Susan Dugal and Karen Perry from UK Next Gen to discuss the critical theme of local accountability in education. They explore how communities can play a vital role in shaping educational standards and practices, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue among educators, students, and community members. The conversation highlights innovative practices being implemented across Kentucky, such as the development of 'portraits of a learner' and performance assessments that reflect a broader definition of success beyond standardized testing. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of education in Kentucky, focusing on creating vibrant learning experiences for all students.

00:00  Introduction to Local Accountability

05:00  Understanding Accountability in Education

12:00  The Role of Community in Education

20:00  Innovative Practices in Local Accountability

26:55  Creating Vibrant Learning Experiences

38:07  The Future of Education in Kentucky

KUWL Council Webpage with Moonshot "To build a prosperous Kentucky, we will launch an accountability system that is meaningful and useful to all our learners."

Reimagining Assessment and Accountability-Framework 2.0    https://www.education.ky.gov/UnitedWeLearn/KUWLCouncil/Documents/Reimagining%20Assessment%20and%20Accountability%20Page/2025Framework2.0_508.pdf

Venmo and Registration Flyers:

Flyers for Donations (Venmo) and Town Hall Registration

Guests Lu Young, Susan Dugle, and Karn Perry join me to discuss details about Kentucky United We Learn Council, Profile of a Learner, and Local Accountability.  All of these components are included in the new Accountability Framework that will be presented at the KDE Town Hall by Commissioner Dr. Robbie Fletcher. There have been years of work to get Kentucky to this point with a lot of stakeholders involved. 

This conversation explores the current challenges and initiatives in Kentucky's education system, focusing on the United We Learn initiative and the Portrait of a Learner framework. The speakers discuss the importance of community involvement, innovative learning experiences, and the need for a holistic approach to education that prepares students for the future. They highlight successful districts and provide recommendations for implementing these educational reforms effectively.

00:00  Introduction to United We Learn

04:39  The Vision of United We Learn

08:19  The Kentucky Portrait of a Learner

17:58  Structure and Community Involvement

30:42  Implementation Strategies for Districts

40:22  Success Stories and Future Directions

Resources mentioned during episode:

KUWL Council Webpage with Moonshot "To build a prosperous Kentucky, we will launch an accountability system that is meaningful and useful to all our learners."

Reimagining Assessment and Accountability-Framework 2.0    https://www.education.ky.gov/UnitedWeLearn/KUWLCouncil/Documents/Reimagining%20Assessment%20and%20Accountability%20Page/2025Framework2.0_508.pdf

Venmo and Town Hall Registration Flyers:

Flyers for Donations (Venmo) and Town Hall Registration

Thanks for joining our KEDC Podcast Empowering EdTalk Community!  This episode highlights the challenges of implementing HQIRs and curriculum-based professional learning to ensure teachers are equipped to deliver high-quality instruction. The discussion also touches on the future vision for educational partnerships and the impact of literacy coaching in supporting teachers and students.  If you haven’t heard of Kentucky’s new partner RIVET Education you’ll want to know how they will be working with KDE, KEDC, and all educational cooperatives in the state.

Legislative Acts Referenced in the episode: 

 Senate Bill 9 (2022) 

 Senate Bill 156 (2023)

 HB 162 (2024)

Research and Resources discussed in the episode:

The Opportunity Myth

Elmore Model of Instruction

Model Curriculum Framework

ED Reports

Are you looking for support in your district level role?  Leadership roles can become lonely and isolating. You may wish that you had others who are serving in similar or the same roles in other districts to learn from. KEDC may have a cadre for you!  Listen to this episode for more information to determine if this is the support that you need. 

In this episode of the KEDC podcast guests Latishia Sparks, KEDC Programs and Partnership Lead, Cassandra Adams, Title I and Gifted and Talented in Franklin County, and Heather Aldrich, District Assessment Coordinator in Russell Independent discuss their roles, the importance of collaboration through cadres.  This conversation highlights the various cadres available to KEDC member districts, the benefits of participation, and the supportive network that these groups create for educators. These amazing guests share personal insights and advice for both new and experienced educators, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in the field of education. This episode highlights the various cadres available, their benefits, and offers advice for educators on staying true to their purpose and seeking help when needed.

Click on this link to read more about the schedule and sign up for the cadre that you would benefit from in your role. 

https://kentuckyeducationaldcky.sites.thrillshare.com/page/role-group-cadres

In this episode of the KEDC podcast, Brandy Breeze interviews Wendy King about the impactful work of KEDC grants in empowering educators. They discuss the various grants available, the importance of professional development, and the strong community built among teachers. Wendy emphasizes the significance of relationships, continuous feedback, and celebrating small wins in the educational journey. The conversation highlights the dedication of educators and the transformative power of grants in enhancing student experiences.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to KEDC and Wendy's Role

03:33  Overview of KEDC Grants

09:43  Tailored Professional Learning Opportunities

14:34  Feedback and Impact of Grant Programs

20:30  Lessons Learned and Building Relationships

29:46  Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

Website and Social Media 

https://www.kedc.org/page/grants

https://www.facebook.com/kedcgrants1

X @KEDCGrants

Thanks for tuning in!

You may have seen social media posts with our CEO, Nancy Hutchinson; Deputy Director,Trisha Carroll; and Director of Data Services, Dr. Rachel Holbrook.  They have been traveling the country sharing about this work in Kentucky because we are the “standard” in data collection and use for students.  That level of confidence came from a guest who works with various states on this type of data exchange system.  This is work that we see that is important for informing the district on the whole story for each individual student to allow for a systematic approach by collecting, and using all of the data in one place.  Along with data there will be support and guidance for using the data to plan next steps for programming in the district, school, and classroom levels.   

In this episode of the KEDC podcast, host Brandy Breeze discusses the Kentucky Data Exchange initiative with EdGraph’s Cesare Tise and AESA’s John Bass. These conversations emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making in education. The conversations highlight the role of educational service agencies, the need for real-time data, and the collaborative efforts among different stakeholders to improve student outcomes. The episode also explores the future vision for the data exchange and the excitement surrounding its implementation.

00:00  Introduction to AESA and KEDC

17:17  The Importance of Real-Time Data in Education

20:18  Collaboration Across Stakeholders for Effective Data Use

These conversations explore the Kentucky Data Exchange, focusing on the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools. These conversations show the commitment to improve regular attendance for Kentucky students.  Stakeholders discuss their roles, the importance of data in understanding student needs, and the necessity of building strong relationships within the community to support students. You’ll hear my guests emphasize the need for empathy and understanding as essential components in addressing absenteeism and fostering a supportive educational environment.  However, this project is about data collection.  Yes, data will help tell the whole story for students and help districts intentionally meet needs and reduce barriers to allow students to attend regularly.  

00:00 Introduction to the Kentucky Data Exchange

26:07 Impact of Absenteeism on Workforce Development

26:15 The Importance of Data in Education

30:55 Introduction to Chronic Absenteeism and Community Engagement

31:53 Innovative Educational Pathways in Woodford County

33:58 Building Relationships for Student Success

34:57 Introduction to Chronic Absenteeism

37:50 Innovative Approaches to Attendance

40:38 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Absenteeism

43:32 Building Relationships to Combat Absenteeism

45:32 Introduction to Mental Health in Education

48:25 The Importance of Community and Relationships

51:19 Addressing Absenteeism and Its Complexities

54:11 Building Positive Environments in Schools

Barry Lee, Superintendent of Casey County Schools sat down with me at the KEDC Legislative Breakfast.  In this episode he discusses his extensive experience in education and the critical issues facing public education in Kentucky. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of proposed constitutional changes regarding education funding, the challenges of misinformation, and the need for better teacher compensation. Lee advocates for empowering students through skill development and community engagement, highlighting the vital role of public education in society.

00:00

Introduction to Barry Lee and His Role in Education

02:33

The Impact of Constitutional Changes on Education Funding

06:22

Misinformation and Public Perception of Education Funding

09:16

Challenges in Teacher Retention and Compensation

12:05

Empowering Students Through Skills and Community Engagement

Senator Greg Elkins sits down with Brandy Breeze, the newly elected state senator for Kentucky's 28th Senate district, shares his journey into politics, his commitment to education reform, and the importance of community and parental involvement in the education system. He discusses Amendment 2, its implications for school choice, and the need for workforce development that accommodates various educational paths, including vocational training. Senator Elkins emphasizes the significance of understanding constituents' needs and the role of parents in shaping the future of education in Kentucky.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction 

02:00

Brandy's Background and Journey to the Senate

04:10

Amendment 2: Understanding the Education System

07:58

Concerns About School Choice and Public Education

12:12

Workforce Development and Education Paths

15:56

Community and Parental Involvement in Education

Dr. Erin Hamilton, Vice President of Educational Strategy at 95% Group, discusses the importance of effective literacy instruction and the goal of achieving 95% or more proficient readers across the country. She shares her own journey as an educator and the need for continuous learning and growth. 95% Group provides professional development and curriculum resources to support teachers in delivering effective literacy instruction. Their Top 10 Tools program offers educators the knowledge and tools to address specific areas of need in their classrooms. Dr. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of intentional implementation and sustained support to improve student outcomes.

We hope that this conversation empowers you with information that will help you serve learners in your role.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction and Background

08:50  Overview of 95% Group

14:42  Supporting High-Quality Instructional Resources

18:19  Navigating the Changing Landscape of Reading Instruction

25:47  The Importance of Bold Leadership

29:49  Advice for New Educators

Resources discussed in episode: 

Top Ten Tools

Phonics Core Program

Guest Contact information: 

LinkedIn Dr. Erin Hamilton- https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-hamilton1979/

Email [email protected]