The Kansas Board of Regents has approved a significant research contract with the University of Kansas aimed at enhancing literacy education across the state. The project, which is part of the Blueprint for Literacy program, will involve design-based implementation research and is capped at $616,000, with funding allocated through September 30, 2027. This reimbursement contract will compensate KU researchers for their work as they contribute to the initiative.
Regent Lane, who is overseeing the project, emphasized the importance of expertise in literacy education, noting that the advisory committee consulted with various institutions before selecting KU as the lead. The committee includes literacy experts from all public universities in Kansas, ensuring a collaborative approach to developing educational content and courses.
In addition to the literacy initiative, the Board discussed campus safety improvements. Kansas State University reported the installation of 111 new security cameras across its campus, enhancing safety measures. This initiative is part of a broader effort to unify and upgrade campus security systems, which previously operated on multiple platforms.
The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and campus safety, with further developments expected in the coming months as the literacy program progresses and safety measures are implemented.