Commissioner's Monday Message

February 7, 2022

Dear Colleagues:

Late last week, Sen. Max Wise introduced Senate Bill 138 and it immediately ignited heated discussions on social media and became the topic of opinion pieces in newspapers across Kentucky. It may get a hearing as early as this week.

The bill – which is the newest one aimed at ongoing controversy related to critical race theory – is an improvement over previously introduced bills in my professional opinion. However, I still have serious concerns about the bill as filed.

One of my concerns with SB 138 is that it would force a variety of curricular documents and resources to be added to the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Social Studies. The standards – as they’ve been conceived for decades now – are supposed to describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade. The standards are regularly and thoughtfully designed by teachers from across Kentucky, with significant time allowed for the public at large to view them and offer comments. 

How classes are taught and the resources used in the classroom have long been decided at the school and district level. While the resources specified in SB138 are mostly foundational American governmental or historical documents, having the state legislature specify curricular resources would be a significant change from Kentucky’s tradition of local control over such decisions.

I also am concerned about the language that says an educator would not be able to be compelled to discuss current events or controversial topics. The KAS for Social Studies require teachers to discuss current events with students. As a former history teacher, I can attest to the importance of connecting current events, including controversial ones, to student learning. It is one of the ways we bring learning to life and prepare our students to be engaged and participant citizens. Creating an expectation that classrooms should avoid difficult issues does not well prepare our future citizens.

I am offering Sen. Wise suggested improvements to this bill and he has said that he and the Senate are open to feedback, which I appreciate tremendously. I think it is certainly possible that some bill related to critical race theory will pass this legislative session and I am hopeful that we can work with Sen. Wise to provide feedback on any such legislation.

Also, I wanted to remind you that we will be releasing Impact Kentucky data to the public release on Thursday, Feb. 10. The Impact Kentucky Working Conditions Survey is administered to certified educators across the state of Kentucky every two years: Superintendents and school survey coordinators should already have access to their data.

Kind regards,

Jason E. Glass, Ed.D.

Commissioner and Chief Learner

Determining Up To Date Vaccination Status

To assist with understanding the newest Kentucky Department for Public Health guidance, a table has been developed to help clarify what the term "up to date" means.

A person is up to date when they have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

Comprehensive District Improvement Planning: Phase Four

Continuation of Learning Plan for Districts and English Learner Plan for Districts (Lau Plan)

Phase Four of the continuous improvement planning process includes two district-level diagnostics that will be due later this spring.

The Continuation of Learning Plan will support the district in designing and implementing a plan for a continuation of learning during times when nontraditional instruction may be needed to prevent a loss of learning. This diagnostic is due May 1 and will describe the plan for the following school year. For questions regarding the Continuation of Learning Plan, email Steve Kissinger or David Cook.

The English Learner Plan for Districts (Lau Plan) diagnostic supports the district’s commitment to ensuring that English learner (EL) students can meaningfully participate in the district’s educational programs and services. It outlines the affirmative steps taken by the district to overcome educational barriers that impede equal participation by EL students in their instructional programs. This diagnostic is also due by May 1. For questions regarding this district level diagnostic, email Jessica Sanderson.

Register Now for Live, Virtual March 2022 Leadership Meetings 

In order to provide equitable learning environments for all students, it is important for schools and districts to translate the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) into a guaranteed and viable curriculum. Additionally, it is critical that students receive strong, standards-aligned instruction supported by evidenced-based instructional practices. 

The regional educational cooperatives, in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, will host live virtual meetings in March for district and school leaders to examine tools and resources available to create equitable learning environments at the local level. 

The purpose of the meeting is to provide updates on the following: 

• Model Curriculum Framework

• Revised Section 1: Curriculum Development Process, Summer 2022 release of the “Reading and Writing Instructional Resources Consumer Guide” and ongoing Designing a High-Quality Local Curriculum pilot 
• New section – Evidenced-Based Instructional Practices 

• Kentucky’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework 

• Newly released Implementation Guide 
• Self-assessment tool 
• Professional learning modules 

• Standards revision process timeline

• Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science  

• KAS for Visual and Performing Arts 

Click on the date/time of your educational cooperative to learn more and register for this live, virtual, 3-hour session. 

• March 15 (9 a.m.–noon ET): Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative
• March 16 (9 a.m.-noon ET): Southeast/South-Central Educational Cooperative
• March 16 (1-4 p.m. ET): Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services
• March 17 (9 a.m.-noon ET): Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative 
• March 22 (9 a.m.-noon ET): Kentucky Educational Development Corporation 
• March 23 (9 a.m.-noon ET): Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative 
• March 23 (1-4 p.m. ET): Green River Regional Educational Cooperative 
• March 24 (10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET): Western Kentucky Educational Cooperative 

Upcoming Training Available for Maximizing Infinite Campus Tools

Kentucky-specific Infinite Campus Online Registration (OLR) training is being offered Feb. 22 and 24 at no cost to districts. This is an opportunity for school and district staff to find out how to enhance their OLR tools to create efficiencies and improve the experience for families.

Infinite Campus trainers will help ensure your district is up-to-date on the latest OLR features, tips, tricks and tools to streamline registration. The content will be the same in each session. Districts are welcome to have multiple attendees and participate in more than one session.

Calendar invitations will be sent daily as registrations are received. Use this survey link to select which date and time works best.

Register Now for Infinite Campus Data Days and Master Scheduling Training

Registration is open for Data Days and Master Scheduling training, which will be March 1-3. This is a great opportunity for new and experienced staff to get Infinite Campus training for minimal cost.

Infinite Campus is offering Kentucky districts a reduced rate; the $399 fee is for the entire district and allows an unlimited number of participants. The session grid and session booklet provide additional detail.

Please help to ensure your primary points of contact and their backups sign up for this developmental opportunity. The training includes sessions on setting up schedules, calendars, rosters, reporting, data use and more. Session registration is now open to districts that already have signed up for this training.

Applicants sought for KHSAA Board of Control

The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE), through the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), is seeking an individual to serve on the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) Board of Control to fill a position that will become vacant on June 30.

The KHSAA is the KBE’s designee to manage statewide interscholastic athletic programs. The Board of Control supervises KHSAA, establishes staff salaries, sets goals for the association and has the authority to set rules and review proposed changes to the KHSAA constitution and bylaws. Regular attendance at KHSAA Board of Control meetings is a requirement of the position.

All interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, a resume and a minimum of two written letters of recommendation to the Kentucky Department of Education.

The KHSAA bylaws require that at least one member shall be African American and one shall be female. The KBE appointed Board of Control member must not be a current employee of a Kentucky public school district. The current appointee to this position is not eligible for reappointment.

The deadline for applications is March 30. Materials should be sent to Todd G. Allen, General Counsel, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601, or by email to Todd Allen.

The KBE will review applications for the KHSAA Board of Control at-large position and anticipates appointment at its June 2022 meeting.

ARP-HCY II Application

In recognition of the extraordinary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students experiencing homelessness, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) included an unprecedented $800 million to support the specific needs of homeless children and youth via the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Fund. ​​

The U.S. Department of Education released ARP-HCY funds in two separate disbursements – ARP Homeless I and ARP Homeless II.​ The ARP-HCY II application is now open to all districts in the Grant Management Application and Planning (GMAP) System.

All districts must complete the Intent to Participate and Assurances page in GMAP, even if declining the funds. To support districts in completing the GMAP application, Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) staff recorded an informational webinar. The webinar discusses the application process and expectations – including deadlines and timelines.

Also, the KDE Informational Packet for ARP-HCY II Funds provides facts and recommendations to assist districts during the planning, application for funds and program implementation processes, especially districts that may not have received McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program funds in the past.

All districts must complete the Intent to Participate and Assurances pages by Feb. 21. Districts that choose to participate in the grant must have their full application completed by March 14. For more information, email Mark Harris.

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 the Monday Message to Jennifer Ginn by 10 a.m. Friday to be published in the upcoming week.