Learn More about the K-12 COVID Test to Stay Program
The K-12 School COVID-19 Testing Program is a voluntary program offered by the Kentucky Department for Public Health in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The program is for schools that wish to participate in school-based COVID-19 screening testing for teachers, staff and students to assist schools in opening safely for in-person instruction. Laboratory service providers will supply all services and materials necessary to provide a testing service to schools that sign up and agree to the program requirements.
Learn more about the program by reading K-12 School COVID Testing Program (Update).
KY LEADS Applications Due by Sept. 13
The Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning is accepting applications for KY LEADS Academy, Cohort 2. Completed applications are due by Sept. 13.
For more information, email project coordinator Peter Hoechner or executive strategic policy analyst Thomas Williams.
Apply Now to Participate in Free Spanish Lessons Program
The Kentucky Education Association (KEA), in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), is seeking educators – both certified and classified – to participate in a program to equip them with Spanish language skills to help address opportunity gaps created by language barriers. Selected participants will receive 80 hours of private Spanish language instruction over a two-month period.
The program, called Grammarless, is provided by the BaseLang language school. Upon successful completion of the program, participants who fully engage should be able to hold a brief conversation in Spanish on general, everyday topics. In addition to the lessons, participants will be asked to complete interviews and surveys to provide feedback on the experience. The selected participants will receive the program at no cost.
Due to the limited number of spaces available in this pilot program, participants will be selected through an application process with priority given to educators who need the language skills and serve high numbers of Spanish-speaking students. Selected participants will be notified by Sept. 30.
There will be four cadres, with each assigned a start date beginning this fall. An orientation will occur prior to beginning lessons. For more information, email Eddie Campbell. Applications are available online.
Trauma-Informed Practices for Educators (TIPE) Learning Collaboratives Switch to Virtual
The team at the University of Kentucky’s Center on Trauma and Children (CTAC) has converted all upcoming TIPE Learning Collaboratives to virtual events as a COVID-19 precaution.
CTAC is offering three completely virtual learning collaboratives this year so participants can choose which collaborative works best for them. CTAC has restructured the learning sessions to make them more conducive to online learning and has decreased the length of each session and added two sessions. Registration is available on the CTAC website.
For questions or more information, email Tracy Clemans or Josh Fisherkeller.
National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program and Application for Category 3
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) – formerly the National Title I Association – selects examples of superior federally funded school programs for national recognition through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program.
States can identify up to two Distinguished ESEA Schools every year in three possible categories. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) reviews student performance data to identify Distinguished ESEA Schools in Category 1 and Category 2. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, KDE will begin accepting applications for schools from Category 3, Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners).
Schools interested in applying for consideration as a Distinguished School in Category 3 must submit a completed application signed by the school principal and district superintendent by the deadline of Sept. 17, 2021. If selected as a finalist, KDE staff will conduct a site visit to interview the principal and selected staff. See the attachment for further information and the application for Category 3.
Two National ESEA Distinguished Schools (one from Category 1, 2 and/or 3) will be notified by email of their selection in November. For more information, email Tara Rodriguez or call her at (502) 564-3791, ext. 4042.
Continuous Improvement Summit Registration Now Open, Keynote Speaker Larry Bell - Mask Required
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia™ invite you to the 2021 Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 22-23 at the new Central Bank Convention Center, adjacent to Rupp Arena in Lexington.
Through a partnership focused on ensuring success for all learners, KDE and Cognia are excited to offer a valuable professional learning experience to meet your needs.
During the Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit, KDE leaders, Kentucky teachers and administrators and Cognia staff will provide up-to-date information to help you effectively lead your district, school or classroom during the 2021-2022 academic year and beyond. Together we’ll learn and explore a wide range of valuable themes you can apply in your everyday practice:
- How to use Continuous Improvement resources to improve learning;
- Improvement planning and key processes for the upcoming school year;
- Accountability system updates from Senate Bill 158;
- Intervention plans focused on the loss of instruction from COVID-19; and
- Non-traditional instruction (NTI) programs, supports and ideas.
Join us to discuss these topics and more. Educators from across the state will connect and network during this two-day event. Do not miss out on the opportunity to learn from experts and peers to enhance your continuous improvement efforts.
Registration is available on the Cognia website.
Those receiving this at KSB and KSD, please make sure all employees receive it. Also, ATC principals are asked to forward it to their staffs.
Please send your questions, comments and suggestions on Monday Message to Jennifer Ginn by 10 a.m. Friday to be published in the upcoming week.
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