Kentucky Teacher

Augusta High School Principal Lisa McCane and Assistant Principal Robin Kelsch, both at left, pose with the rest of the teaching staff of the Augusta Independent school district. Augusta Independent had a 100 percent participation rate on the TELL Kentucky survey. Photo by Amy Wallot, May 11, 2011

Editor’s Note: Since interviews and the picture for this story were completed, John Cordle has retired as Augusta Independent school district superintendent and Lisa McCane, then principal at Augusta High School, has taken over as superintendent.

By Susan Riddell
susan.riddell@education.ky.gov

Kentucky educators are transforming their perceptions into plans for school improvement.

Last school year, state teachers and administrators had the opportunity to make their opinions known on various school issues by responding to the TELL (Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning) Kentucky survey. More than 42,000 educators across the commonwealth filled out the anonymous online questionnaire regarding working conditions.

Questions on the survey pertained to time; facilities and resources; community support and involvement; managing student conduct; teacher leadership; school leadership; professional development; instructional practices and support; and new teacher support. Continue Reading

Students Daniel Rogers, Spencer Dubbels and Carley Hoskins display their pedometers at Manchester Elementary School (Clay County). Photo by Amy Wallot, May 3, 2011

By Susan Riddell
susan.riddell@education.ky.gov

To get extra steps, Carley Hoskins would wear hers while she and her two best friends would go for neighborhood walks.

Daniel Rogers would play tennis with his clipped to his shorts.

Spencer Dubbels carried his in his pocket while at soccer or baseball practice.

These Manchester Elementary School (Clay County) students were sporting pedometers as they competed for prizes last spring in a districtwide initiative to get students moving and headed toward better health and wellness.

“This has been a wonderful experience for our district,” said Deann Allen, instructional supervisor for the Clay County school district. “And we’re excited about what we’re going to do with it this fall.” Continue Reading