Wilcox shapes role of Kentucky school security marshal amid COVID-19
Kentucky’s first state school security marshal, Ben Wilcox, was preparing for an initial round of school safety inspections when COVID-19 closed schools statewide. But he and his subordinates are moving forward with required risk assessments, working with school administrators to get in compliance with state standards.
Thomas Woods-Tucker becomes Kentucky Department of Education’s first chief equity officer
The grandson of sharecroppers, Thomas Woods-Tucker looks to tackle equity as the Kentucky Department of Education’s first chief equity officer.
Superintendent Kevin Stull brings experiences from KDE to Garrard County
Whenever Kentucky Department of Education employees begin making their way back into KDE headquarters in Frankfort, one familiar face will have already hit the ground running in Garrard County.
A family tradition in Erlanger-Elsmere
New Erlanger-Elsmere Superintendent Chad Molley follows in his father’s footsteps, who also served as the district’s superintendent from 1994 to 2002.
Superintendent Tuck seeks to develop leaders in Butler County
Robert Tuck came well-prepared into the job of Butler County Schools superintendent. He knew he was hired in June, so he had time before his July 1 start date to confer with retiring Superintendent Scott Howard.
We need our communities to take this virus as seriously as our schools have
Public education is a decidedly social endeavor. The things most graduates treasure from their school years are the memories of interactions with great teachers who changed the trajectory of their life, their experiences in school activities and athletics that taught them the value of collaboration and teamwork, and the lifelong bonds of friendship that often are forged in school-age years.
Reaching and serving Kentucky’s homeless children and youth
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, a time for us to bring attention to the prevalence of homeless youth within Kentucky and create an awareness of the challenges faced by students and families experiencing homelessness.
We need to hear from you
My first few weeks as Kentucky’s education commissioner have been a whirlwind of phone calls and virtual meetings with students, teachers, Kentucky Department of Education staff and other education stakeholders to get an idea of the education landscape in the Commonwealth.
A statement from Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass
"Schools across Kentucky have been doing a tremendous job keeping the learning going for our students and we have not seen (so far) COVID-19...
School Report Card 2020 – User experience testing
The 2019-2020 School Report Card (SRC) is now public and we’d love to receive feedback and suggestions from our advisory groups and education partners. The feedback link at the bottom right of the SRC can be used to provide a quick comment or respond to a feedback survey at any time.
Celebrate Kentucky Safe Schools Week this October
This year, Oct. 18-24 will be recognized as Kentucky Safe Schools Week. This annual event – which has recognized issues such as preventing cyberbullying, hatred and violence – has taken on a bit of a different perspective due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
LSAC tables Kentucky accountability discussion, schedules special meeting
Members of the Local Superintendents Advisory Council heard from Kentucky Department of Education staff about recommended changes to Kentucky’s accountability system.
Union County’s Patricia Sheffer named 2021 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year
Longtime superintendent wins top state award, but she credits her board, staff and teachers for the honor. Sheffer has worked to build community partnerships, which recently resulted in a newer and larger central school office at no additional cost.
KDE commissioner won’t recommend state management, assistance in Jefferson County
A management audit team appointed by the Kentucky Department of Education initiated a management audit of Jefferson County Public Schools between September 21 and October 9. Based on the findings, Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass stated evidence collected during the audit establishes that neither state management nor state assistance is necessary to correct any inefficiencies and ineffectiveness within the district and that all requirements of the settlement agreement have been met.
Jefferson County teacher named 2021 National Language Teacher of the Year
For the first time ever, a Kentucky teacher has been named National Language Teacher of the Year by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
Kentucky council on gifted and talented education discusses barriers to equity
Barriers to equity in identifying gifted and talented students still exist in Kentucky’s public schools, members of the Kentucky Department of Education's (KDE's) State...
Schools in 30 counties dubbed Bright Spots for exceeding expectations
Forty-seven schools have been named Bright Spots in Kentucky Education, recognition for schools in which students performed better than expected on measures of educational achievement.
Schools asked to send holiday cards to the elderly
Kentucky students can send holiday cards to the elderly through Signature HealthCARE’s Holiday Card Drive.
Blessings in a Backpack, Spartan Kids seeking nominations for Warrior for Kids
Blessings in a Backpack and the Spartan Kids Foundation are searching nationwide for “Warriors for Kids.” The competition is to “recognize individuals who have brought joy to children during these uncertain times,” according to the announcement.
Students can save Thanksgiving history with StoryCorps
KET can help high school students join in a national project, The Great Thanksgiving Listen. The project asks high school students to record an interview with an older family member during Thanksgiving weekend, using the free StoryCorps App.
Student video contest on financial literacy taking submissions
The Jump$tart Coalition, which promotes financial literacy for young people, is sponsoring a contest for students in grades 5 through 12. Participants are asked to make a video on the importance of saving money. The maker of the winning video will get $50.
