Read this thorough blog post by Mark Tallman of KASB. In it he explains how KS schools are doing and how changing expectations impact schools and school funding.

“Kansas public schools have always been improving as more students reach higher levels than in the past. They have also always been failing because expectations keep rising. We are always challenged to do more.

“Eighty years ago, completing 12 years of schooling was unusual and completing a college degree was exceptional. Now, we essentially expect every child to graduate from high school and two-thirds or more complete something behind high school.

“Resources matter. For decades, Kansas school funding usually equaled or exceeded inflation, and educational results have both increased and were among the best the nation. In recent years, after Kansas funding fell behind inflation and other states, results have either slowed or dropped, and other states are catching up. Resources allow schools to provide more help for students who aren’t meeting higher standards.

“But resources alone are not the answer. Schools also need clear goals based on new standards and expectations; and must redesign to help more students reach those standards in more individualized ways.

“The increased commitment of state funding over the past three years and promised for the next four years plus the Kansans Can outcomes and school redesign should help move Kansas back into the lead for the success of every child.”

Originally posted to Facebook on 04/17/2019.