“It sparks some great discussion and allows us to identify areas we can continue to grow in. It’s been a great experience for us and we look forward to continuing to focus on students learning and providing high quality instruction in every classroom.” Grandview Elementary (Bellevue Independent) School Principal Jamie Baker on the district’s use of iPads for the past year, with special “learning walk” software to regularly visit and measure teaching in the classroom. From the Fort Mitchell Nky.com.
“We have sections in our code of conduct that have little pluses beside them that allow for teacher discretion. Everything doesn’t have to be a referral. The teacher can handle things in a way that he or she feels comfortable with.” Jefferson County school board member Linda Duncan on proposed changes in the student code of conduct that, while not ending zero-tolerance policies on some infractions, would give educators more flexibility to deal with others. From the Louisville WFPL Radio news.
“We instituted idle policies for cold weather that limit idle times. We also included tracking mechanisms for each unit to gauge fuel efficiency. The reduction in pollutants is an additional benefit. Fuel is more expensive each year; the less we use, the better off we will be.” LaRue County Schools Transportation and Maintenance Director Phil Fulkerson on the district’s selection for the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Award by the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition. From the Hodgenville LaRue County Herald-News.
“When you’re losing that many students and that many staff members it’s really difficult to maintain a high level of instructional focus. It’s a pretty rare occurrence. Even my daughter, who is a senior, accused me of getting a little soft, but when you take a look at those numbers it’s indisputable.” Berea Independent Schools Superintendent Mike Hogg keeping his sense of humor about a rare snow day for his district. From the Lexington WKYT-TV News.
“Weighing pigs doesn’t make them fatter, so testing kids doesn’t make them smarter and evaluating teachers doesn’t always make them better.” Jessamine County Schools Superintendent Lu Young on the importance of ongoing professional development for educators once the state’s new evaluation system goes into full effect. From the Associated Press.
“As a single district, we could never combine all of the courses necessary for some of the career ready certifications, but if we work together and plan those, then our students would have an advantage.” Hazard Independent Schools Superintendent Sandra Johnson on a memorandum of understanding with the Perry County Schools to pool resources on college and career readiness and other academic needs of students in both districts. From the Hazard Herald.
“I don’t see this doctoral program as an investment in Anthony Strong, I see it as an investment in the Pendleton County school district. If a district wants to get better, it must invest in its leaders, principals, and teachers. He’s the leader of the ship and there can only be one person to go.” Pendleton County school board Chairman Mark Ross on the board’s decision to underwrite Superintendent Strong’s participation in the education doctoral program at Northern Kentucky University. From the Falmouth Outlook.
“If it will allow students who were not able to get their diploma in the past to now be able to receive that to recognize their work, then that’s a good thing. The problem is that’s not going to allow you to count them as part of your overall graduation rate.” Murray Independent Schools Superintendent Bob Rogers on a consequence of a new state regulation that allows boards of education to retroactively grant alternative diplomas, rather than certificates for special needs students who complete their graduation requirements. From the Murray Ledger & Times.
“They are charged with educating the next generation — a difficult enough endeavor considering the current state of our society. Far too often, lawmakers attempt to make schools a catch-all for a failing society rather than focus on the basic, vital purpose our educational system was originally designed for.” Spencer County Schools Superintendent Chuck Adams reacting to some proposals that teachers be allowed to carry concealed weapons to improve school safety. From the Taylorsville Spencer Magnet.
“We met with students a couple of weeks ago trying to make sure they understand what they have to do and the scores they have to have on this test in order to be accepted into these different programs in college such as nursing and computer science. Southeast (Kentucky Community and Technical College) is here to just back up what we told them the other day. A lot of our students don’t realize how important the ACT test is and what it’s actually going to mean to them further on down the road. It’s the most important test they’ve taken so far in their life.” Harlan County Schools Assistant Superintendent Brent Roark on a joint presentation by district and college officials to the high school’s junior class on the importance of doing well on the upcoming ACT test. From the Harlan Daily Enterprise.