the first ELA Interim and are struggling to know how to find and read the data? Not sure what to do next? Attached are instructional guides to help you and your school navigate the Interim Reports.

Interactive Reporting Demonstration Video
Interim Testing Manual that reviews all the various Interim Reports (p22 - 30)

The Power of the Mini-Tests!

As the semester winds down, these short, easy-to-administer formative assessments are a great way to gauge student progress and see which standards are being mastered. Mini-tests provide quick, actionable data to inform instruction and support end-of-semester reflection. Try one out before the year ends!

HERE is a sharable document of Frequently Asked Questions about the ELA Interims, Mini Tests and PLD's.

Professional Development Opportunities

Please Note: Books are no longer provided by KSDE. However, you can order yours through Amazon or your favorite book purchasing site.

Don't Miss Out - Join Us Online!

The ELA team will be partnering with Dr. Laurie Curtis and the Early Literacy team to offer a text-based learning opportunity with Tim Shanahan's new book: Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives...

When: 2nd Semester through Zoom! Every Monday for 7 weeks

Starting Monday, January 26 and until March 9th
From 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Who: Everyone!

Teachers, coaches, administrators, or anyone who works with students of all ages

Why: To help students learn how to navigate and tackle complex text.

Earn PDC points to submit to your district

How: Click on the registration link! Registration is open until Friday, January 9th

Once registration is closed, you will recieve a confirmation email, a zoom link, and an outline for each date.

SIGN UP TODAY!

KSDE and the Service Centers across the State of Kansas still have several professional development opportunities throughout December.

Click on the LINK to access ALL the possible PD for ELA and Structured Literacy

Making Data Work: Using KAP Assessment Results to Strengthen ELA Instruction: (grades 3-12) The scores are in—now what? In this interactive session, we’ll move beyond the numbers and into action. Participants will explore how to unpack score reports, review the new grade-level Performance Level Descriptors (PLD’s), connect results to specific grade-level standards, and identify targeted areas for growth. We’ll also dive into how to strategically use interim assessments and mini-tests throughout the year to monitor progress, check for understanding, and respond to student needs in real time.

Dates, Location and Registration:

December 4, 2025 Greenbush Lawrence Register HERE

December 11, 2025 Greenbush Girard Register HERE

Oh No! The G Word: Strong Strategies For Teaching Grammar and Syntax: (grades 3-6) In this session, participants will unpack the ongoing debate around grammar instruction and discover a practical, research-informed approach to teaching grammar and syntax that works across grade levels. Regardless of your own grammar instruction style or comfort level, you’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies, engaging routines, and a clearer sense of how to teach grammar in a way that resonates with both teachers and students.

Dates, Location and Registration:

December 3, 2025 Orion Register HERE

December 4, 2025 Smoky Hill Register HERE

December 4, 2025 Southwest Plains Register HERE

December 8, 2025 ESSDACK Register HERE

December 10, 2025 Greenbush Lawrence Register HERE

January 15, 2026 Greenbush Girard Register HERE

ELA Standards Alignment: (grades 3-12) Be prepared for robust conversations about the components for the ELA standards for each grade level, with respect to attending to the difference above and below one’s specified grade level. Learning and practicing standards alignment—another of the four fundamentals—ensures that teachers and students are being exposed to what is needed at their grade level and may reduce redundancy and confusion.