News
Wed, 06/17/2026
New research proposes framework to build coherence in assessment systems
Blueprint standards, achievement level descriptors, task models, scoring procedures, reported results, and—for some assessments—even curriculum and professional development all shape whether assessment results mean what they are supposed to mean. Ignoring those connections can leave assessment programs with evidence of compliance but little insight into how well the system actually works.
Wed, 06/10/2026
Strengthening family well-being prevents need for foster care
A growing body of research shows these separations are preventable. A study from the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research highlights that early childhood services remain underused tools for keeping families intact — and reducing long-term costs to the state.
Tue, 06/09/2026
Transforming supports for Kansas first responders
In moments of crisis and in the daily work of helping communities stay safe, steady, and supported, first responders are often the first line of care across Kansas. Strengthening that work requires systems that expand access to opportunity, tools that remove barriers, and strategies that help communities prepare for what’s ahead.
Mon, 06/01/2026
CPPR and IRIS Celebrate Another 100,000 Referral Milestone
What began as a promising pilot with the All Our Kids (AOK) Networks has become a statewide collaborative effort. An effort that has reached a defining milestone of over 100,000 referrals.
Wed, 05/20/2026
KU Team of the Year builds sustainable system of support for Kansas families
The Family Strong team at the Center for Public Partnerships and Research (CPPR) was recognized at the KU Employee Recognition Ceremony for their work on a five-year, community-driven initiative dedicated to strengthening the well-being of families across eight underserved southeast Kansas counties.
Tue, 05/19/2026
Ryan Bodensteiner announced as new director of CEEL
The Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI) at the University of Kansas has announced Ryan Bodensteiner the director of the Center for Evaluation and Educational Leadership (CEEL), a center within AAI that supports district and building level leaders in creating and sustaining effective learning environments for students.
Tue, 04/21/2026
CPPR is helps strengthen first responder mental health in rural Kansas
Horizons Mental Health Center launched an initiative to bring Mental Health First Aid to first responders across its five-county service area.
Mon, 04/20/2026
Bart Swartz named growth officer for KU Achievement & Assessment Institute
The Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI) at the University of Kansas has named Bart Swartz its first growth officer, a new executive role created to strengthen AAI’s position as a national leader in research-based solutions for education and community well-being.
Wed, 04/08/2026
Personalized math support builds student confidence in Kansas middle school
A teacher at Clark Middle School is empowering students to take the lead in their learning with the help of personalized chatbots.
Wed, 04/01/2026
ATS partners with Lawrence Homeless Resource Center on community-centered supports
KU ATS partnered with Lawrence’s Homeless Resource Center to strengthen their technology and data systems. ATS supports infrastructure, data practices and decision-making while also providing donations for immediate needs.
Thu, 03/12/2026
CPPR Launches Kansas Future Fellows Fifth Cohort, Deepening Statewide Futures Work
The nine-month fellowship brings together leaders from across sectors who are ready to think beyond immediate challenges and design long-term solutions grounded in collaboration and systems change.
Fri, 02/20/2026
Storybook project brings student imagination to life in Wichita
Teachers and students at Circle Greenwich Elementary found an engaging way to explore technology together by creating their own storybooks with the help of AI.
Wed, 01/21/2026
ATS modernizes firefighter certification across Kansas
A streamlined credentialing system is helping Kansas get firefighters and emergency personnel into the field faster through computer-based assessments. KU‘s Assessment and Technology Solutions (ATS) and Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) are partnering on the project.
Wed, 01/14/2026
CPPR Brings Community Voices and Data Together to Support Douglas County Families
Project staff facilitated a community sensemaking workshop that brought data and lived experiences together.
Thu, 12/11/2025
CPPR Brings Kansas County Data to Life with Innovative Mapping Tool
CPPR has developed a powerful new mapping tool that transforms complex substance use disorder (SUD) data into clear, actionable insights for every Kansas county. Featuring interactive maps, county-level profiles, and a data-driven SUD Risks and Resilience Index, the tool helps communities understand local vulnerabilities, identify protective factors, and plan targeted interventions.
Mon, 11/24/2025
United to Transform: The Power of Kansas Collaborations
Through conversations with more than 2,000 Kansans—from people with lived experience to local leaders—one truth became clear: no single organization can fix a complex system alone. Communities thrive when partners come together, share power, and build solutions
Fri, 11/21/2025
New KU initiative uses cutting-edge sports technology to help Kansas high school athletes train smarter
A new initiative led by the Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory helps Kansas high school athletes train smarter, stay healthier and sets the stage for groundbreaking sports science research.
Thu, 11/06/2025
ATLAS awarded $3M contract to enhance math instruction in rural Alaska
Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) at the University of Kansas has received a five-year, $3 million contract to make math instruction more meaningful by connecting classroom learning to students’ lives and local traditions.
Thu, 10/30/2025
KU research enhances football on and off the field
A collaborative project between KU sports science researchers and the KU football team is filling gaps in research while improving the team’s performance, athlete preparation and injury prevention.
Fri, 09/19/2025
Google to kick off weeklong KU event on AI in education and research
On Sept. 29, Google will host “Falling into AI,” a weeklong event that invites the Jayhawk community to engage with researchers and industry leaders across the university working with artificial intelligence.
Thu, 09/18/2025
ATLAS outlines bold vision for instructionally embedded assessments
States are rethinking how large-scale assessments serve students and teachers. Instructionally embedded assessments give educators meaningful insights during instruction, not just at the end of the year.
Thu, 09/11/2025
Back-to-school goes beyond the classroom
At the Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI), back-to-school season is more than new schedules or sharpened pencils. We witness students finding their path with the right guidance, teachers focusing on what matters most with innovative tools and assessments, and families and communities providing the foundation every learner needs to succeed.
Wed, 09/10/2025
How to Grow an IRIS Network
IRIS is more than technology—it’s a movement powered by partnerships. Across Kansas, Illinois, and other states, IRIS helps communities plant the seeds of collaboration, grow trust among partners, and harvest real results for families.
Fri, 08/29/2025
Center for Reimagining Education Director Bart Swartz featured in ABC News on how schools are embracing AI
Bart Swartz, Director of the Center for Reimagining Education within AAI, shared with ABC News how his team is helping Kansas schools explore new ways to use AI responsibly and creatively.
Fri, 08/15/2025
KU McNair Scholars present original research at summer symposium
Sixteen undergraduate students from the University of Kansas shared their original research at the McNair Scholars Summer Research Symposium. The event marked the culmination of months of dedicated scholarly work and mentorship. Hosted by the KU TRIO McNair Scholars Program, the symposium highlights student-driven inquiry and offers a preview of the next generation of researchers.
Thu, 08/14/2025
New report clears a path for Kansas’ response to substance use
Following 15 months of statewide research and community input, the United to Transform report, released by KU's Center for Public Partnerships and Research, delivers the most comprehensive analysis yet of the state’s substance use disorder system. Combining insights from more than 2,000 Kansans with analysis of over 70 datasets, the report recommends practical, person-centered strategies to expand access, strengthen collaboration and create a more sustainable system.
Tue, 08/12/2025
Prison to possibility: KU TRIO program helps incarcerated individuals rebuild through education
The TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) is working to make reentry to society easier through education, support and connections. Melody Lawrence, a TRIO EOC academic adviser, works with the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex to create pathways to education for inmates seeking a fresh start.
Wed, 08/06/2025
A Million Moments, One Shared Mission: Preventing Maternal Death in Kansas
With support from CPPR and Kansas Connecting Communities, KDHE is convening the first Million Moments for Maternal Mortality Prevention Conference to spotlight the urgent need for collaboration, intervention, and system change to save mothers' lives across Kansas.
Wed, 08/06/2025
KU researchers publish guidelines to help responsibly implement AI in education from preschool through college
Researchers in the Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning at the University of Kansas have published a set of guidelines for responsible implementation of artificial intelligence in schools from preschool through higher education.
Tue, 08/05/2025
ATLAS research fellows advance innovative assessment approaches with AI and adaptive testing
ATLAS research fellows are exploring ways to make assessments more accessible for all learners. Their work includes AI-driven tools that adapt to student needs in real time, especially for English learners and students with significant cognitive disabilities, advancing equity through innovation.