KSDE Insight Podcast

A New Chapter for Kansas Education: A conversation with Dr. Jake Steel

This month's episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast introduces Dr. Jake Steel as the next Kansas education commissioner. Host Dr. Randy Watson asked Steel about his early days growing up and attending Garden City USD 457 schools, his higher education path that led him to the classroom as a math teacher, the work he’s done around KSDE’s alignment initiatives and what’s inspiring him to keep Kansas education moving forward.

The Homework Debate: Helpful or Outdated?

Homework has long been a fixture of the American education system, but its value remains contested more than a century after the debate began. According to educators and researchers, homework is neither inherently beneficial nor harmful—its impact depends largely on its purpose, design, and the age of the student. Today, schools find themselves caught between competing priorities: maintaining high academic expectations while also protecting student well-being. Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson speaks with two secondary Kansas educators who have much to say about how much homework is good for students. Joining Commissioner Watson are: * Taylor Bussinger, social studies teacher at Prairie Trail Middle School, Olathe USD 233 * Adam Topliff, social studies teacher at Wamego High School, Wamego USD 320

Beyond the Diploma – What Parents Should Know About Readiness for Life After High School

Graduation is an important milestone, but true success after high school requires more than earning a diploma. In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore what it really means for students to be ready for life after graduation. Kansas parents often ask an important question: Is my child prepared for what comes next? Whether a student plans to attend college, pursue technical training, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce, readiness involves more than academic preparation alone. This conversation looks at three essential areas that shape student success: academic readiness, financial readiness, and emotional readiness. Kansas education leaders and experts discuss the knowledge, skills, and habits students need to navigate life after high school with confidence. Parents will hear practical insights about how schools are helping students prepare for postsecondary opportunities, what indicators of readiness families should look for, and how parents can support their students during the transition from high school to adulthood.   Through thoughtful discussion and real-world perspective, this episode helps families better understand how Kansas schools are preparing students not just to graduate, but to succeed in whatever path they choose next. Guests: * Chuck Knapp, president/CEO of JAG-K * Dr. Jessica Dain, superintendent of Piper USD 203 * Dr. Blake Flanders, president/CEO of Kansas Board of Regents

Career and Technical Education: What It Really Looks Like Today

On this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, KansasEducation Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson talks with education leaders about how Career and Technical Education (CTE) helps students prepare for life after high school. Parents will learn what CTE is and how Kansas uses a statewide framework of career clusters and pathways that schools can choose from to build local programs. Districts decide which pathways to offer based on their communityneeds, available resources, and student interests, helping connect learning in the classroom to real-world opportunities. The conversation highlights how CTE supports students during high school, improves postsecondary outcomes, and strengthens Kansas communities through partnerships with local industries. Guests also address common misconceptions about CTE, explain how today’s programs differ from vocational education of the past, and share how students can get involved through coursework and career-focused student organizations. This episode gives parents a clearer picture of how CTE can help students discover their strengths, explore future careers, and graduate ready for college, training, or the workforce. Guests: * Natalie Clark, assistant director of Career, Standards and Assessment Services (CSAS), Kansas State Department of Education * Dr. Lindsay King, director of college and career readiness, Maize USD 266 Connect with us on: * The KSDE website [www.ksde.gov] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kansasdoe] * X (Twitter) [https://x.com/ksdehq]

How Kansas Funds Schools and Why It Matters for Families

School funding can feel complicated and disconnected from the classroom, but it plays a major role in the opportunities students experience every day. In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we break down how school funding works in Kansas, where the money comes from, and how funding decisions affect class sizes, programs, and student supports. We also discuss why Kansas’current school funding formula is set to sunset in 2027, what work is already underway with the Legislature, and why it is important for families to understand these conversations now. Joining the conversation are Dr. Frank Harwood, Kansas State Department of Education deputy commissioner of fiscal and administrative services; and Dr. Cory Gibson,superintendent of De Soto USD 232. Together, they offer clear, parent-focused insights into school funding, transparency, and how families can stay informed and engaged.