2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference

School Mental Health Professionals will participate in a curriculum and resource alignment activity, explore their district's SHAPE (School Mental Health Assessment) and alignment with the four fundamentals, and hear from a panel of experts who work in the field of human trafficking.

This presentation will examine school discipline through the lens of IDEA, with a focus on how common practices can unintentionally create compliance and FAPE concerns. Participants will explore what discipline means broadly and how commonly used practices—such as point systems, in-school suspension (ISS), and other removals from instruction—can carry unintended implications for students with disabilities. The session will unpack key nuances of IDEA that impact disciplinary decision-making, including Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs).

Today's students live, learn, and connect online, and smart habits make all the difference. In this engaging session, learners explore the good of social media and AI alongside the real-world risks: oversharing, cyberbullying, scams, deepfakes, and misleading content. Through relatable examples and interactive scenarios, students practice essential skills: protecting privacy, spotting phishing and social engineering tricks, creating strong passwords with MFA, and applying a simple critical-thinking checklist before sharing or believing sensational posts. Designed for grades 3 -12 and aligned with digital citizenship outcomes, this presentation empowers students to think before they share, verify surprising content, and keep themselves and their friends safe online.

These meetings will focus on connecting systems by Fundamental to collaborate on implementation of their current KESA Action Plan. “Like-position” groups will be formed for informal discussions. Additionally, your Region or Cohort Executive will share key points for the upcoming school year. Bring your entire team to collaborate with others in your KESA Region/Cohort!

Join KSDE School Counselor Leader Coordinators and School Counselor Field Educators as they explore how school counseling programs support the 4 Fundamentals of the Kansas School Improvement Model. This breakout session will highlight how school counselors use their leadership, data, and collaboration to strengthen district systems. Through real examples from Kansas districts, presenters will share how they use their unique “genius” to help improve programs, influence policy and practice, and support student success across academic, career, and social-emotional development. Participants will leave with practical ideas for connecting school counseling programs to district growth and continuous improvement.

Join KSDE School Counselor Leader Coordinators and School Counselor Field Educators as they explore how school counseling programs support the 4 Fundamentals of the Kansas School Improvement Model. This breakout session will highlight how school counselors use their leadership, data, and collaboration to strengthen district systems. Through real examples from Kansas districts, presenters will share how they use their unique “genius” to help improve programs, influence policy and practice, and support student success across academic, career, and social-emotional development. Participants will leave with practical ideas for connecting school counseling programs to district growth and continuous improvement.

KEDS is coming and KIDS is set to be retired during the 2026-2027 school year. This transition will bring about a change in business processes for both districts and the state. In this session we will discuss the current status of the KEDS system and expectations for districts in the coming school year. We will cover key topics, including: Timelines, Trainings, Resources, Dashboards and allow time for Q&A.

This panel discussion will feature a small group of school systems and their approach to implementing one of the Fundamentals. Each school system will share why they chose the Fundamental and Structure as well as how they are implementing followed by facilitated Q & A.

Districts on this panel:
USD 114 Riverside
USD 262 Valley Center
USD 450 Shawnee Heights
USD 473 Chapman