1. Blue Ribbon Task Force on Bullying
Co-Chairpersons
Dr. Rick Ginsberg, Dean of the KU School of Education
James Regier, Superintendent of Whitewater-Remington Public Schools
SETS Team | Kansas State Department of Education | Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson St., Suite 102, Topeka, KS | |

2. Background Announced on March 12, 2019
Data cited that 28% of students in grades 6 – 12 experience bullying
Commissioner Watson reports bullying as a frequent concern brought to him by parents and educators
Current bullying efforts are acknowledged, but they have not fully succeeded in eradicating bullying

3. Task Force Membership 35 task force members, plus 4 KSDE support staff
Groups represented include:
State Board of Education
Legislators
Attorney General’s Office
KASB
District/building leaders, teachers, school counselors and school psychologists
Parents
Private school administration
Higher education

4. Task Force Goals and Objectives
Research and identify current bullying definition, trends, incidents, and prevention measures across the state.
Coordinate with stakeholders to address relevant issues effectively, to best meet the needs of students.
Review work in the areas of SEL as set for by the State Board goals, identifying possible avenues that could reduce and prevent bullying and cyber bullying.

5. Goals and Objectives continued
Review current statutes, regulations and policy to determine need for change.
Present a report at the December Kansas State Board of Education meeting, including recommendations to address bullying, cyber bullying, prevention and training measures.

6. Statewide Listening Tour
May 28th, Clearwater
June 18th, Garden City
August 5th, Salina
September 25th, Girard
October 30th, Wichita
November 6th, Lawrence

7. Task Force Work Groups Data and Research
Current Evidence-Based Practices
Policy/Practice/Accountability
Barriers and Solutions
Cultural Awareness
Writing Committee

8. Common Themes Increased emphasis on social-emotional learning
Restorative practices
Supports for school mental health
Meaningful family engagement
Increased understanding of high risk groups

9. Kansans Can Integrated Learning Process
A Whole Child Process

11. Regional Trainings
Integrating Social-Emotional Growth, School Mental Health, MTSS, Kansas Can Competency Instruction, and Family Engagement
427 participants
118 USD’s and 7 private schools/districts
5 community mental health centers
TASN evaluation to inform future professional development efforts

12. Myron Melton, Consultant Special Education and Title Services Team
Kansas State Department of Education
The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:  KSDE General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, KSDE, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612, (785)