Certified Evaluation UPDATE Training
The 6-hour P3 Certified Evaluation UPDATE training meets the requirements outlined in 704 KAR 3:370 and KRS 156.557 that all EXPERIENCED EVALUATORS must attend a 6-hour EILA-approved training, annually.
This training is for evaluators of certified personnel who have already completed the 12-hour Initial Certified Evaluation training. The P3 Certified Evaluation Update training may be obtained virtually or in person. Both training options are newly designed for 2026-2027.
Training sessions often fill up quickly. Register now to secure your spot!
 In-Person Update Training Dates and Locations:
- July 14: Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, Shelbyville
- July 22: Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative, Hazard
- July 27: Logan County Career and Technical Center, Russellville*
- Sept. 1: West Kentucky Educational Cooperative, Eddyville
- Sept. 15: Southeast/South-Central Educational Cooperative, London
- Sept. 29: Green River Regional Educational Cooperative, Bowling Green
- Oct. 15: Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, Lexington
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In-person training times are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. local time with 1 hour of required asynchronous pre-work, unless otherwise noted below.
* Logan County CTC includes all 6 hours in-person 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CT (no pre-work requirement).
All in-person participants will receive a copy of "The IC Toolkit," a book packed with tools that school leaders and instructional coaches can use in a variety of ways to become highly proficient in the Seven Success Factors from Jim Knight's research.
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Virtual Update Training Dates:
- June 15
- June 22
- July 17
- July 20
- Aug. 25
- Nov. 3
Virtual training times are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET with 1 hour of required asynchronous pre-work.
Initial Certified Evaluation Training
All NEW EVALUATORS must attend this 2-day, 12-hour EILA credit training, per 704 KAR 3:370 and KRS 156.557 and pass the corresponding assessment.
This training is for NEW evaluators of certified personnel only. Initial Certified Evaluation may be obtained virtually OR in person. Please share training information with new school leaders, so they can secure a spot as soon as possible.
 In-Person Initial Certified Evaluation Training Dates and Locations:
- July 9-10: West Kentucky Educational Cooperative, Eddyville
- July 15-16: Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative, Hazard
- Aug. 4-5: Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, Shelbyville
- Aug. 18-19: Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, Lexington
- Sept. 9-10: Green River Regional Educational Cooperative, Bowling Green
- Sept. 22-23: Southeast/South-Central Educational Cooperative, London
- Oct. 20-21: Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, Shelbyville
- Oct. 27-28: Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative, Lexington
In-person training times are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. local time.
Virtual Initial Certified Evaluation Training Dates:
- Nov. 18-19
- Jan. 6-7, 2027
- Feb. 10-11, 2027
Virtual training times are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET.
Join the Charge to Grow Your Own
Interested in growing your own future educators? Starting an Educators Rising chapter and/or Teaching and Learning Pathway can be both simple and cost‑effective, with flexible models that work for schools of all sizes. These programs are designed to fit into existing courses or structures, require minimal start‑up costs, and offer high‑impact opportunities for students to explore careers in education, build leadership skills and gain early classroom experience.
If your school is considering launching a program – or just wants to learn how easy it can be to get started – our office is here to help with guidance, resources and ongoing support. Join us on May 7 at 4 p.m. ET for an informational session to see just how easy it is to get started. Complete the Start Where You Are: Implementing a GYO Pathway in Your School Next Year to sign up.
Can't make the session but still interested? Reach out through the KDE Grow Your Own mailbox.
 Revised Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Reading and Writing Coming Soon
The official release of the revised Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Reading and Writing! is coming soon.
On Oct. 2, 2025, the Kentucky Board of Education approved the draft standards, and the final legislative review and adoption into law is anticipated on or before May 5, 2026. At that time, the KAS for Reading and Writing, along with a comprehensive implementation guide, will be available. This guide will help educators get to know the revised standards, consider instructional shifts where needed and make plans for implementation this fall.
In addition to the suite of implementation resources embedded in the implementation guide, regional educational cooperatives are hosting free professional learning opportunities throughout the summer for teachers, instructional coaches and administrators based on the upcoming Getting to Know the KAS for Reading and Writing module. This high-quality professional learning, facilitated by program consultants Leigh Turner and Tina Withorn from the Kentucky Department of Education's (KDE's) Division of Program Standards, will help educators synthesize the revised standards with research, evidence-based literacy practices and high-quality instructional resources. You will not want to miss the opportunity to dig into the revised standards in your region!
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Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC)
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Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC)
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Kentucky Educational Development Cooperative (KEDC)
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Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC)
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Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services (NKCES)
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Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC)
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Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative (SESC)
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Western Kentucky Educational Cooperative (WKEC)
Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 158.6453 calls for KDE to implement a process for reviewing all academic standards and aligned assessments. For more information regarding the standards revision process, please visit the Kentucky Academic Standards Review Process webpage.
Please contact the KDE Standards Team with any questions.
Kentucky Exemplary Educators Program (KEEP) Recommendations Are Now Open
Kentucky’s educators are the heart of every community, inspiring students, strengthening families and shaping our future workforce. The KEEP program was created to honor and celebrate outstanding K-12 educators, assistant principals and principals across the Commonwealth.
Candidates should be currently serving in certified teacher, specialist or principal roles in Kentucky's public schools, and demonstrate the criteria listed below:
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Effective and innovative instructional practices as evidenced by student learning results;
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Educational accomplishments and leadership beyond the classroom;
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Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
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Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
Qualified individuals selected for KEEP will receive public recognition, a certificate of excellence from KDE, and may be considered for other recognitions and opportunities, including invitations to sit on advisory councils and committees.
Recommendation Process
Recommendations should be made by education leaders, including but not limited to: district superintendents, district curriculum and professional development supervisors, principals and representatives from teacher training institutions. Self-recommendations will not be accepted.
Recommendations should be submitted using the online KEEP recommendation form by May 1.Refer to the KEEP Information Sheet for required information and additional details about the recommendation process.
If you have additional questions, please contact Allie Green.
New Impact Kentucky Survey Analysis Tool Available
KDE's P3 Team, with input from the Commissioner's Principals Advisory Council, has developed a new Impact Kentucky Survey Analysis Tool for principals and school leadership teams.
How might you use the tool to turn insight into action?
- Choose aspects of the tool that are useful to your school.
- Analyze survey data independently and with your school leadership team.
- Identify priority areas for improvement and growth.
- Share key analysis takeaways and your goals with teachers.
- Invite committees and/or teachers to join you in strategic action-planning.
- Create conditions for meaningful improvement and implement your plans.
- Embed periodic check-ins to monitor progress.
Why is this work so important?
Educator working conditions shape:
- Teacher retention and recruitment;
- School culture and collaboration; and
- Instructional quality and student outcomes.
Adapt the tool and questions to meet your needs. By translating your survey insights into focused, strategic actions today, you are taking the first step toward elevating adult well-being and building a culture where educators thrive.
The 2025-2026 Impact KY Survey results are available for review at www.impactky.org. Log in with Google for the best experience. Please contact Elly Gilbert with questions or assistance with the survey.
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Spring is the Perfect Time to Strengthen Behavior Systems
Two weeks ago, we shared the launch of the Targeted Behavior Supports system. By now, you may be noticing the usual springtime challenges: students and staff are tired, routines get a little loose and behavior issues can spike.
This is actually the perfect time to start implementing the system. Spring is ideal for ironing out wrinkles in your routines and building alignment across your staff, setting your school up for a smooth, strong start in the fall.
Starting now allows you to:
- Test Tier 1 supports in classrooms and common areas while students are still familiar with routines;
- Identify gaps and refine adult practices before the next school year; and
- Use the system’s data tools to catch trends early and make small adjustments that prevent big problems later.
Taking these steps in the spring helps your staff feel supported and prepared – and keeps students learning in calm, predictable environments.
Explore the Targeted Behavior Supports System of N.A.V.I.G.A.T.E.
Spring isn’t just a season – it’s an opportunity. Let’s use it to strengthen your school’s behavior systems and set everyone up for success.
With you in leadership,
KDE's Principal Partnership Project (P3)
Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative
Kentucky Association of School Councils
New Resource Available for School Leaders
A new resource for education leaders is shedding light on the complex, human work of leading school systems through change. "Navigating Change: The Educational Journeys of School Superintendents" explores the realities of district leadership across Kentucky, offering a compelling collection of authentic superintendent voices.
Organized around seven essential leadership dimensions – Strategic, Instructional, Cultural, Human Resource, Managerial, Collaborative and Influential Leadership – the book brings each concept to life through real stories written by Kentucky superintendents who began their careers as school principals, as well as contributing members of the University Principal Preparation Initiative. Representing rural, urban, small and large districts, these authors offer firsthand perspectives that ground theory in lived experience.
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Kentucky Numeracy Counts – Cohort 2 Applications Now Open!
Kentucky educators and school leaders – this opportunity is for you!
Two statewide academies are now accepting applications to support strong K–5 mathematics teaching and leadership across Kentucky.
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KCM Numeracy Counts Teacher Academy (KCMNCA)
For elementary classroom teachers, special education teachers, interventionists, and instructional coaches
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PIMSER Numeracy Counts Administrator Academy (PNCA²)
For elementary principals, assistant principals, and district leaders
Cohort 2 applications are open now! Join educators and leaders across Kentucky working together to strengthen K–5 mathematics instruction.
These academies provide a unique opportunity for teachers and leaders to grow their numeracy expertise while collaborating with educators from across Kentucky. We encourage you to share these opportunities with teachers and leaders in your district or school who are passionate about strengthening mathematics teaching and learning.
Questions about the KCM Numeracy County Teacher Academy: Kelly Stone
Questions about the PIMSER Numeracy Counts Administrator: Kim Zeidler-Watters and Amy Rhodes.
#KentuckyNumeracyCounts #KYMath #KYEducation
Kentucky Reads to Succeed Summer Conference
The third annual Kentucky Reads to Succeed Summer Conference will take place at The Galt House in Louisville beginning on June 8, with afternoon breakout sessions following registration. The conference continues on June 9, with a welcome, keynote address, additional breakout sessions and opportunities to engage with vendors and attendees.
Highlights include:
- Multiple breakout sessions across both days;
- A featured welcome and keynote on Tuesday morning;
- Dedicated time for networking and Vendor Hall Experience; and
- Lunch will be provided, and structured transition times are built into the schedule.
A full Kentucky Reads to Succeed Schedule at a Glance is available for review and planning purposes.
Additional details regarding conference registration and session descriptions will be shared in the coming months.
Hotel Information
A hotel room block at the Galt House is available for conference attendees at a special group rate. Rooms must be reserved by May 8 to receive the discounted rate. We encourage interested participants to book early, as availability is limited. The conference hotel booking link for Kentucky Reads to Succeed Summer Conference participants is available online.
Mark your calendar now and watch for additional details regarding free registration for Kentucky K-12 public school educators and session descriptions coming soon!
Safe Schools and Communities Conference
June 9-10, Great Crossing High School, Georgetown
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The two-day Safe Schools and Communities Conference is free of charge and is open to principals, law enforcement officers, school administrators, safe schools coordinators, directors of pupil personnel and school personnel. Join us for keynote speakers Scott Poland and Michelle Gay.
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendance at this conference includes membership in the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers and the Kentucky DARE Association for law enforcement participants. EILA credit is pending for educators.
2026 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit
Sept. 21-22, Central Bank Center, Lexington
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia invite you to a two-day event designed to elevate your impact in education. Mark your calendars to attend the 2026 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 21-22 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional learning, strengthen existing relationships or tackle unique challenges with fresh strategies, this conference is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to spark new ideas, gain insights from KDE leaders and join Kentucky’s continuous improvement movement!
Registration details will be shared in an upcoming message, so please stay tuned!
Visit the Kentucky Learning Hub and the Principal Calendar for more professional learning opportunities.
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