S4E5 /// Who Holds the Education Power in Kansas?

If we know how children learn to read—why hasn’t it reached every classroom? In this episode, we examine who holds the power to shape education in Kansas—and what happens when policy, preparation, and practice aren’t aligned. From state-level decision-making to classroom reality, this conversation explores why change is complex… and what it actually takes to ensure every child receives instruction that works. This isn’t just about systems. It’s about outcomes—and what responsibility demands when proof already exists. In This Episode You'll Hear: How the Kansas State Board of Education shapes public education—and where real authority lives Why policy alone doesn’t guarantee classroom change, and what happens in the gap between decisions and practice The real constraints behind funding, timelines, and implementation at the state and local level How gaps in dyslexia recognition and support have impacted students—and why that matters beyond reading Why alignment—not blame—is the key to meaningful accountability What actually changes outcomes for students learning to read—and where we’ve seen it work Voices from across the system, including: Jeanine Phillips — Founder, Phillips Fundamental Learning Center James Franko — Kansas Policy Institute REFERENCES & RESOURCES Research & National Context Understanding how children learn to read—and where systems have fallen short: National Reading Panel (2000) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Reading Universe — Science of Reading Research Hub AACTE Teacher Preparation Initiative (2026 Proposal) Season 3, Episode 2 — Parent Advocacy 101: Fighting for Your Child’s Right to Read (For a deeper explanation of Kansas’ education governance structure) Kansas Policy & Governance How education is structured—and who holds responsibility in Kansas: Kansas Constitution, Article 6, Section 2 — State Board of Education (General Supervision) https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/constitution/chapter6.html#section2 Kansas Constitution, Article 6, Section 4 — Commissioner of Education https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/constitution/chapter6.html#section4 Kansas State Board of Education — Overview https://www.ksde.org/About-Us/State-Board-of-Education Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) — About https://www.ksde.org/About-Us Kansas Literacy Policy & Implementation Where research meets policy—and where gaps can still occur: Kansas House Bill 2322 (2023 — Dyslexia Legislation) Kansas Blueprint for Literacy Funding & System Structure How resources are allocated—and why alignment matters: Kansas Special Education Funding Overview (KSDE) Kansas State Department of Education — School Finance & Data Central https://datacentral.ksde.org https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/School-Finance National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — Education Spending Data These resources are here to help you better understand the systems shaping literacy in Kansas—and the role each of us can play in moving forward. 🤝 FOLLOW & SHARE If this episode helped you understand the system behind the reading crisis— share it with a parent, educator, or leader in your community. Because when more people understand how the system works… change becomes possible. SUPPORT THE WORK  Your support of the Phillips Fundamental Learning Center helps fund: Student assessments Evidence-based teaching resources Teacher training grounded in the Science of Reading Scholarships for profoundly dyslexic students to attend our school PODCAST MUSIC - SOUNDSTRIPE.COM Cody Martin - Innovation, LNDO - Even So, Cody Martin - Keeper of Keys, Cody Martin - Living Tapestry, Michael Briguglio - Fallen, Cody Martin - Lutra, Cody Martin - Infinitive, Caleb Etheridge - Road to Nowhere This podcast is produced by KB PODCASTS