Kansas schools

Educators at Silver City Elementary School want to improve student attendance after the COVID-19 pandemic drove up chronic absenteeism. They said making sure students are "seen and loved on" is a big way to motivate them to show up.

The Trump administration withheld billions of dollars for schools, including funding that Kansas City area schools rely on to support students learning English as a second language. A local teacher says that will cause "an ache" for schools and some may have to cut roles or programs.

High schools in Kansas are graduating a higher percentage of students than ever before. But some people worry that the growth of credit recovery could be lowering standards and allowing students to get a diploma without the skills they need.

It's been five years since students had to wear masks in class or tap into lessons online. But Kansas educators say children who began their schooling at the start of the COVID pandemic are still at risk of falling behind.

Kansas schools now have $10 million in state funding to use AI to detect guns. But ZeroEyes, one of the few companies offering this service, has sent police false alerts before — and it won't say how often.

Kansas has reported 37 cases. Wichita hasn't had a case since 2017.

Kansas artists and cultural organizations would be stripped of state grants if the Kansas Legislature adopts a Senate-approved budget, which entirely eliminates funding the Kansas Arts Commission. The impact would be felt even harder in smaller and rural communities.

At least 23 Kansans have tested positive for measles. Health officials urge full vaccination against the disease.

While Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran spoke at a luncheon at the K-State campus in Olathe, protesters lined the street imploring him stand up to the Trump administration as it takes aggressive, and at times illegal, steps to reshape the federal government.

Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson urged districts to cancel breaks or extend the school year to make up for snow days. He is also proposing half-day summer school for young students who are struggling in reading and math.