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KSDE to release 2026-27 version of the Kansas Education Data System (KEDS)
Aug 6, 2026
by Christopher Fletcher, KSDE IT teamOverview
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is preparing to release the 2026-27 version of KEDS, the Kansas Education Data System. This initiative aims to improve data standardization, enhance system interoperability, and create synergy with the Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS).
The primary procedural change with KEDS is transitioning from a file upload method of reporting to a sync method which is enabled by an Application Programming Interface (API) connection between KSDE and the district or school’s student information system (SIS). This process will provide an easier, more granular approach while allowing for more precise data collection.
Changes
With the transition from Kansas Individual Data on Students (KIDS) to KEDS being such a big change for KSDE and districts, the KSDE tried to minimize the reporting changes required for the 2026-27 school year so everyone could focus on transition to KEDS.
The only reporting change was prompted by legislation requiring additional Dyslexia reporting. Districts will be required to submit composite Dyslexia scores in both the fall and the spring. These scores will only be collected through KEDS. For more guidance on how to report these Dyslexia scores, refer to your vendor’s SIS documentation.
Releasing KEDS
KSDE has finished or is close to finalizing our certifications on the main student information system used throughout the state. They will soon be releasing updates to their systems which will have the 2026-27 reporting fields.
This week KSDE will be releasing key and secret sets through our data validation portal (DVP). The key and secret combination is used to connect the district SIS to KSDE. Only individuals identified as the key master for each district or school will be able to access this page.
If you still need to add or change your organizations key master or other data validation portal (DVP) users, keds@ksde.gov for the Data Validation Portal User and Key Master Forms. Those will need to be completed and then returned to the same email account from your superintendent.
Transition Schedule
This fall districts will submit the ENRL collection through both KIDS and KEDS. The KIDS collection will remain the data source for 2026-27 school funding. After the ENRL collection, KSDE will compare the data collections and evaluate when we will transition away from KIDS and move solely to KEDS for data collections. We expect this transition to happen sometime during the 2026-27 school year.
Other features we plan to release during the 2026-27 school year are the student lookup tool and student dashboards. The lookup tool improves the student transfer process for districts and schools by allowing them to view core program and services participation information.
The dashboards will provide additional views with new methods to view the data being submitted. Dashboards are expected to be released midway during the school year.
TASC and Interim Assessments
The data submitted through the KEDS system will be used to roster the interim assessments with KU. This will replace the Teacher and Student Connection (TASC) that districts have had to upload in the past. This process is in the final stages of testing. KITE will announce when their interim tests are open and available for rostering.
Updated Support and Resources
As we open the 2026-27 KEDS application, we are also publishing additional guidance for schools. Our primary methods for communicating updates are:
The KEDS website: https://kedx.ksde.gov
KIDS/KEDS conference calls scheduled through our Bookings website
Messages published through the KIDS list-serve
Along with updated resources, we are also redesigning our support structure by bringing together KIDS and KEDS support teams to assist districts during this transition. We will be providing support via email and the same KIDS phone number districts have called in the past. Virtual support sessions will continue to be available for districts to work through issues. To better track issues, KSDE will be implementing a ticketing system for districts and schools to submit their questions and issues. We believe that maintaining work history in a centralized location will enable our team to collaborate more effectively when supporting districts.
This year is the first phase of KEDS, which will begin by collecting student data currently submitted to the KIDS Collection. Future years could see the integration of additional data sets.
A complete list of training and support opportunities is available on the KEDS Training and Support webpage.
More information is available on the KEDS webpage, or email the KEDS team, keds@ksde.gov.
