Kansas literacy rates are showing improvement, with a second consecutive year of fewer students scoring in the lowest reading proficiency level (Level 1) on the 2024 state assessments. Dr. Randy Watson, Education Commissioner, attributes this to the State Board of Education’s investment in structured literacy programs. Since 2021, $25 million has funded early literacy initiatives and teacher training, including the LETRS® program, which has trained over 3,200 educators and continues with an additional 12,000 in progress.

Reading scores for students in Grades 3-8 and 10 show 33.6% reaching Levels 3 and 4, up from previous years, while Level 1 scores decreased slightly. Math scores also improved, with 31.6% at Levels 3 and 4.

The 2023 graduation rate dropped to 88.1%, but postsecondary course participation rose, with 38,002 high school students enrolled in college-level classes in 2024. Chronic absenteeism declined for a third year, reaching 19.7% in 2024.