2025 KSDE Assessment Conference: Full Schedule

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