At-Risk Evidence Based Programs and Practices
The Kansas State Department of Education provides resources and support to districts that serve at-risk students. This page provides information for districts related to the at-risk accountability plan, approved list of programs and practices for at-risk services, and at-risk funding.
At-Risk Accountability Plan
K.S.A. 72-3574 establishes requirements to create at-risk student accountability plans, annually report on at-risk student performance, show longitudinal academic improvement for those students, and report annually to the State Board of Education on the progress of such plans. KSDE has resources to support district’s at-risk accountability plan creation.
At-Risk Accountability Plan Trainings
KSDE offers virtual and in-person trainings to support districts around the process and requirements for the At-Risk Accountability Plans due October 31, 2026. Sessions will focus on the cohort and goal setting process and the authenticated application. Expenditure report related questions may contact stateatrisk@ksde.gov.
At-Risk Trainings may be registered here.
Virtual At-Risk Plan and Application Training
- October 15: 1-2:30 pm
- October 22: 1-2:30 pm
- October 28: 11 am-12:30 pm
Approved List of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices
K.S.A. 72-5153 (d) states “the state board shall identify and approve evidence-based best practices for at-risk program and instruction of students receiving at-risk program services.” This list, linked below, is updated and approved by the State Board of Education annually.
District Provisional At-Risk Programs and Practices Application
The Provisional At-Risk Programs and Practices Application allows school districts to request provisional authorization for the use of at-risk funds on programs and practices not currently listed on the Approved List of State At-Risk Evidence-Based Programs and Practices List, per K.S.A. 72-5153. The provisional authorization process provides districts with the opportunity to implement innovative programs while building evidence of their effectiveness for at-risk Kansas students. To apply for provisional approval, please complete the following application:
If you would like to view the application before you begin, a PDF of the application is available below.
District Provisional At-Risk Programs and Practices Annual Data Submission
Once provisional authorization is granted, school districts may use at-risk funds to implement the approved program or practice for up to three school years without submitting a new provisional application.
During this three-year period, school districts should submit annual data to KSDE that demonstrate the effectiveness of the program or practice on their identified at-risk student population. The annual data collection is intended to support the evaluation and continuous improvement of programs and practices used to serve at-risk students. Submitted data will not be used for accountability purposes. Rather, the information provided helps KSDE determine whether a program or practice demonstrates sufficient evidence of effectiveness for statewide approval and inclusion on the Approved List of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.
To submit your annual data, please use the following form:
- Provisional At-Risk Program/Practice Annual Data Submission Form (Open annually from May 1st through August 31st)
If you would like to view the form before you submit your annual data, a PDF of the form is available below.
Vendor At-Risk Programs and Practices Application
The Vendor At-Risk Program/Practice Application allows vendors to apply for their product be added to the Approved List of State At-Risk Evidence-Based Programs and Practices List, per K.S.A. 72-5153. The purpose of at-risk educational programs and practices is to provide students identified as at-risk to receive services and additional educational opportunities, interventions, and services above and beyond regular educational services. Vendors may apply to have a program or practice added to the list by using the following application:
- Vendor At-Risk Program/Practice Application (Open annually from September 1st through October 31st)
If you would like to view the application before you begin, a PDF of the application is available below.
The Vendor application window opens annually on September 1st and closes on October 31st. Vendor applications will be evaluated after the application window has closed and subsequently presented to the State Board of Education for approval. The review form utilized by KSDE to determine if a program/practice will be recommended to be added to the approved list is shown in the PDF below.
At-Risk Funding
School Finance supports districts at-risk funds allocation.
