Special education teachers collaborating

Special education teachers discuss strategies for collaboration at Rough River Dam State Park

The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Office of Special Education and Early Learning kicked off the opening session of the second year of the Kaleidoscope Community of Practice, a professional learning initiative designed to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Approximately 50 special education teachers representing 21 school districts gathered for the kickoff session of the yearlong series, which includes four additional sessions scheduled throughout the 2025–2026 school year.

The Kaleidoscope Community of Practice is designed to enrich specially designed instruction in mathematics, literacy and behavior. The initiative emphasizes teacher learning and ongoing reflection as key drivers of instructional improvement.

Specially designed instruction refers to the process of adapting content, methodology or delivery to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Through Kaleidoscope, educators engage in continuous reflection and refinement of their teaching practices to foster meaningful change in special education.

The opening session was held at multiple regional sites across western, eastern and central Kentucky, allowing for broad participation. KDE content specialists Anne Simpson (math) and Rebecca Turner (behavior) facilitated the training, introducing a framework for evaluating specially designed instruction. Participants left with a set of tools and resources to support their classroom practices.

Feedback from educators has been overwhelmingly positive, with both new and veteran teachers reporting that the content is relevant, practical and immediately applicable.

The current cohort will conclude in March 2026, with plans already underway for a new cohort in the 2026–2027 school year.

To learn more information about the Kaleidoscope Community of Practice, contact Rebecca Turner at Rebecca.Turner@education.ky.gov or visit Kaleidoscope Community of Practice – Kentucky Department of Education.