Kansas task force probes bilingual weighting, KELPA rules and funding options

Kansas — The Special Education and Related Services Funding Task Force spent much of its second day in Topeka focused on the state—s bilingual (English language learner) weighting — how the weighting is calculated, what state law requires for program eligibility and exit, and modeling options to change how the money is distributed.

The discussion centered on two statutory methods school districts may use to generate bilingual funding under Kansas law: a contact-hour (FTE/minute) calculation multiplied by a 0.395 factor and a head-count calculation multiplied by a 0.185 factor. Districts receive whichever of those two calculations produces the larger weighted FTE. Nick Myers of the Office of the Revisor of Statutes reviewed the statutory language, the State Board—s role in program approval and the record-keeping requirements districts must follow.

Why it matters

Task force members said the bilingual weighting affects classroom staffing, local budgets and how districts plan services for newcomers and long-term ELL students. Several members also flagged questions about whether the weighting drives outcomes for students or simply supplies a predictable revenue stream to districts.

What the law and guidance say

Myers told the task force the bilingual weighting is established in Kansas statute (cited in the meeting as KSA 72-51-50 and related provisions) and that the State Board of Education sets standards and procedures districts must meet for identification, instruction and exit. A student counts for bilingual funding only if the student is identified as needing bilingual/ELL services and the teacher providing counted minutes holds the required endorsement or licensure. Myers pointed committee members to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) enrollment handbook for detailed guidance on…