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Dear Colleagues,
I've had the opportunity to visit a few of the cooperatives over the past few weeks, where I've introduced myself, discussed my priorities and took in what each co-op is doing locally.
Attending these meetings and talking with administrators, educators and other leaders about our children’s education in Kentucky has been an informative experience for me and has added to my excitement about the future of education.
As a top priority, I will continue to support the work of the United We Learn vision as we reimagine Kentucky’s assessment and accountability system. The Kentucky United We Learn Council met today at the Sower Building to present the two working prototypes aimed at exploring alternatives to our state's current assessment and school accountability systems that were presented during the Superintendents Webcast on July 9.
The working group presented these proposals to the entirety of the council. The next step will be a presentation during the Kentucky Board of Education retreat Aug. 7-8 for further discussion and conversations.
These prototypes aim to keep the accountability standards that shape our educational system while simultaneously encouraging dialogue and improvement. For each of these prototypes, there are policy considerations that the council is still gathering data on and numerous options within the systems that are still being discussed as to which will be the best and most effective methods.
I encourage you to take some time and share your opinions and thoughts on these systems since these accountability standards will make an impact on your communities, schools and districts. I also want to stress that these prototypes are not mutually exclusive, either; elements of both will likely make their way into the next prototype.
With that being said, I know many of you have been involved with the council and I want to thank you and recognize all the hard work that has gone into these initiatives. The council and the department’s goals are to have an approved, reimagined accountability system by the summer of 2026.
By working together, not only on these accountability systems but in all aspects of our work, we can make a difference in our education system for our children, to ensure we are providing them with the education they deserve.
All In,
Robbie Fletcher
Commissioner of Education
Accepting Applications for Diagnostic Review Team Members
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia are accepting applications for diagnostic review team members to serve during the 2024-2025 school year.
The Cognia diagnostic review process is a performance-driven approach that relies on data from student performance, stakeholder feedback, classroom observations and a review of documents, artifacts and school practices.
Diagnostic reviews yield a comprehensive analysis of an institution in an extensive report intended to energize and guide continuous improvement planning for underperforming schools/districts.
All diagnostic review team members must have experience or expertise in the following areas:
- School or system administration with a specific emphasis on instructional leadership such as superintendent, principal, instructional supervisor, director of curriculum and instruction, assessment, special education, etc.
- Leading or supporting turnaround/improvement initiatives at the school, system or state department levels.
- Familiarity with the analysis and use of data as a driver for improvement.
Diagnostic review team members are required to complete specialized training. While there is no compensation for participating as a diagnostic review team member, all expenses associated with travel for an onsite visit will be reimbursed by Cognia. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please begin by submitting your contact information on the diagnostic review team member interest form.
We will send next step information to support you through the training process. We will have multiple training options available throughout the next few months in preparation for reviews scheduled for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have questions, please email the Cognia team.
Guidance on Certification and Kentucky Educator Mentorship Program
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness has put together guidance documents to help districts navigate recent changes and ensure compliance with state and federal law.
Kentucky lawmakers reformed procedures for teacher certification and substitute certification with House Bill 387 earlier this year. The teacher certification guidance document will help districts understand the changes and the overall certification system.
Kentucky lawmakers also created a new Kentucky Educator Mentorship Program with Senate Bill 265 this year. The Kentucky Educator Mentorship Program guidance document provides guidance for district induction and mentoring programs.
Please share these documents with your personnel director or the appropriate designee. Superintendents should have also received these documents in your email last week.
Reach out to the KDE Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness if you have any questions.
KDE’s Communication Skills for School Leaders Series
The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Communication Skills for School Leaders Series, facilitated by Mike Rutherford, consists of three one-day conference experiences offered in Lexington at the Central Bank Center and in Bowling Green at the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time.
The Lexington sessions are scheduled for Oct. 8, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10. The Bowling Green sessions are scheduled for Oct. 9, Nov. 20 and Dec. 11. Each conference experience is designed for optimal engagement, relevance and applicability. The conference series comes at no cost to participants.
Communication skills are learnable. Everyone can become a better communicator. This three-part series will engage school leaders in a rigorous and lively examination of the skills necessary to be a clearer and more compelling communicator.
Topics will include public speaking; presentation skills; interpersonal skills; difficult conversations; communicating with individuals, small groups and mixed groups; communicating with varied constituent groups; communicating with print, social and on-camera media; how to interview and be interviewed; how to advocate for a cause; how to be a keen listener; how to be more influential and persuasive; how to facilitate learning for adult professionals; and even how to talk to yourself in a more positive and productive way.
The three sessions will be interactive, engaging and filled with opportunities to practice skills with immediate feedback in a safe, supportive environment.
Registration for the Communication Skills for School Leaders Series is required by Sept. 30. Questions regarding the training should be directed to Haley Ralston.
Annual Service Academy Information Fair to be held in September at Western Kentucky University
Sen. Rand Paul and U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie are hosting the annual Service Academy Information Fair on Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Knicely Conference Center at Western Kentucky University. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. CT, with the event being held from 6 to 8 p.m. CT.
The event provides interested students and parents with an opportunity to learn more about the U.S. Army, Naval, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies. Representatives from each will be on hand to answer questions.
Interested students may RSVP to the Office of Sen. Paul at (270) 782-8303.
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