Recent Blog Post Urges Schools to Confront the 'Opportunity Myth'
In a recent blog post, Kentucky Board of Education member Gary Houchens urged that "Every school should confront the 'Opportunity Myth.'” Check out his blog to learn more about the Opportunity Myth and why confronting it is a critical component of closing the achievement gap in Kentucky.
You also may be interested in the Kentucky Department of Education-developed professional learning module titled, “The Opportunity Myth,” which can be used to provide professional learning about why successful implementation of the Kentucky Academic Standards is so important.
'Standards Resources' Webcast Scheduled for Thursday
Join us live 9 a.m. ET Thursday for the first Standards Implementation webcast, “Standards Resources.” This webcast will highlight resources to support Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) implementation and how to access resources for Reading & Writing, Mathematics and Social Studies.
The live webcasts can be accessed on the Kentucky Department of Education Media Portal by clicking on the EdCast Video icon at the bottom of the page. The livestream will be on the “Home” page. Questions can be asked during the webcasts using GoSoapBox with the access code: KAS (NOTE: This access code is different from what was previously communicated.)
An archive of the webcast and slides will be made available the Standards Webcast webpage shortly after the original air date.
This webcast is the first segment in a three-part series. The “Alignment Tools” webcast is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET Sept. 19 and the “Alignment Tools” virtual workshop will be 4 p.m. ET Sept. 26.
A full schedule is available for download in addition to being included in this email.
Professional Learning Module About Science Standards Now Available
A new resource is now available to provide educators the opportunity to take an in-depth look at the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science.
The "The Kentucky Academic Standards for Science: An Overview” module includes four sessions: "Reading the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science," "Dimensions of Science: Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)," "Dimension of Science: Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs)" and "Dimensions of Science: Crosscutting Concepts (CCC)."
A facilitator’s guide and a module at a glance document are available to support use of the module. All documents can be found on the Science Resources webpage.
Feedback Sought on World Language Standard
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is seeking feedback on the Kentucky Standard for World Language Proficiency. While this document is not a standards document, its review will serve as a baseline to begin the process of standards adoption for world languages.
A standard establishes a minimum for what students should know and be able to do at the conclusion of a grade or grade-span for a particular subject. The standards do not dictate the design of a lesson plan or how units should be organized.
Senate Bill 175 (2019) calls for KDE to implement a process for reviewing all academic standards and aligned assessments beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. The schedule calls for specific content areas to be reviewed each year and every six years after that on a rotating basis. For the next year, world language documents will be reviewed and the process of standards adoption will take place.
To provide feedback on the Kentucky Standard for World Language Proficiency document, fill out the online survey. Due to the amount of text within the survey, it is recommended that surveys be completed on a full-size computer or laptop screen. Feedback will be collected by the Appalachia Regional Conference Center through Sept. 18.
Applications Sought for World Language Standards Committees
Applications are being accepted for the World Language Standards Review Committee and Advisory Panel.
Senate Bill 175 (2019) calls for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to implement a process for reviewing all academic standards and aligned assessments beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. This year, standards for world language will be reviewed and revised based upon the processes outlined in SB 175 (2019).
KDE is seeking teachers of all grade levels and postsecondary educators to participate in this work. Those selected will be required to meet in Frankfort for five to 10 days during the 2019-2020 school year, with possible meetings taking place into the 2020-2021 year.
Potential applicants are asked to verify the willingness of their school or district to release them for work dates throughout the school year. School districts will be reimbursed for substitute teacher expenses and selected team members will receive reimbursement for travel expenses.
The online application will be posted for 30 days. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 18. Selected team members will be notified on or before Oct. 18.
Standards Implementation Professional Learning Series – Fall 2019
Each month this fall, two webcasts and one virtual workshop will be available to provide information and professional learning about standards implementation. The three monthly opportunities will cover different aspects of related topics and although attendance in all three will result in the greatest learning, it is not required.
A full schedule is available for download. All webcasts will be archived on the Standards Webcast webpage.
A book study of "Clarity for Learning," by John Almarode and Kara Vandas will be taking place Sept. 16-Dec. 13. More information, including the link for registration, is available in the Clarity for Learning Book Study flier.
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