State assessment changes aim to provide clearer picture of student success

Kansas state assessments look different this year, and Maize USD 266 has put together an overview with the help of the Kansas State Department of Education to help parents better understand these changes. 

What do parents need to know about the state assessment changes?

Maize USD 266 Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Grades PreK-6 Michael Dome served on one of these committees that supported the transition. He recently presented to the Kansas State Board of Education about the changes.

• Kansas is fixing a system that has not matched what we know about student success. For years, Kansas test scores have not told the full story. The current cut scores were set too high and do not reflect how students are actually doing in school or after graduation. The new scores give a clearer, more accurate picture of what students really know and can do.
• Many students labeled “not proficient” are actually doing great things. Right now, only about 25 percent of Kansas high school students score at the top levels on state tests, but more than half go on to succeed in college, technical programs, and careers. That tells us the old scores were not working and were not aligned with other measures, including ACT performance, Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, dual credit, graduation rates, and postsecondary success. That mismatch meant too many students are told they were not proficient when, in reality, they were thriving. The new cut scores provide a more accurate, data-informed picture of what success really looks like and better match the real outcomes.
• What do state assessments measure? The Kansas state assessment describes a student’s demonstrated level of performance on the student’s grade-level content standards.
• Kansas test scores have not matched up with national standards, and that is confusing. Kansas students often must score in the top 25 percent nationally just to be considered “proficient” (Levels 3 and 4) on Kansas state tests. That is not fair to our students or helpful to parents. These changes represent a more precise measure of student achievement and bring Kansas in line with national expectations. Test results are aligned and easier to understand and trust.
• Real Kansas teachers helped make this change. These updates were not made by politicians or outsiders. They were shaped by Kansas educators, teachers and school leaders who work with students every day. They used their classroom experience and professional judgment to recommend cut scores that truly reflect student learning. In fact, Maize USD 266 Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Grades PreK-6 Michael Dome served on one of these committees that supported the transition. He recently presented to the Kansas State Board of Education about the changes. Click here to watch a video about him explaining these changes.
• Bottom line: This is about making tests more useful for parents and students. The goal is to give families better, more accurate information. That way, parents can understand where your child is, what they need, and how to support their success moving forward.
• What are the performance levels, and what do they mean?
  • Students scoring at Level 1 need the most intensive interventions. These students show a limited ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards.
  • Students scoring at Level 2 show a basic ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards.
  • Students scoring at Level 3 show a proficient ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards. 
  • Students scoring at Level 4 show an advanced ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content. 
• Where do I find my child’s state assessment results? Results are posted in Skyward Family Access. Click on “Test Scores” on the left rail and look for “KSA - KSA-ALL Subjects” listed as the test. Parents also can access the Kite Parent Portal for reports from current and past assessments. Click here for the Kite Parent Portal User Guide.
• Where can I direct questions about my child’s test results? Please reach out to your child’s teacher(s) with any questions you may have. Click here to find the Maize USD 266 contact directory. You also can ask about state assessments during your child’s parent-teacher conference. Conferences are scheduled on Oct. 15 and 16, 2025. Click here for the district’s calendar for details.