The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

By STEPHAN BISAHA

Information’s great. But what about insight?

A fresh University of Kansas study contends state educators put too much emphasis on data and too little on the savvy and experience of teachers.

The researchers argue that test scores are the only thing all schools use, ignoring the instincts of teachers and unique situations of each student. Instead of being data-driven, they’re data-dependent.

CHRIS NEAL / FOR THE KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

The study suggests calls for a smarter balance between the first-hand insight of teachers and numbers drawn from test scores and other measures.

“We are losing teachers’ ability to use far more information about what they know makes for a good education for different types of kids because we’re just reducing the kids down to a number,” said Rebecca Jacobsen, an associate professor of education policy at Michigan State University.

Switch To Data

Using test scores to evaluate students has been a near constant in education. But what that testing looked like was often different from classroom to classroom. The 2001 federal No Child Left Behind Act began dramatically emphasized tests that are comparable across schools and the country.

That — combined with new technology — led to a rapid expansion of data on students.

“There’s a lot of power in that capacity,” said Jason Grissom, who studies education policy at Vanderbilt University.

In 2007, Kansas began piloting a data-heavy approach called Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS. It’s been used to devise improvement plans for struggling students.

Since that launch 12 years ago, it’s gradually expanded across the state. MTSS is more a framework than a program — educators continually test students and adjust plans accordingly.

In 2013, Garden City Public Schools was receiving state training on implementing MTSS. KU researchers documented the shift in a newly released study that found teachers’ knowhow was “continually marginalized.”

The Problem

Test scores were considered infallible while teacher observations were dismissed.

Some teachers disagreed with the interventions suggested by the test. State MTSS consultants told the teachers to stick to the recommendation. When teachers wanted to change the interventions, consultants said the only recourse was to retake the same test the teachers considered flawed.

Ideally, test scores would be used to inform decisions. State consultants told the teachers in Garden City that their input wasn’t needed. Only the test itself mattered.

“Good teachers are rightly saying those standardized tests are part of the story, but not all of the story,” said Don Stull, one of the study’s authors and a professor emeritus at KU. “And if we don’t try to bring all that we know … then we’re not doing the best we can for those children.”

Education experts says sidelining teacher observations could lead to interventions that are ultimately harmful. A student might score poorly on a math assessment because they’re not engaged with the work. An attentive teacher might decided the student needs more challenging assignments.

But the data alone would recommend giving the student more remedial work, boring them even more.

That takes the teacher out of teaching, the study said. It also hurts teacher morale, a danger in a profession struggling with recruitment and retainment.

“There’s really been a deprofessionalization of teaching,” said Jennifer Ng, the lead author of the study.

Experts say that schools across the country have too often dismissed teachers’ judgments in favor of test scores. And it’s a problem schools have begun recognizing.

“It’s absolutely something schools have been struggling with,” said Laura Hamilton, a senior behavioral scientist at the Rand Corporation. “We’re hearing a lot of growing awareness that this narrow focus is problematic.”

Finding Balance

Kansas’ MTSS team says those early attempts were about bringing Kansas teachers on board to a more uniform system. Instead of teachers having dozens of different approaches, MTSS would bring teachers around an effective, agreed-upon system.

But shortly after the rollout in Garden City, the state began to shift its approach. In 2015, the state’s board of education released a new set of goals for Kansas schools. Social and emotional growth for students received more emphasis. High school graduation rates were set as a new marker of success alongside test scores.

The 2015 federal Every Student Succeeds Act — the replacement to No Child Left Behind — also put less emphasis on test scores.

Now Kansas educators are trying to find a balance between test scores and teacher expertise.

“The assessment is just a tool to say do we need to look at a certain area,” said Linda Wilkerson, the co-director of MTSS for the Kansas Department of Education. “It isn’t the answer. It’s the question.”

Garden City Public Schools blames much of its initial problems outlined in the study on the growing pains that come with a new policy. The district says that since the MTSS rollout in 2013, the school district has included teachers’ voices.

But school districts are still doubling down on data-driven decision making. Education experts say schools should be doing that, so long as teachers are involved and trained in how to use all that information.

Wichita Public Schools says to do that it has added more “data dives” — days dedicated to teachers and staff working through the numbers. As the district has become more data-heavy, those long days are vital to avoiding information overload and defaulting to a program’s canned intervention.

Patricia Burch, an associate professor of education at the University of Southern California, said finding that balance between test scores teacher voices is still a challenge. But schools are realizing the need to get that balance right.

“We’re coming back to a kind of middle ground,” she said, “where we agree it’s important but it’s not as heavy handed.”

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter @SteveBisaha or email him at bisaha (at) kmuw (dot) org. 

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SALINA — The interim CEO and dean of Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus has earned the job permanently.

Dr. Alysia Starkey courtesy photo

Alysia Starkey, who has been serving as the interim leader of the campus in Salina since July 2018, has been appointed its new CEO and dean by Charles Taber, K-State provost and executive vice president, according to a media release from the school.

“In her service as interim CEO and dean, Dr. Starkey has proven to be a strong and effective leader of Kansas State Polytechnic,” Taber said. “Most notably, she has led the strategic planning on Polytechnic’s aviation program, building community and industry relationships that we will need to be successful.”

As the chief academic and administrative officer of Kansas State Polytechnic, Starkey is responsible for providing leadership, management and support for all academic programs and administrative units on the campus. She’s charged with ensuring high-quality undergraduate and graduate experiences, continued excellence and growth in Polytechnic’s research programs, and the recruitment and retention of high-caliber, diverse students. Effective fiscal stewardship and fundraising efforts on behalf of the campus are also key parts of her job responsibilities.

“Kansas State Polytechnic is a special place and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as CEO and dean,” Starkey said. “I am excited to continue working with students, faculty, staff and alumni to advance our mission and enhance our capabilities to meet the educational and workforce needs of the future.”

Before her appointment as interim CEO and dean, Starkey served as associate dean of academics at Kansas State Polytechnic. She has in-depth experience in the leadership, management and support needs of all aspects of the school, including student success, academic programs, faculty and budgetary matters. She joined Polytechnic in June 2002 as a technical services/automation coordinator and assistant professor. She was promoted to library director and associate professor in 2007, and named assistant dean of academics and distance education and director of libraries in 2010. She served as assistant dean of continuous improvement from 2012-2014 before being named associate dean of academics/undergraduate studies and promoted to full professor in 2014. She gained the additional duties of acting director for the School of Integrated Studies in June 2016. In October 2017, Starkey was named associate dean of academics and acting director of professional education and outreach.

Starkey earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University; a master’s in library science from the University of North Texas; a bachelor’s in psychology from Fort Hays State University; and an associate degree in social work from Colby Community College.

Over the past several years there has been a decline in volunteers for Riley County Fire District #1.

Riley County Fire Chief Pat Collins said Monday was the first time in the history of the Fire District that he had to go to the Riley County Commission ( Fire Board of District #1 ) and tell them know there were not enough members left to keep the Peach Grove Fire Station open.

That station is closed to the center of the county and just two miles from the Marshall County line. It provides the first response for fires in an approximate 25 square mile area in northern Riley County. Collins said having the station there, with it current apparatus, when properly staffed has made it possible for the District to obtain a current ISO insurance rating of 5-5Y and reduced insurance rates for 20-30% for years. If that station is closed the people in that area will not only lose basic fire protection from a close station but they could see a sharp increase in insurance rates. The next closest stations are the Swede Creek and in May Day.

At the commission meeting the Board agreed to leave the station open until January 1 to see if volunteers could be found to join. At that time they will re-evaluate the membership and decide whether or not to permanently close the fire station.

Applicants need to be at least 18, have a current driver’s license, pass a background check and pass a drug test. Once accepted they will need to attend at least 24 hours of department supplied training on an annual basis. Applications are available on the website at www.rileycountyks.gov or at the District office at 115 North 4th Street in Manhattan.

Girls on the Run International has inspired more than 1.8 million girls to be healthy and confident by using an evidence-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Now the organization has announced the merger of two local councils, Girls on the run of Northeast Kansas and Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills into a single Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills organization.The council will serve girls and families in a 10-county area, including Clay, Cloud, Geary , Pottawatomie, Riley, Jackson, Lyon, Osage, Shawnee and Wabaunsee.

The merger of two neighboring councils will create a stronger, regional, independent council. Candice McIntosh, executive director of Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, will continue to lead the new council.

“We plan to continue to involve hundreds of local volunteers who have played critical roles at each council by serving as coaches and liaisons, 5K volunteers and participating in fund development,” McIntosh added.

RCPD

On Saturday, the Riley County Police Department in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration hosted a drug take-back event at two locations in Manhattan.

The take-back event was a success at both locations. In just four hours, approximately 173 pounds of unused or unwanted prescription medications were collected.

We appreciate the public’s participation in the event. Proper disposal of medications at take-back events help to prevent pill abuse and theft by providing a place to safely dispose of prescription drugs.

MANHATTAN, —The City of Manhattan is co-hosting a Rental Housing Forum with the K-State Student Governing Association at the K-State Student Union’s ballroom from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29 in the K-State Student Union ‘s KSU Ballroom (second floor). Parking is available in the parking structure.

The evening will  include presentations on tenant and landlord responsibilities and renter’s resources, as well as facilitated discussions regarding current rental conditions and concerns. Your feedback and engagement in the forum are important and will make a difference for future planning.The forum is free and open to the public, including non-KSU affiliated renters and landlords. Refreshments will be provided.

According to a recent tenant and landlord survey, 64% of renters say they are “somewhat” or “extremely” satisfied with their current rental unit and 73% of the local landlords who responded describe Manhattan’s rental housing quality as “good” or “excellent.” Complete results of the survey will be discussed at tomorrow night’s Manhattan Rental Housing Forum.

“Sixty percent of housing in the Manhattan community is occupied by renters and it’s important to make sure the needs of both renters and landlords are being met,” says the City of Manhattan’s Public Information Officer, Vivienne Uccello. “This forum gives people a chance to come together for meaningful discussion and also helps connect them with resources.”

According to the recent survey of landlords and renters

• 64% of renters said they were “somewhat” or “extremely” satisfied with their current rental unit.
• 73% of the local landlords described Manhattan’s rental housing quality as “good” or “excellent.”

Agencies involved:

• City of Manhattan
• KSU Student Governing Association
• City of Manhattan Risk Reduction Division
• Housing and Credit Counseling Inc.

More information about the City of Manhattan’s rental registration program, and resources for landlords and tenants, is available online at www.cityofmhk.com/renting.

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The City of Manhattan and the KSU Student Governing Association (SGA) are teaming up to provide a Manhattan Rental Housing Forum to highlight the state of tenant-landlord relations in Manhattan.

Manhattan has more than 12,000 rental units and has had numerous community conversations over the years about various facets of the tenant – landlord relationship and the condition of rental housing in the local market. The 2019 Forum will focus on rental resources in the Manhattan area, including information on the Kansas Tenant Landlord Act and the City’s rental inspection service. The event will include a panel discussion featuring two local renters and two local landlords, plus the results of both a tenant survey and a landlord survey will be revealed.

In planning for the Forum, Assistant City Manager Dennis Marstall stated, “Manhattan has such a large renting population and landlord community, that it is important to continually foster positive tenant-landlord relationships and help educate the community about rental resources. We appreciate the KSU Student Governing Association’s understanding of the key role they can play in helping to better inform KSU students, faculty and staff, and the larger Manhattan community about rental resources.”

The Forum is open to the public, including non-KSU affiliated renters and landlords.

WHAT: Manhattan Rental Housing Forum to bring all renters and landlords in Manhattan together to talk about the current state of the tenant-landlord relationship in Manhattan and to provide resources.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 29, 2019
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: K-State Student Union – KSU Ballroom (Parking available in the K-State Student Union Parking structure.)

WHO
City of ManhattanKSU Student Governing Association (incl., Jansen Penny, KSU SGA President)
City of Manhattan Risk Reduction Division
Housing and Credit Counseling Inc.
All Renters in Manhattan
All Landlords in Manhattan

WHY: To Foster positive landlord-tenant relationships and help educate the community about rental resources.

More information about the City of Manhattan’s rental registration program, and resources for landlords and tenants, is available online here.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jolly -photo Geary County

By Dewey Terrill, JC Post

GEARY COUNTY —A 22-year-old Kansas man has entered a plea deal in a fatal August 2018 shooting in Junction City.

Fontelle Jolly, Junction City, entered pleas of no contest in Geary County District Court Friday to Voluntary Manslaughter, a level three person felony and Aggravated Battery, a level five lesser felony, according to Geary County Attorney Krista Blaisdell

The court originally charged Jolly with Reckless Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery, level four, but pleaded no contest to the new charge in an amended complaint. A jury trial had been scheduled to begin on Monday, but now will not occur.

The charges stemmed from the August 31, 2018 fatal shooting of Felix Snipes, 29, Junction City, and the wounding of Cartavius King, 25, Junction City outside an apartment complex on Wildcat Lane on the west side of Junction City.

Snipes was shot two times in the chest and later died from his injuries. King had testified he was shot three or four times.

Court testimony has revealed the the incident began as an altercation between Jolly and his girlfriend in one of the nearby apartments. King was called to the scene and later testified that he remembered that he and Snipes told Jolly to leave the premises, and Jolly sat in his own vehicle. King said he and Snipes were ready to leave, they turned around and Jolly shot them.  Sentencing for Jolly is scheduled for December 30.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after an arrest. On Friday, deputies with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 105 East Valley, lot #34 in Wamego, according to Sheriff Greg Riat.

The warrant was a result of investigations into illegal drug activity. Deputies serving the search warrant at this residence discovered illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. These items were collected as evidence. Two residents of the home, Jacob Hodges, 31, and Mickensie Blaise, 21, were taken into custody for possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment.

Both  were transported to the Pottawatomie County Jail where bond was set at $25,000.
jail. Officers with the Wamego Police Department assisted in the search warrant.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma football fan died after suffering an apparent heart attack at Saturday’s game against Kansas State.

Bill Snyder Family Stadium during Saturday’s football game -photo courtesy KSU Athletics

David Adams, director of Riley County emergency services, said paramedics were called to the stadium for a patient experiencing chest pain, and the fan collapsed after they arrived. He was treated at the scene and taken to a Manhattan hospital across the street from the stadium, where he was pronounced dead.

The man was seated with friends and family at Bill Snyder Family Stadium when he collapsed.

The man’s name has not been released.

photo courtesy KHP

WABAUNSEE COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just after 11a.m. Tueday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Frieghtliner semi driven by Douglas Jason Lee, 47, Wamego, was northbound on Kansas 99 just south of Ridge Road when right side tires dropped off the roadway.

The driver overcorrected causing it to crossover and roll, striking a tree and coming to rest across roadway and ditch.

EMS transported Lee to a hospital in Topeka. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

–Geary USD 475 schools will be on a two-hour late start

–Fort Riley is on a two-hour late start

–The Neighborhood Learning Center in Junction City will open two hours late

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

DARREL LADEL SMITH photo Geary County

LAUREN ELIZABETH BESTHORN, 20, Wamego, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or >Possession of marijuana; Bond $1500

MANHATTAN —Officers have filed a report for fraud in the 200 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan.

Community 1st National Bank reported an unknown suspect cashed a fraudulent check worth approximately $6,956.00.

Police ask that anyone with information please contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex assault and other charges after his arrest following an automobile accident in Texas.

Michael Dakin photo Hays County Texas Jail

Just before 4:30 p.m. October 6, police responded to a motor vehicle accident in at FM 150 and Old Post Road in Kyle, Texas, according to Kim Hilsenbeck for the police department.

Officers learned that one driver Michael Dylan Dakin , 27,  Kyle,  Texas, was wanted in Kansas on multiple charges including a warrant in Riley County for aggravated kidnapping.

Further investigation indicated Dakin was also wanted for additional outstanding warrants including rape and aggravated criminal sodomy in Riley County.

Over the weekend Dakin arrived in Kansas and was booked into the Riley County Jail, according to the RCPD arrest report.

He made a first court appearance via video Monday, according to the Lana Nichols with the Riley County District Court. He remains in custody on $125,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 12.

On Monday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Flint Hills Discovery Center will be celebrating Veterans Appreciation Day. They want to thank all who have served by opening the doors of the Discovery Center free to all Veteran, Active Duty, Retired, their families and Gold Star families.

During Veterans Appreciation Day, guests will have access to the exhibit inside the Discovery Center. That include the three new temporary exhibits. In Zoo in You: The Human Microbiome and Eat Well, Play Well guests can explore the science of our inner microbial companions, personal health and nutrition. then, you can uncover the local history surrounding two of the most concerning epidemics during the early part of the last century in Microbes in Manhattan: Fighting Flu and Polio in Manhattan.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 383 officials continue their investigation of a school shooting threat.

The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm Wednesday, according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.

During the course of RCPD’s investigation it was also revealed that an MHS West student had posted a picture of himself on social media while holding what appeared to be a firearm, according to RCPD Captain Josh Kyle. The photograph included a menacing statement. Detained for Criminal Threat was Conner W. Bruce, 15 years of age, from Manhattan, KS. Bruce was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility where he is being held.

Although RCPD’s investigation continues, it has not revealed any other credible threats to students or staff.

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RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 383 officials are investigating a school shooting threat.

The Safe Schools Hotline received an anonymous report at 11:15pm tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 30), according to a social media report from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383. The caller stated that his daughter was told that there would be a shooting at Manhattan High East Campus tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 31) and to wear red to avoid being shot.

USD 383 has been in contact with the Riley County Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol. RCPD will have increased presence at and around MHS East Campus Thursday.