6 takeaways from USD 253 school board meeting
October 22 2025
District reviews new state assessment results after state recalibration
11th-grade state science results withheld by KSDE
High school to implement new ‘Read 180’ intervention program
District to use ‘mini-tests’ to improve instruction, reduce test anxiety
District earns three state-level ‘Kansas Star’ awards
Sixth-grade walk-a-thon raises over $19,000 for local charities
District reviews new state assessment results after state recalibration
EMPORIA, Kan. - District officials presented the first look at the 2025 Kansas state assessment results, which were calculated using new proficiency standards set by the Kansas State Department of Education. According to the state agency, previous cut scores were misaligned with external indicators like ACT, AP/dual credit and postsecondary outcomes; the new scale is designed to be more accurate and comparable across grades. Emporia’s district-wide English language arts and math results were reported as close to the state average across most grade levels.
11th-grade state science results withheld by KSDE
EMPORIA, Kan. - While the district reviewed assessment results for most subjects, scores for the 11th-grade state science assessment were not released by the Kansas State Department of Education. The Kansas Assessment Program announced the initial results did not provide the full range of scores needed to set official cut scores, so results will be realigned for next year.
High school to implement new ‘Read 180’ intervention program
EMPORIA, Kan. - Emporia High School will adopt the Read 180 program to support students needing additional help with reading. The Board of Education approved the purchase of 121 student subscriptions, teacher resources and professional development using at-risk funds. Interim Assistant Superintendent Sheryl Leeds said current materials were not adequately serving at-risk students; the program supports small-group and direct instruction and has helped other districts close reading gaps.
District to use ‘mini-tests’ to improve instruction, reduce test anxiety
EMPORIA, Kan. - In response to state assessment data, the district plans to implement “mini-tests” through the state’s Kansas Interactive Test Engine assessment portal to provide teachers with immediate feedback on student learning. Ryan Karjala explained the short, instructionally focused tests mirror the state assessment format, helping students become familiar with item types and lowering test anxiety. The data will help teachers identify learning gaps and adjust instruction throughout the year.
District earns three state-level ‘Kansas Star’ awards
EMPORIA, Kan. - Superintendent David McGehee announced the district received three recognitions from the Kansas State Department of Education Kansans Can Star program: a Copper Award for postsecondary effectiveness, a Bronze Award for high school graduation and the Commissioner’s Award for outperforming the district’s statistically predicted postsecondary effectiveness rate.
Sixth-grade walk-a-thon raises over $19,000 for local charities
EMPORIA, Kan. - Emporia’s sixth-grade students raised over $19,000 in their 11th annual walk-a-thon, Superintendent David McGehee announced Wednesday. The funds will be donated to several local organizations, including the Emporia Animal Shelter, the David Traylor Zoo and the Street Cats Club. Since the event began 11 years ago, students have raised more than $152,000 for the community.
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