Monthly Newsletter

February 2024

Welcome to the United We Learn Council monthly newsletter!

As the United We Learn initiative progresses, it is imperative that we maintain transparent communication with the public regarding our ongoing endeavors. This newsletter will offer comprehensive coverage of the council's activities, highlighting the significant contributions of the three committees and featuring introductions to the esteemed council members. Further information about the annual fall and spring gatherings, as well as access to recorded committee meetings, can be found on our official website.

Message From Council Vice Chair

Penny Christian

February is chock full of celebrations, special days and major sports events. Of course we commemorate Black History Month, but from the Super Bowl to Mardi Gras, Groundhog Day to Valentine’s Day, there is something to which most of us can relate.

On a personal note, I would like to add Feb. 17 to this list. On that day in 1897, the National Congress of Mothers was formed. Now for most of you this name means nothing, which is understandable. But for the rest of us, it signifies the beginning of the child advocacy movement in this country.

Yes, that’s right. What we all now know as the National Parent Teacher Association is 127 years old. Its mission guides my work and keeps me focused.

So this month, I would like to welcome you to rededicate yourself to the work we all value. The Kentucky United We Learn Council is more than monthly meetings and Google forms; it is a steadfast commitment to every child in the Commonwealth. These next few months will be vital to how the council can impact the future of education in Kentucky. I look forward to standing alongside all of you.

Updates from the Council

Accelerating Innovation (AI) Committee

The AI committee met virtually on Feb. 5. Members were introduced to the concept of a learning agenda and heard details of an upcoming opportunity to participate in a Local Laboratories of Learning (L3) meeting.

Participants reviewed ideas that were generated in the January meeting for possible menu options that would indicate deeper, more vibrant learning. Additionally, members had the opportunity to provide feedback and discuss the menu of options document.

The next AI committee meeting is scheduled for March 6.

Bold New Future (BNF) Committee

The BNF committee met virtually on Feb. 12. Members received information about the new innovation guide launched by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), the talking points put together for anyone interested in engaging with the media and updates on the working group structure going forward and how they could be engaged.

Election of a vice chair was tabled and the group decided to hold one additional meeting between now and the April convening. 

Vibrant Learning Experiences (VLE) Committee

The VLE Committee met virtually on Jan. 16. The meeting involved cross-committee collaboration, with the AI Committee presenting its work on design considerations for accountability systems and ideas for collaboration. VLE members provided feedback, emphasizing the need for clear communication and support for diverse districts in implementing vibrant learning experiences.

Next steps were shared, which included finalizing and voting on the VLE definition. Members also were introduced to plans for spring site visits, encouraging members to suggest potential sites and contribute to the planning document with questions to guide observations.  

Spotlight on Member Edna Schack and the Moonshot!

Edna Schack

Committee: Bold New Future

Edna O. Schack taught prospective teachers for more than 30 years. She joined the Prichard Committee’s Statewide Family Engagement Center’s Advisory Council, leading the educator preparation subcommittee. With funding from the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement, Schack collaborated with Brooke Gill, The Prichard Committee and faculty to embed family engagement in educator preparation classes.

Schack serves on the Kentucky United We Learn Council's Building A Bold New Future with Communities Committee, the Rowan County Schools’ Full Service Community Schools and Local Laboratories of Learning projects. As a member of the Morehead City Council, she works to connect the community and schools for a more vibrant community.

Schack recently shared her insights with Morehead Public Radio for their feature on education titled "Education officials unveil new 'moonshot' for Kentucky." We appreciate Edna's commitment to the Kentucky United We Learn council, and her exceptional advocacy for this cause. We would like to thank her for being such a valuable spokesperson for this important work.

Meet the Council Members

Carmen Coleman

Committee: Vibrant Learning Experiences

Carmen Coleman serves the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative region as the chief of transformational leading and learning. Prior to this role, she served as chief academic officer for Jefferson County Public Schools. In addition, Coleman has served as a superintendent, director of elementary schools, principal and teacher in a variety of contexts. Her work has focused on transforming the school experience from one developed to meet the needs of the Industrial Age to a system that will equip learners for success in the world today. Coleman’s work has been featured by Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development the Harvard Letter, PBS NewsHour, Getting Smart and District Administration.

Cassie House

Committee: Accelerating Innovation

Cassie House is a first-generation college graduate, something that she shares with great pride as the main reason education is her passion. Now in her fifth year as principal at Peaks Mill Elementary (Franklin County), she has served as an educator for 13 years. House is a National Board-Certified educator with a focus on literacy for early/middle children. Working with children has empowered her to be a lead learner, eager to find strategies and resources that meet student needs. Outside of work, House enjoys spending time with her family, which includes husband, Sean, two daughters, and two fur babies.

Susan R. Strange

Strategic Plan Program Manager

Strategic Planning & Research

Office of the Commissioner

CGSA Project Manager

Division of Innovative Learning

Office of Continuous Improvement and Support

Phone: (502) 564-2002, ext. 4014

Email: susan.strange@education.ky.gov

300 Sower Blvd. – 5th floor

Frankfort, KY 40601