February 2023 T&L Newletter
February 2023
This Month's Focus:
The KESA Accreditation Process
Dear Staff,
This month's newsletter is a bit different than its predecessors, as it will be more of an update regarding our district's status in KSDE's accreditation cycle. I'll try to keep from getting too deep into the weeds (and, believe me, the weeds get deep with this topic). The goal of this newsletter will be to give you an overview understanding of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) process and cycle, how it aligns with our district goals, and how we are using this accreditation process to continually improve the way we are serving our students.
While this is less topic-driven than our previous newsletters, I really think this will be a helpful resource to better understand the guardrails that guide our work as a district.
Respectfully,
John Nguyen
Assistant Superintendent
What is the KESA Accreditation Process?
The KESA process is a five-year cycle all public school districts in the state of Kansas must complete in order to attain full accreditation from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). The cycle is intended to be a framework for continuous reflection and improvement for each district. As reflected in the graphic below, districts are required to create measurable goals, implement actions aimed at progressing toward those goals, analyze data to determine progress, and use the data to determine next steps.
- Tiered Framework/Systems of Support
- Family, Business, and Community Partnerships
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Communication/Basic Skills
- Civic and Social Engagement
- Physical and Mental Health
- Arts and Cultural Appreciation
- Postsecondary and Career Preparation
Along with addressing the Foundational Structures listed above, districts also need to address performance toward State Board Goal Areas:
- Social-emotional Growth
- Kindergarten Readiness
- Individual Plan of Study (IPS)
- Civic Engagement
- Academic Preparation for Postsecondary
- High School Graduation Rate
- Postsecondary Success Data
Additionally, districts need to summarize efforts toward the State Board of Education's Definition of a Successful High School Graduate:
- Academic Preparation
- Cognitive Preparation
- Technical Skills
- Employability Skills
- Civic Engagement
For each of the five years in the KESA cycle, districts are required to submit a comprehensive System Yearly Report that addresses progress toward district goals with regard to all of the elements listed above. In addition to submitting the annual report, districts host an Outside Visitation Team (OVT) visit each year (typically during second semester) during which OVT members do on-site visits, meet with district and building-level teams, and gain an up-close look at the goals, initiatives, and data in action. The OVT members then complete a summary report after their visit to suggest areas for improvement and growth. In Year 5 of the process, districts are required to submit a more detailed System Yearly Report. In addition to the OVT visit, Year 5 districts also have their documents, data, and supporting content reviewed by the state's Accreditation Review Council (ARC), who determine the district's accreditation status as "Accredited," "Conditionally Accredited," or "Not Accredited."
If you would like more detailed information, the complete KESA Guidance Handbook is linked below:
Why Does this Matter in Piper?
First, and most obviously, accreditation is important. Being in good standing with the state of Kansas is certainly something we want as a district.
Second, and more practically important to our work as a district, the areas of focus detailed in the KESA cycle drives our work as a district. A close look at the Foundational Structures, State Board Goal Areas, and State Board Definition of a Successful High School Graduate will show direct connections to District Goal 1 (Future Ready Success for All) and Goal 2 (Connected Culture Among All). By having these requirements in place, the state has a means to hold all districts accountable to ensuring that these critical elements are in place. All of the key district initiatives below can be traced back to one of the state elements listed in the KESA process:
- Future Ready Learning
- SEL Instruction
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Portrait of a Graduate Competencies
- MTSS Protocols
- Community and Stakeholder Partnerships
The KESA process informs our District Strategic Plan, which then informs each building's goals and action plan. If it works the way it should, all of the work we do as a district should be in alignment with these state measures.
If you would like to take a closer look at our District Strategic Plan to analyze how it aligns with the KESA process, the complete Piper USD 203 Strategic Plan is linked below:
Where Are We in This Process?
For the 2022-2023 school year, Piper is in Year 5 of the KESA cycle, meaning that our Systems Yearly Update and OVT materials will be going to the Accreditation Review Committee to determine our accreditation status. We had our OVT visit on February 23, 2023. Our OVT members visited with leadership teams from each building in the district, learning about the efforts we are making at all levels to make progress toward our district goals. The OVT members were extremely complimentary toward the work we are doing as a district and were impressed by the clear and aligned vision that defines our desired outcomes for our students.
Based on our Systems Yearly Update and the observations made during their district visit, the OVT members will write a summary report that will be shared with us along with the Accreditation Review Council (ARC). The ARC will then review all of our documentation and make a determination of our accreditation status.
When Do We Find Out About Our Accreditation Status?
The Accreditation Review Council (ARC) meets monthly. Depending on the turnaround time for the completion of our OVT Summary Report, the ARC will likely review our documentation at its March or April meeting to make a determination. We should certainly receive word before the end of the school year.
What Now?
Until we get the final word from the ARC, we have plenty to celebrate. As mentioned above, our OVT members were thoroughly impressed by the scope and implementation of our District Goals at all buildings and grade levels. Thanks to all of our staff for your contributions toward making Piper USD 203 the amazing district that it is. Please be proud of what you are helping to build each and every day.