Monthly Newsletter

August 2024

Welcome to the Kentucky United We Learn Council monthly newsletter!

As the United We Learn initiative progresses, we strive to be transparent with our communication to the full council and the public regarding our ongoing endeavors. This newsletter offers high-level coverage of the council's activities and features introductions to our council members. Information about convenings and other recorded meetings can be found on our official webpage.

Message From Council Chair

Penny Christian

"A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Kentucky United We Learn Council and the Kentucky Department of Education for embracing the need for a one-day convening. Every day it becomes more evident we are poised for dramatic and truly effectual change, and we owe it to each and every one of you. See you in October!!"

Message From Council Vice Chair

Jim Flynn

"It’s so exciting to see the Kentucky United We Learn vision move into the study phase of the work. Now is the time for stakeholders from across the Commonwealth to get involved and help us chart a course for statewide transformation to ensure Kentucky students are agents of their own learning, engaged in relevant, authentic and joyful learning opportunities that honor their talents, skills, interests and dreams for the future through our vision to 'launch an accountability system that is meaningful and useful to all our learners,' while also informing educators, parents, employers, community members and policymakers about the things that really matter."

Updates from the Council

July 29 Convening Recap

The Kentucky United We Learn Council summer convening took place on July 29, marking a pivotal moment that brought together members of the council, key education stakeholders across Kentucky, several members of the Kentucky Board of Education, several legislators and officials from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). KDE's newly appointed Commissioner Robbie Fletcher opened the event with remarks that set the tone for the day’s work. Commissioner Fletcher remained actively engaged throughout the day, facilitating discussions and addressing questions.

Jennifer Stafford, KDE's director of Assessment and Accountability Support, presented elements of Prototype 2.0, and led discussions on crucial components, including accreditation-style evaluation, assessment options, reimagined data display, vibrant learning experience indicators and growth/change. The council leadership team, along with Stafford, organized members into five groups for a deeper exploration of these topics.

During the Lunch & Learn session, council members had the opportunity to sit with workgroup facilitators, asking questions and delving deeper into the topics they found most compelling.

The afternoon session began with insights from Meredith Brewer, KDE's executive director of education policy; Brian Perry, KDE's director of government relations; and Lillian Pace from KnowledgeWorks, a partner organization. They discussed the policy pathways for proposing a new assessment and accountability system. Members engaged in discussions about potential revisions and elements for Prototype 3.0, drawing on feedback gathered from superintendents, district assessment coordinators, and members of KDE's School Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability Council on Prototype 2.0.

Susan Lyons of Lyons' Assessment outlined the next steps as the council transitions into the study phase of their "Journey to the Moon." The afternoon consisted of members breaking into workgroups to define their driving questions, establish work plans and identify deliverables for the fall convening in October. The event closed with members completing a recommitment and feedback survey as they prepare to enter Year 3 of the Competitive Grant for State Assessment.

Next Steps

Our next steps involve preparing for the October convening and further refining the prototypes as we move into the study phase.

Ensuring diverse representation throughout this process is very important to us, and the outreach efforts of the Kentucky United We Learn Council members will be invaluable.

Meet the New Student Members

Bailey Breitrick

Lyon County High School - Senior

Bailey Breitrick, a senior at Lyon County High School in western Kentucky, is committed to fostering positive educational experiences and supporting her peers. Bailey is an active and engaged member of her community and school, frequently participating in fundraisers and events. When not involved in these activities, she can often be found on the tennis courts or enjoying time with friends. Bailey aspires to be a strong advocate for students and has a vision for everyone to achieve their fullest potential.

Daniel Ratley

Grayson County High School - Junior

Daniel Ratley, a junior at Grayson County High School in south central Kentucky, is pursuing studies in the business and marketing pathway at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. In addition to his new role on the Kentucky United We Learn Council, he serves on the KDE’s Student Advisory Council. Daniel holds leadership positions in several clubs at Grayson County High School, including vice-president of finance for DECA and president of the Junior Historical Society Club. Daniel also is a member of the Kentucky Student Voice Team, where he leads research for Career and Technical Education and the Rose Revival Campaign. Additionally, he participates in the Chamber Orchestra and is an active community volunteer.

Susan R. Strange

CGSA Project Manager

Strategic Plan Program Manager

Strategic Planning & Research

Office of the Commissioner

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

Email: susan.strange@education.ky.gov

300 Sower Blvd. – 5th floor

Frankfort, KY 40601