News Release June 11, 2026 (2)

Emporia Public Schools Reports Encouraging Preliminary State Assessment Results

EMPORIA, Kan. — Preliminary Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) results presented to the USD 253 Board of Education show encouraging academic growth across multiple grade levels, reflecting the continued efforts of students, staff, and families throughout Emporia Public Schools.

During the Board of Education meeting on June 10, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Services Sheryl Leeds and Director of Assessments and Accountability Dr. Ryan Karjala shared a comparison of Spring 2025 and Spring 2026 assessment results in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science. The results remain preliminary and will be finalized following approval by the Kansas State Board of Education.

Several grade levels demonstrated notable improvement in ELA. The percentage of students scoring at the state's higher performance levels increased from 38% to 46% in grade 10 and from 32% to 38% in grade 7. Grades 3 and 5 also showed year-to-year growth.

Math results reflected some of the district's strongest gains. The percentage of students performing at the higher levels increased from 17% to 30% in grade 6 and from 24% to 37% in grade 10. Grades 4 and 5 also posted improvements.

District leaders also reviewed cohort growth, examining how groups of students performed as they progressed from one grade level to the next. Several cohorts demonstrated strong academic growth, including students moving from grade 6 to grade 7 in ELA and from grade 4 to grade 5 in Math.

Science achievement remained generally stable across the district, with grade 5 showing a slight increase. Grade 11 science results are not yet available as the state continues its standard-setting process.

Leeds and Karjala noted that the results indicate recent instructional improvements, targeted interventions, and student support systems are beginning to positively impact student learning. While celebrating areas of growth, the district will continue focusing on opportunities for improvement, including supporting students during the transition from elementary to middle school and strengthening interventions for students who need additional academic support.

"Our preliminary results are encouraging and reflect positive momentum across the district," said Leeds and Karjala. "These gains are a testament to the hard work of our students, staff, and families. We remain committed to building on this progress and ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed."

District teams will spend the summer reviewing curriculum, refining instructional resources, and strengthening support systems to support continued growth and success for all students.