KSDE outlines KISA 2 accreditation model emphasizing frequent checks, structured literacy and local action plans

Kansas State Department of Education officials outlined the state’s new KISA 2 accreditation model to a legislative committee, describing a shift from infrequent reviews to yearly accountability that centers on instruction, a concise action plan process and supports for districts.

State Board of Education Chair Kathy Hopkins attended the presentation. Dr. Ben Proctor of KSDE’s learning services team said the department began by diagnosing a problem: “we often try to do so many things. We try to do all the good things, and oftentimes, that leads us to not doing anything exceedingly well.” Dr. Proctor said KISA 2 starts from a theory of action that prioritizes a small number of “fundamentals” and supports districts to implement them well.

Dr. Jay Scott, who leads accreditation work at KSDE, described the model’s three evaluation areas: “We look at 3 things. We look at compliance … school improvement … and outcomes.” He said those three areas are measured every year under KISA 2; by contrast, KISA 1 required a review only once every five to six years. KSDE staff and an 18-member Accreditation Review Council…