Kentucky Teacher

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

But according to the Kentucky Core Academic Standards for mathematics, students now must ask why. They also must learn how dividing fractions connects to other content areas and real world applications.

“We were taught procedural rules like that,” Sears said. “The standards now say build more conceptual learning through visual models, drawings and developing fraction number sense. We’re trying to connect fractions to kids’ everyday life and other content areas, especially science.”

Fractions has been a hot topic with state mathematics teachers this summer according to Sears, who facilitated several leadership network meetings prior to the start of the 2012-13 school year, and Seth Hunter, mathematics specialist with the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) and president of the Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics (KCTM). Read the full story

On Feb. 14, the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) awarded Fred Williams a Lifetime Achievement Award for 54 years of work in public education.

In presenting the award, KASA Executive Director Wayne Young said, “Dr. Williams, you have led the way in developing leaders of excellence, and we thank you for devoting your entire career to Kentucky’s education leaders and the students they serve.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes leaders in the field of educational administration whose professional lives have been characterized by extraordinary commitment, excellence, leadership, capacity, generosity and service. The award recipient is selected by the association’s board of directors.

Williams’ education career spans 54 years in public elementary and secondary education. Having begun his tenure as an 8th-grade teacher and later director of pupil personnel, he was named superintendent for the Grant County school district and, later, held the same post in the Fort Thomas Independent school district. In addition, he served the Kentucky Department of Education in numerous roles and was named the Kentucky Association of School Administrators’ first executive secretary in 1970. Read the full story

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

Al Poweleit tries to work with the families in the Grant County school district.

Recently, a kindergarten student at one of the schools had pink eye. School staff called phone numbers on file for the child, but none of them were current. Poweleit then took the child home. The boy’s parents were both home sleeping. They child’s mother told Poweleit they sent the child to school because he already had too many unexcused absences. The mother also informed him they were already scheduled to go to court.

“It’s sad that this child is being set up for failure by the parents,” Poweleit said. “We have to set the tone with the parents when students are younger. The boy depends on his parents, and we don’t want to take the parents to court, but this is what we will do to get that child in school.” Read the full story

GIS, GPS tools guide students through surroundings

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

Ever wondered why a certain plant is prominent in one part of your county but not another?

Maybe you’re curious as to how urbanization and growth affect creeks and other bodies of water.

Students are answering those types of questions thanks to Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

According to Haridas Chandran, a science teacher at Belfry High School (Pike County), GPS devices, originally designed as military location tools, have found their way into the classroom as educational tools. Read the full story

By Matthew Tungate
matthew.tungate@education.ky.gov

Many teachers across Kentucky are walking into classrooms as professional teachers for the first time this month. Danny Pagan, who teaches students with special needs at Dry Ridge Elementary School (Grant County), wants them to know that no two days are ever the same.

“For me, every new day is like a canvas,” said the former graphic designer now in his fifth year teaching.  “I will most definitely bring my paint brush and all my colors, yet the picture I paint may be different than the one I planned.” Read the full story