The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has formally requested permission from the U.S. Department of Education to combine its state and federal school accountability frameworks. The proposal aims to create a single, streamlined system designed to reduce administrative tasks and focus school resources directly on student achievement.
If approved, the waiver would pause new school performance designations for several years, allowing officials time to build a unified model that eliminates overlapping requirements and potential confusion for educators across the state.
Key Takeaways
- KSDE has submitted a waiver to the U.S. Department of Education to align its state accreditation system (KESA) with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
- The goal is to create one coherent accountability system, reducing administrative duplication for schools.
- The waiver would delay new school identifications for improvement until the 2028-29 school year.
- Currently identified schools would continue to receive federal support and funding during the transition period.
- The public is invited to comment on the proposal, and a federal decision is expected within 120 days.
A Push for a Unified System
Currently, school districts in Kansas navigate two separate accountability systems. The state uses its Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) framework, while the federal government mandates compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). While both systems share the common goal of improving student outcomes, their parallel operation creates a significant administrative load.
Educators often find themselves managing different sets of goals, reporting requirements, and timelines. The KSDE argues that this duplication diverts valuable time and resources away from classrooms and direct student support. The proposed waiver is a direct response to this challenge, seeking to merge the two frameworks into one clear and efficient model.
This initiative follows a July 29, 2025, letter from the U.S. Department of Education, which encouraged states to propose “creative and effective waivers” to better align federal programs with local priorities and improve student results.
Details of the Waiver Request
The waiver submitted by Kansas outlines a multi-year transition plan. If the U.S. Department of Education grants the request, several key changes will take effect to provide stability while the new, unified system is developed.
Key Provisions of the Proposal
- Delayed Identifications: The state would postpone identifying new schools for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) until the 2028-2029 school year.
- Continued Support: Schools already identified under these categories would not exit the program until the 2027-2028 school year at the latest, ensuring they do not lose access to critical resources during the transition.
- Guaranteed Funding: These currently identified schools would remain eligible to receive federal 1003(a) school improvement funds each year they remain in the program.
Understanding School Identifications
Under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), states are required to identify schools that need the most support. Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools are typically the lowest-performing 5% of Title I schools in the state. Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) schools have one or more student groups performing significantly below others. This waiver would temporarily pause these federal labels in Kansas to make way for a new state-led system.
Focus on Coherence and Stability
State education officials emphasize that the primary motivation behind the waiver is to create a more logical and stable environment for schools to operate within. By removing conflicting requirements, the state hopes to empower educators to concentrate on proven strategies for academic growth.
“This is about coherence and stability,” said KSDE Deputy Commissioner Dr. Renee Nugent. “By aligning our state and federal systems, we are removing barriers and ensuring every Kansas school is working from the same set of goals. This unified approach allows educators to focus on what truly matters, supporting students and accelerating academic achievement.”
Dr. Nugent's statement highlights the core belief that a single, clear plan is more effective than two overlapping ones. The goal is to direct energy toward evidence-based practices rather than administrative compliance.
What Happens to Currently Supported Schools?
Schools currently designated for improvement under ESSA will not be left without assistance. During the waiver period, they will:
- Remain identified and eligible for support.
- Continue to receive guidance from the Kansas Learning Network.
- Have access to professional development and technical assistance.
- Maintain eligibility for federal 1003(a) improvement funds.
While schools that meet exit criteria can choose to leave the program, the KSDE is encouraging them to remain voluntarily to retain access to this funding and support structure.
Next Steps and Public Involvement
The proposal is not yet final. The KSDE has opened a public comment period, inviting parents, educators, and community members to review the waiver request and provide feedback. This input will be considered as part of the state's official submission.
Once the public comment period closes and the final request is processed, the U.S. Department of Education will have up to 120 days to review the proposal and deliver a decision. This timeline places a potential decision in the coming months.
For schools that would have been newly identified for support during this period, the KSDE plans to invite them to a pilot program. This program will help align their existing KESA action plans with the principles of the new unified system, offering a proactive transition without the burden of an additional federal designation.
Should the waiver be denied, the KSDE has confirmed it will continue to meet all federal statutory requirements under ESSA. However, it would simultaneously persist in its efforts to build a single, streamlined accountability and improvement system for all Kansas schools.
