2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference

PRISM (Partnership to Review and Improve Student Performance via Multiple Measures) is transforming how third‑grade teachers use assessment to drive instruction. This initiative expands the reach and power of the KAP Instructional Mini Tests while delivering hands‑on professional learning that helps educators turn data into actioA brand‑new feature — the Kite Visualizer Tool — brings learning standards, instruction, and assessment together in one intuitive space, giving teachers a clear, connected view of what students need and how to support them. With access to the expanded Kite item bank, teachers can plan and deliver instruction with sharper precision and greater confidence. In this session, you’ll hear directly from districts that participated in the PRISM pilot as they share what worked, what surprised them, and how these tools are already elevating student learning.

A truly effective assessment system does more than collect data — it turns information into insight that teachers can use right away. This session explores how schools can design a balanced assessment system that connects classroom assessments, interim measures, and state tests into one coherent, purposeful structure. You’ll learn how thoughtful assessment design can sharpen instructional decisions, strengthen student ownership of learning, and create a more responsive classroom environment. We’ll break down the essential components of a balanced system, highlight practical strategies for aligning assessments with instruction, and share real examples of how districts are using these approaches to elevate student learning. You’ll walk away with a clearer vision of what a balanced assessment system looks like in action — and how to start building one in your own context.

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.

Teachers make countless instructional decisions every day — but those decisions are only as strong as the information behind them. This session brings clarity to what “proficient” truly means and shows how performance levels can become powerful tools for understanding student learning.
We’ll explore how Depth of Knowledge (DOK) helps teachers design and evaluate learning experiences that match the cognitive demands of the standards. You’ll see how performance level descriptors reveal the thinking required for specific items, making it easier to determine whether students are meeting expectations — and what to do next when they’re not.
Through practical examples, you’ll learn how to use performance levels to interpret assessment results, identify instructional needs, and plan targeted next steps that move students forward with purpose and confidence