Join Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson as he takes a deep dive into the world of Kansas public education on the KSDE Insight Podcast. Featuring engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, this podcast explores the latest national and state issues impacting Kansas schools.
Whether you're an educator, policymaker, parent, or community member, the KSDE Insight Podcast delivers thought-provoking discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of education in Kansas. Tune in and stay informed!
A New Chapter for Kansas Education: A conversation with Dr. Jake Steel
This month's episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast introduces Dr. Jake Steel as the next Kansas education commissioner.
Host Dr. Randy Watson asked Steel about his early days growing up and attending Garden City USD 457 schools, his higher education path that led him to the classroom as a math teacher, the work he’s done around KSDE’s alignment initiatives and what’s inspiring him to keep Kansas education moving forward.
16 Apr 2026
The Homework Debate: Helpful or Outdated?
Homework has long been a fixture of the American education system, but its value remains contested more than a century after the debate began. According to educators and researchers, homework is neither inherently beneficial nor harmful—its impact depends largely on its purpose, design, and the age of the student.
Today, schools find themselves caught between competing priorities: maintaining high academic expectations while also protecting student well-being.
Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson speaks with two secondary Kansas educators who have much to say about how much homework is good for students.
Joining Commissioner Watson are:
Taylor Bussinger, social studies teacher at Prairie Trail Middle School, Olathe USD 233
Adam Topliff, social studies teacher at Wamego High School, Wamego USD 320
12 Mar 2026
Beyond the Diploma – What Parents Should Know About Readiness for Life After High School
Graduation is an important milestone, but true success after high school requires more than earning a diploma. In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore what it really means for students to be ready for life after graduation.
Kansas parents often ask an important question: Is my child prepared for what comes next? Whether a student plans to attend college, pursue technical training, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce, readiness involves more than academic preparation alone.
This conversation looks at three essential areas that shape student success: academic readiness, financial readiness, and emotional readiness. Kansas education leaders and experts discuss the knowledge, skills, and habits students need to navigate life after high school with confidence.
Parents will hear practical insights about how schools are helping students prepare for postsecondary opportunities, what indicators of readiness families should look for, and how parents can support their students during the transition from high school to adulthood.
Through thoughtful discussion and real-world perspective, this episode helps families better understand how Kansas schools are preparing students not just to graduate, but to succeed in whatever path they choose next.
Guests:
Chuck Knapp, president/CEO of JAG-K
Dr. Jessica Dain, superintendent of Piper USD 203
Dr. Blake Flanders, president/CEO of Kansas Board of Regents
Who has been a guest on KSDE Insight Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Bob Blair
Katina Brenn
Dave Watkins
Shawn Wilson
Jessica Kistler
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
54
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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