For questions about the School Program at KSSB, contact the Principal's Office at (913) 281-3308 x327, or by email at Principal@kssb.net.
The Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) is fully accredited by the Kansas State Board of Education. KSSB provides a broad range of instructional programs for students ages three through twenty-one. Intensive and highly specialized teaching methods focus on the unique needs of students with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities.
A major part of the KSSB mission is to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to return home and be successful in their local schools. Those students who finish their high school careers at KSSB can do so through a regular high school graduation plan (24 credits) or through meeting the alternative graduation requirements as determined by their Individual Education Program (IEP) teams. We are very proud to report that KSSB graduates are employed at a significantly higher rate than national averages.
Fully integrated into all classrooms at KSSB is The Expanded Core Curriculum For Students Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired, a nationally recognized set of standards for the education of these unique learners. These standards include:
KSSB's four curricular areas are Preschool, Elementary, Secondary, and Life Skills. All classes are conducted in very small groups and with high levels of individual attention to each student.
This model Early Childhood classroom maximizes development by having teachers and family work together as a team, with a focus on activities which build strong self-concepts and identities as learners. This program builds a foundation for the specialized skills students need for learning.
KSSB's Elementary Program closely resembles a regular elementary program in terms of curriculum and academic demands, but features a heavy emphasis on special skills needed by learners who are visually impaired. Early grades concentrate on learning in real environments with hands-on learning experiences allowing children to develop meaningful and accurate concepts of the world around them. Later grades place more emphasis on independent work and study habits and how to organize learning materials.
KSSB's Middle and High School Programs accommodate learners needing either a regular or an adapted curriculum. The regular curriculum meets the needs of students likely to attend college, and the adapted curriculum equips students entering the workforce and community with the skills to function as independent adults. KSSB collaborates with area community colleges and technical schools to provide access to their programs while students are still in high school. The "2nd Year Senior" program allows students to participate in graduation ceremonies in their local school, and then come to KSSB for an additional year of services focused on college prep, career development, and independent living skills.
KSSB's Life Skills Program is designed for students who are visually impaired and who have additional disabilities that limit communication and self-help skills. This highly structured program has great success in working as a team with parents to achieve remarkable breakthroughs in the development of skills and interests.
KSSB is an environment rich in opportunities for learning. Each student is surrounded by a multidisciplinary team of educators and specialists who understand blindness. Students can choose among an array of on-campus classes, as well as classes held in nearby schools. There is an abundance of afternoon and evening programs, such as tutoring, recreation, sports and independent living skills training. Unique opportunities in the arts are provided by the nationally famous Accessible Arts, Inc. program.