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Dear Colleagues:
Last week I had the opportunity to visit two exceptional schools in Jefferson County that really embody two of the big ideas in United We Learn - creating more vibrant experiences for every student and creating a bold new future for Kentucky’s schools through collaboration with our communities.
Kenwood Elementary School was the first school in the state to earn Family Friendly certification. Kentucky is one of 12 states to receive the Statewide Family Engagement Center grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide comprehensive support for systemic and effective family engagement policies. Through the grant, the Pritchard Committee for Academic Excellence established the Kentucky Collaborative for Families and Schools to focus on open communication, learning opportunities and shared decision-making power across the Kentucky education system.
Family engagement is written into the DNA of Kenwood, including parents running clubs for students. Our students thrive when families feel welcomed in their student’s school. While at times it seems easier to make schools feel more welcoming on the elementary level, we need to remember that the need for families to be involved in their child’s education doesn’t end at the middle school front door.
I also had the opportunity to visit Grace James Academy of Excellence, a middle school STEAM academy for girls in Jefferson County. While also a Family Friendly certified school, Grace James embodies the idea of creating more vibrant learning experiences for their students.
Just a reminder, the embargo for the release of accountability and assessment data on the School Report Card (SRC) for the 2021-2022 school year lifts at midnight. By now you have seen your district or school’s information. I would say overall, it was disappointing, but expected. The pandemic and the past two years were not an insignificant event for all of us.
But one thing I would like you to remember as you evaluate where to go, test scores are just one strategy to better understand how students who tested performed academically amid a variety of COVID-19 learning disruptions. In any year, a single test score does not provide a complete or precise measure of student achievement. The Kentucky Summative Assessment is an important test, but it’s not the only means by which to gauge where students need extra support.
We are looking at these results as a new baseline from where we will try to get our students moving forward quickly. While the next couple of days may be challenging, our students and our teachers will need our support to stay focused and keep moving ahead.
Kind regards,
Jason E. Glass, Ed.D.
Commissioner and Chief Learner
2022 Comprehensive Improvement Planning Webinar
The Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Continuous Improvement and Support will offer a free three-hour webinar regarding comprehensive school improvement planning (CSIP) and comprehensive district improvement planning (CDIP) on Oct. 26, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. ET, via Microsoft Teams.
Participants will explore the various diagnostics that drive the CSIP/CDIP process, using improvement planning to connect the district/school level goals and strategies aligned to the key core work processes. The training also will explore the leadership team’s role in cultivating and leveraging improvement plans to drive daily work. Those responsible for CSIP and CDIP development should attend.
For more information, email Ruth Swanson. To register for the training, go to the Comprehensive Improvement Planning registration website.
Kentucky Schools and Districts Receive PBIS/ISF Fidelity Recognition
The Kentucky Department of Education is recognizing schools and districts across the Commonwealth for implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support/Interconnected Systems Framework (PBIS/ISF) with fidelity.
Kentucky has 62 schools recognized at the Bronze Level, 38 schools at the Silver Level and 39 schools at the Gold Level. The full list of schools and district can be found on the PBIS/ISF Recognition of Fidelity of Implementation 2022 document.
For more information on applying next year, email Cristy Tomes.
Schools Invited to Participate in Kindness Across the Commonwealth Week
KYSHAPE is inviting schools to be part of its 3rd annual Kindness Across the Commonwealth Week (#KindnessAcrosstheCommonwealth) Nov. 7-13. This leads up to World Kindness Day on Nov. 13. There is nothing better than spreading kindness.
Participation is free. Schools will be provided with daily themed slides – gratitude, teamwork, wellness, mindfulness, respect (on Veteran’s Day), service and kindness – as well as Google folders with activities to choose from for each of these days, prompts and ideas for social media posts.
Watch the video of last year’s impact.
Sign your school up online for #KindnessAcrosstheCommonwealth week.
2022 Clean Diesel Grant Program
The Kentucky Division for Air Quality is accepting proposals for funding through the 2022 Clean Diesel Grant Program. Successful applicants will be reimbursed up to 25% of the total cost of the purchase of a new replacement school bus.
A single proposal may target multiple diesel school buses in that district’s fleet manufactured in 2009 or earlier. The replacement buses must be 2019 or newer model year diesel or alternative fuel buses. Buses being replaced must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled by the completion of the project.
The proposal package must include the following materials:
Proposal packages must be received by Nov. 4. Projects funded through this grant program must be completed no later than Sept. 30, 2023. Complete details are available in the 2022 Clean Diesel Grant Program RFP.
Please contact Benita Stephens with the Energy and Environmental Cabinet with any questions.
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