Technology can be a wonderful tool for learning. Education Commissioner Terry Holliday It allows access to up-to-date information, increases communication, and offers interactivity and relevance as we prepare ALL students to be college- and career-ready in a global, technology-driven world. It also holds immense instructional promise for students who, due to financial, physical or learning disabilities and other [...]
It was my great pleasure to participate in the 2012 Kentucky Teacher of the Year announcement two weeks ago. Education Commissioner Terry Holliday As I told those who gathered for the ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda, the handing out of the award is my favorite day of the year. I am proud and grateful for the hard work [...]
Kentucky has made tremendous progress in improving education for all children over the past several decades. Education Commissioner Terry Holliday Today our state is seen as an education leader, in a large part due the passage of Senate Bill 1, and our drive and commitment to raise the bar for our students. Yet, despite our successes, the release [...]
This time of year has always been a period of excitement for me. As a former high school band director, this was time spent in preparation for the upcoming football and marching band season. As a principal, it was time for focusing staff on instruction and expectations for the school year. As a superintendent, it was time to make certain [...]
“Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.” Jacques Barzun Cultural historian Education Commissioner Terry Holliday Despite the many laudatory quotes and uplifting essays about the teaching profession, some might say teachers don’t seem to get the respect they deserve. Many of you would probably say you’re overworked, underpaid and definitely [...]
Education Commissioner Terry Holliday Having been a teacher, principal, superintendent and commissioner, I have experienced the evaluation process at every level. My two key principles for evaluation are that all instruments should be aligned and that all instruments should be growth instruments. I realize that employment decisions must eventually be made; however, I have always adhered to W. Edwards [...]
Education Commissioner Terry Holliday I recently sent a letter to Kentucky superintendents and board of education chairs asking them to pledge to increase the rates of college and career readiness in their high schools by 50 percent by 2015. This is critical to the success of our students, communities and the economy of the entire state. Our legislative [...]
Education Commissioner Terry Holliday There’s no question that 2010 was a busy, fruitful year. When I tally up the events and accomplishments related to P-12 education, I see many positive events. Common Core State Standards adoption – In March, the Kentucky Board of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education and the Education Professional Standards Board jointly adopted the Common [...]
Education Commissioner Terry Holliday As my family and I get ready to enjoy our second Christmas in Kentucky, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to all the educators and education supporters in Kentucky. As Denise and I travel across Kentucky to visit schools, attend meetings, present at conferences and attend special events, it [...]
Education Commissioner Terry Holliday With the release of the film Waiting for Superman, discussion and analysis of the public school system is growing. Much of what people are talking about is negative – low test scores, poor-quality instruction, unsafe schools, a lack of resources and more. But there are some bright spots in Kentucky’s public education system, and [...]