We need our communities to take this virus as seriously as our schools have
Public education is a decidedly social endeavor. The things most graduates treasure from their school years are the memories of interactions with great teachers who changed the trajectory of their life, their experiences in school activities and athletics that taught them the value of collaboration and teamwork, and the lifelong bonds of friendship that often are forged in school-age years.
Reaching and serving Kentucky’s homeless children and youth
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, a time for us to bring attention to the prevalence of homeless youth within Kentucky and create an awareness of the challenges faced by students and families experiencing homelessness.
We need to hear from you
My first few weeks as Kentucky’s education commissioner have been a whirlwind of phone calls and virtual meetings with students, teachers, Kentucky Department of Education staff and other education stakeholders to get an idea of the education landscape in the Commonwealth.
A statement from Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass
"Schools across Kentucky have been doing a tremendous job keeping the learning going for our students and we have not seen (so far) COVID-19 transmissions linked directly to schools – an indication that our virus mitigation efforts within schools are working. Disappointingly, the same cannot be said for many communities and the rest of the state. "When a community goes into the 'red' it should lead to a discussion with the district leadership, the school board and local public health on what the best course forward should be, which may include temporarily closing the school to in-person learning. More importantly, [...]
School Report Card 2020 – User experience testing
The 2019-2020 School Report Card (SRC) is now public and we’d love to receive feedback and suggestions from our advisory groups and education partners. The feedback link at the bottom right of the SRC can be used to provide a quick comment or respond to a feedback survey at any time.
Celebrate Kentucky Safe Schools Week this October
This year, Oct. 18-24 will be recognized as Kentucky Safe Schools Week. This annual event – which has recognized issues such as preventing cyberbullying, hatred and violence – has taken on a bit of a different perspective due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
KDE stands ready to work with districts and schools as classes resume
I know this is the most unusual opening Kentucky – and the rest of the country – probably has ever had. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and I stand ready to help all our districts as the school year begins.
Interim Commissioner Kevin C. Brown’s Aug. 14 letter to families
I know these are frustrating times for all of Kentucky’s public school families.
Families, educators must remain flexible and good examples if schools are to reopen
I think one of the hardest things for those of us who are planning for the upcoming school year – parents and teachers alike – is the uncertainty of it all.
Interim Commissioner Kevin C. Brown’s July 24 letter to families
As plans are being created for the upcoming school year, we are all struggling with how children will learn, remain safe and traverse an environment unlike one we have ever experienced. It’s a time when parents are trying to figure out whether their children will be taught at school or through non-traditional instruction from home, along with how their children will get to school and what they will do after school.