Task force reviews new assessment concordance and cohort tracking; KSDE signals growth-model work

KLRD and KSDE presented the committee with concordance tables (2024 to 2025 cut-score mapping), cohort tracking charts for graduating classes, and an explanation of why NAEP and year-to-year comparisons can be difficult when tests or cut scores change. Matthew (KLRD) walked members through the concordance tables and cohort visualizations; KSDE cautioned that different grade-level assessments are not strictly comparable and urged careful interpretation.

Dr. Nugent (substituting for the commissioner) told members KSDE is "not satisfied where we are academically" and highlighted literacy and math proficiency gaps. KSDE described ongoing actions: a literacy blueprint (including a literacy seal and LETRS training), moves to more coherent school-support systems and the planned addition of a deputy commissioner for accountability and technology to produce better, timely dashboards and to support a growth model. "We are working on a growth model at this moment," Dr. Nugent said; she said the department would bring the model to the state board and then to the legislature.

Members asked technical questions about concordance table interpretation, how 2025 cut-score shifts changed level assignments, and whether per-pupil spending and pension contributions have masked year-to-year funding trends; KSDE and KLRD offered to supply follow-up materials and a cleaned concordance guide. The committee flagged the need for a balanced dashboard (quantitative and qualitative measures) and said future meetings should drill into growth definitions and postsecondary effectiveness metrics.