2025 KSDE Assessment Conference: Full Schedule

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TBA

A District's Data Journey

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Over the past three years, our district has embarked on a transformative data journey, transitioning from AIMSweb to the FastBridge platform through a pilot program that led to full district implementation. This presentation will highlight how we have integrated data-driven practices into our work with administrators, district and building leadership teams (BLTs), and professional development sessions. Through these efforts, our data-focused approach has empowered schools to analyze and utilize their data effectively, driving meaningful instructional changes across campuses. Discover how our team's collaboration with buildings has created a culture of data-driven decision-making, enhancing student outcomes district-wide.

Speakers

Shannon Griesel

Student Support Specialist, Maize School District

I bring over 21 years of experience in education, with the majority of my career dedicated to classroom teaching. During this time, I have taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades and served as an ESOL teacher, fostering diverse learning environments. My professional journey has also included... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Leadership

TBA

A Year in the Life of a DTC

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Learn the ins and outs of what it is like to be a District Test Coordinator.

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Leadership

TBA

Balanced Assessment System: What, Why, and How

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Learn the ins and outs of a Balanced Assessment System. This session is designed to guide leadership in implementing a Balanced Assessment System at the local level.

Speakers

Caroline Wylie

Caroline Wylie, Ph.D., is a national expert on formative assessment, the role it plays within balanced assessment systems, and the learning support that teachers need to engage in these practices with their students. Caroline has published multiple books on formative assessment including... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Leadership

TBA

Effective Planning for KAP Interim Assessments: An Empirical Study

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

During this session, we will examine four different models for using KAP Interim assessments at the classroom/PLC level. During one academic year, this district encouraged use of Interim assessments (Interim-minis and Interim-Interims) without mandating from the district office. This resulted in a continuum of participation levels and approaches. This presentation includes the results of a series of regression analyses showing the relationship between each of the four grouped interim-assessment approaches and their impact on their KAP Summative scores. You will not need to be an expert in statistics to follow along and participate in this potentially rich discussion.

Speakers

Dr. Dan Gruman

Director of Assessment & Research, Shawnee Mission USD 512

Dr. Gruman is the Director of Assessment & Research in Shawnee Mission USD 512, serving in this role for 19 years. He also serves as the chair of the Kansas Assessment Advisory Council. His academic background is in mathematics and computer science education as well as educational... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Leadership

TBA

NAEP 101-Understanding NAEP & NAEP Data

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Basic understanding of the NAEP program, data, and results.

Speakers

Mark Stephenson

NAEP State Coordinator, KSDE

NAEP State Coordinator for Kansas for the past 7 years. Previous work in the agency with State Assessments for 7 years.

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Leadership

TBA

Quick Checks, Big Gains: Using Targeted District Assessments to Inform Classroom Practice

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Can thoughtful systemic benchmark assessments effectively change instruction? Two large Kansas districts developed a district comprehensive assessment system aligned with their pacing and curriculum to inform classroom strategies and support the level of rigor needed for state assessment readiness. When designed thoughtfully a comprehensive assessment footprint can provide teachers with clear insights into student understanding, enabling actionable feedback and instructional adjustments. By examining patterns in student thinking across assessments and learning experiences, educators can uncover deeper insights into students' conceptual development, learning processes, and schemas, allowing for more targeted and sustained instructional adjustments. Emphasizing growth over evaluation, assessment should promote clarity, individualized support, and professional development, ultimately enhancing student outcomes.

Speakers

Dr. Zachary Conrad

Executive Director of Technology and Data, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools

Dr. Zachary Conrad is the Executive Director of Technology and Data for the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. Previously, Dr. Conrad worked for the Lawrence Public Schools, Kansas MTSS, the KSDE, and the Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation.

Spencer Brown

Assistant Director of Assessment and Accountability, Olathe Public Schools

Spencer Brown, Assistant Director of Assessment and Accountability for Olathe Public Schools, supports efficient assessment practices that drive classroom instruction. With experience as a Mathematics Coordinator, MTSS leadership team member, Kansas MTSS trainer, and former high school... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Leadership

TBA

Unlocking Insights: Navigating Local and State Data for Informed Decision-Making

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

In this presentation, we will explore key local and state data sources, offering practical guidance on how to access and navigate them effectively. We'll delve into strategies for reviewing available data and using it to foster data-informed conversations that drive decision-making. Emphasis will be placed on building data literacy, helping participants understand how to interpret and apply data in meaningful ways to enhance insights and outcomes.

Speakers

Hayley Steinlage

Sr. Education Research Analyst, KSDE

Hayley Steinlage is a Senior Education Research Analyst with the Kansas State Department of Education dedicated to helping schools harness the power of data to inform decision-making and improve practices. Passionate about making data accessible, Hayley is committed to guiding educational... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Leadership

TBA

Alternatives Approaches to (pre) Assessment

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

In this session, participants will consider three alternatives to traditional multiple-choice pre-assessments: modeling, self-documentation, and class discussions. We will discuss the purpose of pre-assessments as a critical data point for instructional planning, especially with many schools moving towards PLC structures around data cycles. We will see examples of these three alternative strategies for pre-assessment (which can also be used as formative assessment structures). For each assessment structure, we will discuss how to collect and use data.

Speakers

Stephanie Alderman-Oler

Science Program Manager, KSDE

Stephanie Alderman-Oler is the Science Program Manager at the Kansas Department of Education, supporting science education across the state. With 12 years of experience as a middle and high school science teacher, she brings classroom expertise and a deep commitment to improving science... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, All grades

TBA

Balanced Assessment System: Priorities and Purpose

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

A balanced assessment system is essential for supporting student learning and guiding instructional decisions. In this session, we will explore the key components of a balanced assessment system and examine the role of various assessments—including Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) resources and classroom-based assessments—in creating meaningful, data-driven decision-making.

Speakers

Stephanie Alderman-Oler

Science Program Manager, KSDE

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, All grades

TBA

Better Decisions Equals Better Learning: A clear look at the process of data use from a CLASSROOM lens

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

It is essential that teachers develop the skills and understanding necessary to make informed decisions that enhance student learning. The question remains whether they are equipped to use assessments in a balanced way to make efficient and effective classroom decisions. Better decisions equals better learning. Find out how to use a streamlined data cycle using classroom assessment and a practical example of what data-informed decision-making looks like from the lens of the classroom teacher.

Speakers

Brandi Peach

Elementary Learning Support Specialist, USD262 Valley Center Public Schools

Brandi Peach has been in education for over 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher, interventionist, assessment leader, and instructional coach in the Wichita, Topeka, Cedar Rapids, and Valley Center school districts. She has a Masters in Art of Teaching and Building Leader licensure... Read More →

Jami Burbach

Elementary Learning Support Specialist, USD262 Valley Center Public Schools

Jami Burbach started teaching in Valley Center Public Schools in 2005. She has participated on district curriculum teams and led district PLCs. Her recent position as an Elementary Learning Support Specialist in USD262 includes facilitating data talks and intervening with high-risk... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, All grades

TBA

Everything Interim

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Our school has been using predictive and formative interim assessments through KAP for many years. We have found benefit in using these tools to guide decisions that are made during PLC to support core and intervention instruction for our students. Having data from these interims allows teachers to customize how content is presented and provide a wider range of vocabulary with the skill being taught to help bridge the gap between particular resources that our district uses and the content tested on the assessments. Ultimately this provides students with greater opportunities to be successful on the summative assessment.

Speakers

Misty Straub

Principal, USD 428

Chelsea Mauler

Instructional Coach, USD 428

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, Elementary

TBA

Formative Assessments and Data-Driven Interventions: A Path to Student Success

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Explore the power of formative assessments to gauge student understanding and inform instructional decisions. This session provides strategies for analyzing assessment data effectively and translating insights into targeted interventions. Learn how to identify learning gaps, personalize instruction, and implement next steps that drive student growth and achievement. Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or an administrator, this session equips you with the tools to make data-driven decisions that enhance learning outcomes.

Speakers

Jennifer Hamlet

STEM Math Program Manager, KSDE

With 28 years of experience in education, Mrs. Hamlet holds a BS in 7-12 Math Education, a MS in Building Leadership, and a District Leadership endorsement. She has served as a MS/HS math teacher and a Pre-K–8th building principal. Currently, Mrs. Hamlet is the STEM Math Program... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, Elementary

TBA

Formative Assessments and Data-Driven Interventions: A Path to Student Success

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Speakers

Jennifer Hamlet

STEM Math Program Manager, KSDE

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, High School

TBA

Interim and Instructional Mini Test Reports: How and why

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Guidance provided by the University of Kansas's Achievement and Assessment Institute and KSDE Program Managers will help teachers and leaders understand how to access specific reports in the Kite Educator Portal followed by what to do with those reports at an instructional level.

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, All grades

TBA

Small Steps, Big Gains: Daily Formative Assessment in Action

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Every small check for understanding can lead to big gains in student learning. In this session, we’ll explore the What, Why, and How of formative assessments—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively. Discover quick and easy strategies to gather real-time insights and adjust instruction on the spot or for the next day. We’ll also dive into technology tools that provide actionable data to support student success. Walk away with practical techniques to make formative assessments a seamless part of your daily teaching routine!

Speakers

Jacque Coleman

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Atchison Public Schools

Jacque Coleman has dedicated 38 years to education, teaching at various levels, including elementary, at-risk, and middle school ELA. Her passion for student success and instructional excellence now drives her work as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Atchison... Read More →

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, All grades

TBA

The Power of Classroom Formative Assessment Practices

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Learn how to use the power of formative assessments in the classroom to drive change.

Speakers

Caroline Wylie

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, All grades

TBA

WorkKeys 101: Making WorkKeys for Work for Your Students

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Every student is preparing for the workforce—whether heading straight into a career, an apprenticeship, or further education. WorkKeys provides valuable insights into students' strengths and challenges in workplace documents, applied mathematics, and graphic literacy—key skills for success in any career path. In this session, we’ll explore how to use WorkKeys data to guide students in their post-high school planning and discuss practical curriculum resources to help them strengthen essential workplace skills. Join us to discover how WorkKeys can be a powerful tool in setting students up for future success!

Speakers

Jacque Coleman

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Atchison Public Schools

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Teachers, High School

TBA

KAP Test Development

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Learn what goes into developing KAP test items.

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Technical

TBA

Kite FAQs

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Talk with members of the Kite Help Desk to hear about how some of the most common issues that the Help Desk gets and how they are handled.

Monday March 3, 2025 TBA

Technical