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KSDE commissioner highlights record graduation rate and literacy push
Summary
Commissioner Dr. Watson told the State Board that Kansas' class of 2025 graduated at a record 90%, and previewed a December plan focused on structured literacy, assessment alignment and instruction to further raise achievement statewide.
Commissioner Dr. Watson opened his report by framing KSDE work around the Board's KISA model and the agency's board-aligned goals. He highlighted gains in student outcomes since 2015—including a 4.4 percentage-point increase in the graduation rate and a class of 2025 graduation rate of 90%—and identified growth in AP and dual-credit participation and in technical-education enrollment.
"90% graduation rate, class of '25," Watson told the board, noting that participation in AP exams rose 33% from 2021 to 2025 and that roughly 19,000 AP exams were taken last year in Kansas. He linked those outcomes to expanded pathways and partnerships, such as JAG, which the commissioner said helps retain and graduate students who had been at high risk for dropping out.
Watson previewed a December briefing on a comprehensive plan for structured literacy, math training and related assessments, saying staff will present curricula, assessment and instruction components designed to align agency work with Board goals. Board members asked for disaggregated data and metrics the department will use to measure intervention effectiveness; Watson acknowledged the request and said staff are preparing more detailed, school-level reporting.
No formal vote was taken. The commissioner invited board members to raise questions and said staff would follow up with additional data in December.
