The bill amends K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 72-3574 to enhance the accountability plans for at-risk students in school districts. It requires each participating school district board of education to submit an annual plan to the state board of education focused on improving proficiency among at-risk students. The plan must utilize evidence-based instruction, measure longitudinal academic improvement, set quantitative goals for identified student cohorts, and ensure that funds are allocated for services beyond regular education. Importantly, the bill allows for the identification of student cohorts that may not be limited to those eligible for free meals, as was previously mandated, and provides for the identification of alternative cohorts under specific conditions.

Additionally, the bill establishes a structured process for setting and evaluating four-year quantitative academic improvement goals for each cohort. School districts are required to implement targeted supports and conduct longitudinal evaluations to track progress. If a cohort does not meet its goals, the state board of education will adjust the district's at-risk funding accordingly. The bill also mandates uniform reporting of at-risk program participation by school districts, with the state board publishing these reports online starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Furthermore, the state department of education is tasked with summarizing these reports for legislative committees annually. The definition of "longitudinal" is clarified, and the previous effective date of July 1, 2024, has been deleted, allowing the act to take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-3574