2006 Kansas Code - 72-6439

      72-6439.   School performance accreditation system; pupil assessments; curriculum standards; performance levels to represent academic excellence; school site councils. (a) In order to accomplish the mission for Kansas education, the state board of education shall design and adopt a school performance accreditation system based upon improvement in performance that reflects high academic standards and is measurable.

      (b)   The state board of education shall provide for assessments in the core academic areas of mathematics, science, reading, writing, and social studies, and shall establish curriculum standards for such core academic areas. The assessments shall be administered at three grade levels, as determined by the state board. The curriculum standards shall be equal to the best standards and shall be reviewed at least every three years. The state board shall ensure compatibility between the statewide assessments and the curriculum standards. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed in any manner so as to impinge upon any district's authority to determine its own curriculum.

      (c)   The state board of education shall determine performance levels on the statewide assessments, the achievement of which represents excellence in the academic area at the grade level to which the assessment applies. The state board should specify the measure of excellence both for individual performance and school performance on the assessments.

      (d)   Each school in every district shall establish a school site council composed of the principal and representatives of teachers and other school personnel, parents of pupils attending the school, the business community, and other community groups. School site councils shall be responsible for providing advice and counsel in evaluating state, school district, and school site performance goals and objectives and in determining the methods that should be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives. Site councils may make recommendations and proposals to the school board regarding budgetary items and school district matters, including but not limited to, identifying and implementing the best practices for developing efficient and effective administrative and management functions. Site councils also may help school boards analyze the unique environment of schools, enhance the efficiency and maximize limited resources, including outsourcing arrangements and cooperative opportunities as a means to address limited budgets.

      History:   L. 1992, ch. 280, § 35; L. 1995, ch. 263, § 1; L. 2004, ch. 124, § 3; July 1.