Kansas seeks federal waiver to create single accountability system, improve clarity for schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2025

Media inquires: Denise Kahler, director of KSDE communications and recognition programs, [email protected], (785) 296-4876.

Kansas seeks federal waiver to create single accountability system, improve clarity for schools

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education to align state and federal school accountability systems into a single, coherent model focused on student achievement and school improvement.

Kansas districts and schools currently operate under two separate systems: the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation framework and the federal Every Student Succeeds Act identification process. Both systems have the same goal of improving student outcomes, but the duplication increases administrative burden and creates confusion for districts. KSDE is seeking to streamline requirements so educators can focus their time and resources on student learning.

In a July 29, 2025, Dear Colleague letter, the Education Department encouraged states to request "creative and effective waivers" that align federal programs with state priorities, maximize the impact of federal funds, and improve outcomes for students.

The waiver request submitted by Kansas would:

• Delay new identification of Comprehensive Support and Improvement, Targeted Support and Improvement, and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement schools until the 2028-29 school year.
• Delay the exit of currently identified schools until no later than the 2027-28 school year.
• Allow schools currently identified to continue receiving federal 1003(a) school improvement funds each year they remain identified.

The waiver would provide the time necessary to bring state and federal accountability systems into alignment and create a single model of support that is clear, efficient, and focused on proven strategies for improving student outcomes.

"This is about coherence and stability," said KSDE Deputy Commissioner Dr. Renee Nugent. "By aligning our state and federal systems, we are removing barriers and ensuring every Kansas school is working from the same set of goals. This unified approach allows educators to focus on what truly matters, supporting students and accelerating academic achievement."

Schools currently identified under ESSA would:

• Remain identified during the waiver period.
• Continue receiving support from the Kansas Learning Network, professional development, and technical assistance.
• Remain eligible for 1003(a) federal school improvement funds.

Schools that meet exit criteria during the waiver period may exit identification. However, KSDE encourages schools to remain voluntarily to retain support and funding.

Schools that would have been newly identified will be invited to participate in a pilot program that aligns their existing KESA action plans with the new unified accountability system, without adding another federal designation during the transition.

KSDE believes this waiver will benefit students and educators by:

• Reducing complexity: One set of goals, one plan, one system.
• Improving alignment: Systems support each other rather than overlap.
• Maximizing resources: Schools maintain access to federal funds during the transition.
• Supporting student success: Time and resources are directed toward evidence-based improvement practices.

The waiver request is open for public comment. Kansans are encouraged to review the proposal and submit feedback at: https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education-and-Title-Services/Announcements-Special-Education-and-Title-Services

The U.S. Department of Education has 120 days from the date of submission to review the request and issue a decision.

If the waiver is not approved, KSDE will continue to meet all federal statutory requirements, including identifying schools under ESSA, while continuing its work to build a single accountability and improvement system that strengthens support for every Kansas school.

# # #