On November 15, 2025, education leaders from across Kansas gathered in Wichita for the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) Annual Conference, and literacy took center stage. Our session, “Meaningful Change: Prioritization, Policy, and Partnership,” brought together state leaders, district superintendents, and local board members to explore the systems-level actions needed to improve literacy outcomes across the state.
A Strong Statewide Call to Action
Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson speaks at the November 2025 Kansas Association of School Boards Conference in Wichita
Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, opened the session by underscoring a message Kansas has made clear: literacy is a state priority. His remarks highlighted the urgency of driving statewide efforts to ensure every student becomes a confident, proficient reader.
We were also honored to have Cathy Hopkins, Chair of the Kansas State Board of Education, in attendance. Chair Hopkins shared updates on KSDE’s ongoing initiatives, including statewide teacher training, early literacy supports, and professional learning systems already underway to help districts strengthen instruction.
A Shared Vision for Meaningful Change
Together, leaders from the Kansas Board of Regents and Kansas State Department of Education outlined Kansas’ path forward through the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy (SB 438)—a statewide effort anchored in evidence-aligned instructional practices, stronger partnerships between PK-12 and higher education, and consistent support for educators at every level.
A central goal of the Blueprint is bold and measurable: By 2028, 90% of Kansas students will be reading at Levels 3 or 4 on the state assessment. Reaching this benchmark requires alignment across policy, practice, and preparation—and the energy in the room made clear that Kansas is ready to act.
Local Leadership, Statewide Impact
One of the most powerful aspects of the session came from the local school board members in attendance. Participants shared how their districts are already prioritizing literacy through:
- early screening and intervention efforts
- districtwide professional development
- adoption of structured literacy practices
- strategic use of data to drive improvement
These conversations showed the vital role school boards play in shaping local priorities that collectively strengthen outcomes statewide.
Building the Momentum Kansas Needs
Meaningful change was more than a conference session—it was a step toward a coordinated, statewide movement. By elevating literacy as a shared responsibility across agencies, institutions, and local communities, Kansas is positioning itself to make lasting improvements. Kansas is committed to ensuring every child becomes a strong reader.
To stay connected or learn more about statewide literacy initiatives, please contact:
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About the Kansas Board of Regents
The Kansas Board of Regents is the governing body for the state’s public higher education system, providing leadership, governance, and oversight for Kansas’ six state universities, and coordination of the nineteen community colleges, six technical colleges, and Washburn University. In addition to governance, the Board plays a key role in statewide workforce development and policy alignment across the education continuum, including supporting initiatives that strengthen early literacy, teacher preparation, and PK–post secondary partnerships to benefit all Kansas students, families, and the state’s long term economic prosperity.