Kentucky’s Unbridled Learning initiative is focused on four strategic priorities – Next-Generation Learners, Next-Generation Instructional Programs and Support, Next-Generation Professionals, and Next-Generation Schools and Districts. The goal for Next-Generation Professionals is to have every student taught by an effective teacher and every school led by an effective leader.

As a part of the work in this area, Education Commissioner Terry Holliday has convened two committees – a Teacher Effectiveness Steering Committee and a Principal Effectiveness Steering Committee to advise him in developing a Teacher and Principal Professional Growth and Evaluation System. Many educators and stakeholders have dedicated this past year to developing this system, designing a comprehensive program to provide formative and summative feedback to teachers and principals utilizing multiple measures of effectiveness.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is offering school districts the opportunity to participate in the second phase of this work through a field-testing process. KDE plans to select 25 additional districts to be involved in the work that will begin in the fall of 2011, for a total of 50 participating districts. KDE will develop criteria to ensure the spectrum of districts volunteering reflect the diversity of the state (e.g., rural, urban, high- and low-poverty, and high- and low-performing). The application window will be open through July 25.

Superintendents who would like to apply to participate in this 2011-12 field test of the professional growth and evaluation system are encouraged to do so.

To apply for this opportunity, click on the following link, Professional Growth and Evaluation System Application. For more information, contact Michael Dailey, director of the Division of Next Generation Professionals, at (502) 564-1479.