2025 KSDE SETS Administrators Conference

Join us to discuss lessons learned and actionable strategies to improve the delivery of early childhood special education services in the regular education setting. Participants will learn how to use the Indicator 6 Data Guide for Preschool Environments to understand their Indicator 6 data, and will discuss options for designing programs and supporting staff to improve in this area.

This session will discuss the basic fundamental aspects of Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and the legal obligation of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to sustain the same level of funding for the education of students with disabilities from one fiscal year to another. This obligation can be difficult for LEAs to comply with. Therefore, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of MOE and the related financial reporting requirements.

Kansas MTSS and Alignment collaborates with districts to implement a framework and structures designed to increase student growth and achievement. Dedicated leaders and teachers across Kansas have put this framework and associated practices into place, achieving increased student growth and achievement. This session highlights the resulting reading growth and achievement for all students, but specifically students with disabilities. Kansas MTSS Project members will share framework structures, leadership qualities, and instructional practices that had the greatest impact on this student growth and achievement.

Join special education administrators from across the state to learn more about how they conduct Indicator 14 interviews. Administrators attending the session will learn what strategies other districts are using to help their students find success after high school.

This session will cover Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and provide effective strategies for managing exceptions and ongoing MOE calculations. This session will equip you with practical knowledge to ensure compliance while optimizing resource allocation. The session will include engaging discussions and interactive exercises to provide valuable insights into maintaining effort levels, handling exceptions, and conducting ongoing MOE calculations.

In today’s competitive education landscape, recruiting and retaining top talent is more important—and more challenging—than ever. This session is designed specifically for administrators who are ready to take their hiring strategies to the next level. Join us as we explore the innovative, easy-to-use recruitment tools available through EducateKansas.org, Kansas’s premier educator recruitment platform.

You’ll learn how to effectively post jobs, showcase your district, and access a growing network of qualified candidates. We’ll walk through features tailored to support your unique hiring needs, including customizable employer profiles, applicant tracking resources, and tips for increasing your visibility in the educator job market. This session will provide practical insights and walk-away tools to help you attract, engage, and hire the educators your students deserve.

Creating a positive, proactive approach to chronic absenteeism engages families as well as students, educators, and the community. School leaders can promote this approach and lead staff in consistently sending the message that attendance matters. This workshop will highlight specific practices that help to reduce chronic absenteeism and establish a school-wide culture of attendance. Practical examples of best practices and resources will be shared with all participants to implement in their school/district.

Assistive Technology (AT) is a powerful tool that enhances accessibility, engagement, and success for students with disabilities. The Kansas Assistive Technology Guide provides a structured framework for schools and IEP teams to implement AT services effectively, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive.

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore key components of AT decision-making, from consideration and assessment to implementation and evaluation. Through real-world case studies and hands-on activities, attendees will gain insights into best practices for integrating AT into the IEP process.

Facilitators will guide participants in exploring the AT Action Checklist section of the guide through case scenario examples. The guide is envisioned as a starting point for the development of a specific agency’s AT services. Any part of the guidelines can be copied or revised for use by an individual program or agency.

Have you found yourself wondering what Indicator 4, or significant discrepancy, is all about? Maybe you want to know more about how it’s calculated, how it differs from significant disproportionality, or what the implications and required actions are for districts. If so, this is the session for you! During the session, we will dig more deeply into the indicator and what it is measuring. This will include discussion related to long-term out-of-school disciplinary removals, how these removals translate to significant discrepancy, and the KSDE Indicator 4 process used for districts identified with significant discrepancy. The content will be beneficial for more novice district staff as well as seasoned administrators who are looking for a refresher on Indicator 4 and its associated requirements. Attendees will leave with an increased understanding of the indicator; why it is important; and how KSDE works with districts to both determine compliance with IDEA requirements and ensure that students with disabilities are appropriately served.

Virtual learning platforms are an area that is growing at an exponential pace for school districts across Kansas.  With Covid 19 behind us, virtual and online learning as an education option remains. How does this impact students with disabilities and what responsibility does this mean for a school district?
Dr. Crista Grimwood is an Education Program Consultant and the Dispute Resolution Coordinator at KSDE. With over two decades in public education, Dr. Grimwood has taught students across all grade levels, from first grade to high school seniors receiving special education services. Her extensive experience provides her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within special education. At KSDE, she plays a pivotal role in facilitating effective communication and resolution between families and schools, ensuring that students' rights and needs are at the forefront of educational practices
Joining her is Brian Dempsey, Assistant Director of Special Education and Title Services at KSDE. Brian brings a strong background in law and policy to his role, as an attorney within the department. His expertise is instrumental in guiding the development and implementation of policies that support students with disabilities across the state. Brian's commitment to equity and compliance ensures that Kansas schools uphold the highest standards in special education services.​
Together, Dr. Grimwood and Mr. Dempsey will delve into the evolving landscape of virtual special education, offering insights into best practices, policy considerations, and strategies to effectively support students in online learning environments.

In this overview session, participants will learn how elements of structure can impact student outcomes and improve staff job satisfaction. Data from a Kansas school will be presented and learning opportunities that will be available during the ’25-’26 school year for more in-depth information on the impact of structure will be shared.

Inclusive education thrives when strong leadership fosters a culture of equity, high expectations, and continuous support. This session will equip administrators and educational leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to build capacity for effective and inclusive instructional practices.

Through an exploration of three key factors—establishing a clear vision and commitment to inclusion, implementing systematic professional development, and leveraging technology to enhance instruction—participants will assess their current systems to identify barriers and opportunities for improvement.

Guided by insights from the TASN High-Quality Instruction within Inclusive Learning Environments project, as well as real-world perspectives from administrators across the state, this session will provide actionable strategies for strengthening inclusive practices. Participants will engage in self-assessment and reflection, leaving with a prioritized action plan and access to resources that support meaningful inclusion, co-teaching, Universal Design for Learning, and assistive technology integration.

By the end of the session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of how to drive systemic change and create learning environments where all students can succeed.

This session outlines how one district took bold steps to reframe student discipline by implementing a PK–12 behavior continuum rooted in proactive, inclusive practices. The presenter will share their district's journey—from data analysis and staff listening sessions to building in-house supports and adopting a district methodology for behavior management. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to reduce exclusionary discipline, increase instructional time, and build a sustainable behavior framework. Learn how strategic planning and cross-departmental collaboration led to measurable success and culture shifts across the district.