Time to flip the script on our thinking about achievement gaps
In order to tackle Kentucky's achievement gap, we need to recognize it is all of our problem, and all of our responsibility to remedy this disparity in student achievement.
Uniting for a common purpose
Although Sept. 11, 2001, was a horrible tragedy, it united the country in a way few had seen. It's time to create a new sense of unity to improve Kentucky's education system and help create the future of the Commonwealth.
Taking ownership for closing achievement gaps
Achievement gaps have been around for decades. They exist in nearly every school, every school district and every state. Everyone agrees we have to do something about gaps – something that will solve the issue once and for all – but then it grows quiet.
Eliminating the opportunity gap
Despite the improvement we have seen, we, as a state, still have a lot of work to do. We have a significant achievement gap that needs to be addressed.
Proud to Call Kentucky Home
As Kentucky’s new commissioner of education, I want you to know that I value your views, your input and your help in preparing our students for tomorrow.
New toolbox designed to help ensure school readiness
With the start of a new school year comes the first pages of a new chapter in the lives of 50,000 Kentuckians. It is a time for them to begin laying the foundation for a lifetime of exploration, learning and achievement.
Four big myths about top-performing school systems
Terry Holliday I came across an interesting article recently on results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The PISA evaluates education systems worldwide by testing 15-year-olds in key subjects. The man in charge of the PISA tests, Andreas Schleicher, the Director of education and skills with the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD), says the [...]
Feedback, engagement critical to schools, students continued progress
Terry Holliday No matter how busy my schedule gets as Kentucky’s education commissioner, I am always interested in receiving feedback. That’s one of the many reasons I meet regularly with staff, connect through social media and visit schools around the state. The comments, questions and ideas I receive from all of these and many other activities are invaluable, [...]
The angst and anticipation of PGES
Education Commissioner Terry Holliday In order for more students to achieve success by reaching college- and career-readiness standards, we must have a highly effective teacher in every classroom, a highly effective leader in every school, a highly effective leader in every school district, and strong support and guidance from the state through the General Assembly, Kentucky Department of [...]
In support of educators and the Kentucky Core Academic Standards
Education Commissioner Terry Holliday I recently had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Education Committee about the Common Core State Standards in English/language arts and mathematics and the Next-Generation Science Standards, adopted in our state and collectively known as the Kentucky Core Academic Standards. The hearing was on Senate Bill 224, which would abandon the standards and [...]