2025 KSDE SETS Administrators Conference

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s a practical, powerful tool available today to support educators in meeting the diverse needs of all learners across preK–12 classrooms. In this solution-focused session, participants will explore how AI can be leveraged to support the whole child—academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. From generating differentiated lesson materials to enhancing family engagement, AI offers just-in-time support for educators working within Special Education, ESEA programs, and Early Childhood settings.

This presentation will highlight real-world applications of AI that enhance instructional planning, support IEP goal alignment, streamline documentation, and promote access to learning opportunities. Through demonstrations of current tools and practical examples, administrators and leadership teams will walk away with actionable ideas for how AI can enhance teacher effectiveness and student engagement without replacing the human connection at the heart of education. Join us to discover how AI can be a partner in your district’s commitment to inclusion, innovation, and whole-child development.

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

This session will address how administrators can provide AT services by
exploring the four outcomes of the legally mandated process of AT consideration. The Guide delivers a process of consideration that is usable and easy to understand by novice and experienced IEP team members.

The guide is envisioned as a starting point for developing an agency’s AT services to reflect best practices. Administrators will leave the session with applicable resources and plan of action.

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.