About Us

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is a dynamic, dedicated service agency that provides leadership, resources, support and accountability to the state’s K-12 education system.  KSDE administers the state’s governance of education, standards and assessments, special education services, child nutrition and wellness, title programs and services, career and technical education, and school funding. It is the goal of the agency to provide all Kansas children with equal access to a quality, high-level education that promotes student achievement and prepares all students for global success. 

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

We are an agency of Kansans serving Kansans by inspiring, coaching, and leading to create the conditions for each student's success.

• Commitment to our purpose.
• Service to others.
• Respect for self and others.
• Continual improvement through learning.

Agency Structure

The Department of Education consists of:

• Office of the Commissioner and three major divisions:
• Fiscal and Administrative Services
• Learning Services
• Accountability and Technology.

Each of the divisions is overseen by a Deputy Commissioner.

Office of the Commissioner

The Office of the Commissioner provides leadership and direction for the Kansas State Department of Education and supports the Kansas State Board of Education in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities for the supervision of public schools. The Commissioner of Education has responsibility for the overall operation of the agency and works with agency leadership to ensure KSDE’s work is aligned with the State Board’s vision and priorities and the needs of Kansas students and schools.

The office directly oversees agencywide functions, including communications, legal services and human resources., and provides leadership and coordination across KSDE’s divisions. The Office of the Commissioner also supports the State Board and Kansas schools in understanding and meeting applicable state and federal laws, regulations and requirements.

• Communications and Recognition Programs
• Human Resources
• Office of General Counsel

Division of Fiscal and Administrative Services

The Division of Fiscal and Administrative Services supervises the financial aspects of the agency, including preparation of the budget for the Kansas State Department of Education and the distribution and audit of state aid payments to schools. The division also has primary responsibility for working with the State Legislature, including coordinating agency activities with the Executive and Legislative branches of government, preparing fiscal notes on all education legislation introduced during the legislative session, preparing testimony on education legislation, and assisting the State Board of Education in the development of legislative and budget recommendations. It also oversees the administration of federal child nutrition programs in our state.

• Child Nutrition and Wellness
• Fiscal Auditing
• School Finance
  • School Transportation Safety Unit
  • Safe and Secure Schools Unit

Division of Learning Services

The Division of Learning Services provides leadership and support to help Kansas schools deliver high-quality instruction and improve outcomes for all students. The division works with schools and districts to strengthen teaching and learning, support continuous improvement and ensure students have access to the high-quality instructional materials, programs and services they need to be successful.

The division oversees school improvement and accreditation, academic standards, educator licensure, special education, career and technical education, early childhood education, and the administration of state and federal education programs. The division also includes the Kansas Volunteer Commission, which promotes service, volunteerism and civic engagement to strengthen communities across Kansas. Division staff provide guidance, technical assistance, professional learning and other supports to help schools and districts strengthen instructional practices, implement state academic standards and meet state and federal requirements.

Through this work, the Division of Learning Services helps schools strengthen the conditions for student success by supporting effective instruction, responding to varying levels of student and school need, and helping educators translate state expectations and evidence-based practices into meaningful learning experiences for Kansas students.

• Early Childhood
• Implementation and Supports
• Special Education
• Teacher Licensure
• Teaching and Learning
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Standards
  • Structured Literacy
  • Kansas Volunteer Commission

The Division of Accountability and Technology

The Division of Accountability and Technology provides leadership and support for the state’s accountability, assessment, research, evaluation, data reporting and information technology functions. The division works to ensure Kansas schools, education leaders and the public have access to reliable data, meaningful measures of student and school performance, and secure technology systems.

The division oversees the design and continuous improvement of state and federal accountability systems, administration of statewide assessments, education research and evaluation, and the collection, analysis and reporting of education data. It also manages KSDE’s information technology infrastructure and enterprise systems and provides technology services and support for agency operations.

Through these responsibilities, the division supports school improvement by providing educators and leaders with the information and systems needed to understand student performance, identify areas of need and make informed decisions that improve outcomes for Kansas students.

• Information Technology
• Research and Accountability
  • Assessments
  • Research and Evaluation
  • Safe and Federal Reporting