MARISSA MEIS
USD 308
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools has received full accreditation from the Kansas Department of Education based on their work in the areas of social-emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, individual plans of study, graduation rate, and postsecondary success.
On September 30, 2022, USD 308 hosted an Outside Visitation Team (OVT), which consisted of educators from El Dorado, who assessed the district’s goals and progress over the last accreditation period. The Kansas State Board of Education accredits school districts every five years. Districts focus on key areas of improvement over that period of time.
The key areas that USD 308 has focused on over its last accreditation period were: social-emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, individual plans of study, graduation rate, and postsecondary success. During the visit, USD 308 leaders gave the OVT the opportunity to experience these areas first-hand by visiting schools, as well as meeting students and staff.
Following the visit, the OVT produced a report indicating that USD 308 had been fully accredited. In the area of kindergarten readiness, the report stated, “Using data collection from ASQ, Fast Bridge, and Early Read Map, a curriculum was established that includes preschool and kindergarten. The district has expanded their preschool and daycare programs in providing transitional alignment between preschool and kindergarten.”
Another area the district excelled in was individual plans of study. The report stated, “The Individual Plan of Study was a major focus in developing a Plan of Study for student engagement. By the end of the KESA cycle, one hundred percent of students in grades K-12 have explored career pathways.”
“We are proud of everyone who put in time and effort to earn this accomplishment. I want to thank the Outside Visitation Team from El Dorado for taking the time to visit our district and critically evaluate our efforts toward quality school improvement. As we close out the current 5-year cycle, we are already looking to the future and creating goals that will ensure USD 308 remains a district focused on leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven results in Reno County,” said USD 308 superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson.