At the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), we have made our priorities clear over the past several years with the United We Learn vision for public education: creating vibrant learning experiences for students, encouraging innovation in our schools, and collaborating with our communities.
This post addresses the limitations of automated absence notices and explores how schools can move from mere family involvement to authentic family engagement.
By examining health-related challenges, social barriers, and household logistics — from mental health and housing instability to transportation gaps — this post highlights how districts can use student well-being data and class-level attendance patterns to address root causes, remove systemic hurdles, and better support families.
The second post explores how the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is moving beyond traditional data tracking and punitive measures toward proactive, community-centered solutions.
With the 2027 Kentucky Teacher of the Year ceremony on Sept. 9, now is a perfect time to highlight just how special the educators in Kentucky are to the communities they call home.
Through research, data, and real-world examples, the series examines how attendance has changed since the pandemic, the factors driving chronic absenteeism and the statewide efforts, partnerships and policy changes helping schools reconnect students and improve attendance outcomes.
The new school year always brings excitement for the opportunities our students will have as they continue to grow within our communities.
Poole said she develops hands‑on activities that help students understand the realities and the science behind agriculture.
Carlisle County High School Agriculture Teacher Mercedes Branham has been honored with a regional Golden Owl Award for her contributions to agricultural education. She has been teaching for a decade.
Chris Thompson, a Pendleton County native and agriculture teacher at Pendleton County High School, experienced a full-circle moment as he received the regional Golden Owl Award for his work as an agriculture educator from organizers of the same program he started in.