The bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 72-5153 to enhance at-risk educational programs in Kansas by including services provided by nonprofit organizations accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council as approved at-risk educational programs. It establishes an at-risk education fund in every school district, which will be used to finance programs and services specifically designed for students identified as at-risk. The bill outlines the permissible expenditures from this fund, which include at-risk educational programs, personnel, training for best practices, and contracted services. Additionally, it mandates that the state board of education will maintain and publish a list of approved at-risk educational programs that school districts must use, with provisions for provisional programs that may be implemented pending state board approval.

The bill also introduces a review process for any provisional at-risk educational programs, requiring school districts to demonstrate measurable success in areas such as academic improvement and attendance. If a program is removed from the approved list, districts can apply to continue funding it if they can show it leads to positive outcomes. The language emphasizes the importance of evidence-based instruction and the need for programs to provide additional educational opportunities beyond regular services. The existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 72-5153 is repealed, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-5153