Kentucky Teacher

Kentucky’s Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) program is designed to improve the performance of teachers, students and administrators in the areas of mathematics, science, technology and engineering.

The MSP program is based on the premise that everyone benefits when K-12 education (teachers and administrators) and higher education institutions work closely together to improve mathematics and science learning. It emphasizes the need for stronger connections between content and pedagogical experts in mathematics, science, engineering and technology within higher education, and educators in elementary, middle and secondary education.

It is anticipated that the Kentucky Department of Education will award approximately five grants at $140,000 for year 1 (January 2013 to Sept. 30, 2013) and at $195,000 for the second year (Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014), with a possible third year (at $97,500) contingent upon evaluation, project success, evidence of impact on pedagogical content knowledge growth and student achievement and availability of funding. Continue Reading

Kentucky Society for Technology in Education (KySTE) is looking for a few additional presenters for its spring conference. The deadline for presenters to submit is Nov. 1.

KySTE wants applications from technicians, technology leaders, tech resource/integration specialists, library media specialists, general school/district leadership and classroom teachers willing to share their ideas and passion for technology in education. All presenters receive free registration to the conference.

Click here to apply.

The Kentucky State Parks are once again offering the Commonwealth Connection discount for all local, state and federal employees and retirees for 2012-13.

The Kentucky State Parks offer more than 250 miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, golf and other outdoor adventure.
With this program, reduced rates on lodge rooms and cottages at 17 resort parks are offered. These rates are good from Nov. 1 through March 31, 2013.

The rates for 11 resorts and the cottages at John James Audubon State Park are:

Lodge Room — $44.95
1BR Cottage — $74.95
2BR Cottage — $84.95
3BR Cottage — $94.95 Continue Reading

Kentucky and 21 other states will share $24 million in grant money from the U.S. Department of Education to improve personnel training systems to help children with disabilities.

In the first year of the five-year grant, Kentucky will receive $1,137,671 from the State Personnel Development Grants Program, authorized by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The program provides funds to assist states in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and professional development in early intervention, education and transition services in order to improve results for children with disabilities. The funding period runs from October 2012 to September 2017.

Under the program, states must partner with at least one higher education institution to implement the terms of the grant. States must also partner with at least one local education agency and either a Parent Training and Information Center or a Community Parent Resource Center. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will partner with the University of Kentucky Continue Reading

Dr. Johnnie Grissom served as a long-time Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) employee in the role of associate commissioner for the Office of Special Instructional Services. She provided magnificent commitment, service and leadership, striving to help all students achieve at high levels through instructional equity and in closing the achievement gap. Her colleagues at KDE know first-hand of her passion for equity and opportunity in education.

The Kentucky Board of Education is proud to announce the fourth annual Dr. Johnnie Grissom Award. This award will be given to a Kentuckian or a Kentucky organization to honor outstanding dedication to improving student achievement and for closing the achievement gap.

The board invites your nomination(s). Please contact Mary Ann Miller at (502) 564-3141 or via e-mail at maryann.miller@education.ky.gov for a nomination form and for any questions about the nomination process.

In addition to completing the nomination form, please submit a brief narrative of 500 words or less describing how the person Continue Reading

The Kentucky Department of Education will release test score and school/district accountability data on Friday, Nov. 2.

This marks the first release of data from the Unbridled Learning accountability model, which Kentucky implemented beginning in the 2011-12 school year. The data to be released on Nov. 2 reflects test scores and other information from that school year.

The Unbridled Learning model holds public schools and districts accountable for five primary areas:

• Achievement – student performance on subject-area tests
• Gap – gaps in academic performance among students who are ethnic minorities, have disabilities, are English language learners or come from low-income households and students who do not fit into those categories
• Growth – student academic growth in reading and mathematics Continue Reading