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Dear Colleagues,
Things are always changing in this industry, and it is our job to keep up with the new technologies and continue learning so that we can teach our students and staff to the best of our abilities.
Although Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for a little while, it has become a really hot topic recently in the education space. Some familiar platforms you may already be using like Microsoft, Google and Adobe have some AI program opportunities.
Although everything comes with both positives and negatives, we can’t ignore these technological advances. I encourage you to embrace the good things about AI while being responsible with its uses within the classroom.
There are several aspects of AI to look out for from a school administrator's perspective. As your district explores the use of AI, please continue to safeguard appropriately the sensitive information that you handle in your district every day. Take extra caution to not share protected or sensitive information to an AI that could use or share that data with unauthorized persons in the future.
AI is as transformational as things like the internet, mobile computing, smartphones and social media. It is important to not minimize the impact these tools can provide for us, but we also want to put AI tools in the right framework so that we can apply them to education while making smart decisions about usage.
Even though AI can make the process of creating something quick and easy, it is important not to let the program operate autonomously. AI is best used when there is still the element of human review after generating a work product through AI.
We are the fifth state to release an Artificial Intelligence Guidance Brief, which is a living document that the Kentucky Department of Education, Office of Education Technology will continue to update as they learn more about AI.
Using this guidance as a resource, you can find numerous sections that encourage educators to use AI as a resource, such as the purpose, definition and incorporating principles.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
Robin Fields Kinney
Interim Commissioner of Education
Transportation Training
Are you a new transportation director, assistant director or a superintendent seeking a deeper understanding of transportation operations? The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) invites you to a comprehensive five-day training in Frankfort from July 29 to Aug. 2.
Due to room capacity, the class is limited to 40 participants. Training runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET each day and you can earn six credits per day (full-day attendance required). Fill out the New Transportation Director Class registration form to save your spot!
Important note: If you attended our October and April sessions, we will cover new information alongside familiar topics. Remember to bring your computer and binder from the last class, if available.
What’s covered:
- Laws, regulations and policies: Understand the legal framework governing school transportation.
- Kindergarten and preschool transportation: Learn about safe transportation for our youngest students.
- McKinney Vento: Explore provisions for homeless students’ transportation needs.
- Special needs transportation: Gain insights into accommodating students with diverse needs.
- T-codes and Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding overview: Decode the intricacies of transportation funding.
- Records retention.
- Driver training program and inspector training: Receive high-level information regarding and responsibilities in these critical areas.
- Collaboration with outside agencies: Presenters from various divisions and agencies will explain how we work together to ensure safe transportation across Kentucky.
Please contact Elisa Hanley with any questions.
COVID-19 Testing Supply Program Update from KDPH
The Kentucky Department for Public Health’s (KDPH’s) COVID-19 Testing Supply Program for K-12 schools will conclude with the 2023-2024 school year. While the last day for school districts to request COVID-19 antigen testing supplies from KDPH is June 15, a new opportunity to provide free tests for your school district has become available.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Kentucky K-12 school districts are encouraged to order over-the-counter rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests made freely available directly from the federal government through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Education and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
To register, school districts should designate one primary contact to complete the registration form to include the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) District ID found on the NCES’ Search for Public School Districts webpage. The primary contacts will receive two emails: one to activate HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s Health Partner Ordering Portal account and one with training on how to order test kits.
Please email KYCOVIDTesting@ky.gov if you have any questions.
School Resource Officer Funding Available to Districts
Included in the budget state lawmakers passed in April is $16.5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 and $18 million in fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to assist local districts in funding salaries for school resource officers (SROs), as defined in KRS 158.441, on a reimbursement basis.
KDE shall reimburse local school districts up to $20,000 for each campus employing at least one on-site full-time certified school resource officer. Any portion of the money not expended for this purpose shall lapse to the state's budget reserve trust fund account.
In order to meet the reporting requirement outlined in the budget, KDE is requesting districts that will seek reimbursement to complete the School Resource Officer (SRO) Funding Intent to Participate form by July 31.
Information provided in the survey will determine funding amounts available to districts for each school campus employing at least one on-site full-time certified SROs.
For questions, please contact Karen Wirth or Lalah Brewer.
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