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SubscribeYesterday, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens announced a $65,000 grant from GE Appliances, a Haier company, to support a project manager that will work to accelerate the Talent Development Academy initiative already underway at JCPS and facilitate alignment between high schools, higher education, workforce development, and industry.
JCPS Talent Development Academies are small learning communities organized around career themes that show students links between their academic subjects and real-world applications and career experience. The academies involve employers and higher education institutions in preparing students for college and careers.
“These academies will offer career pathways from healthcare to manufacturing and engineering, and students will be able to see what they are learning in English, math and science come alive in ways that apply to their career themes,” Dr. Hargens said. “This is exciting, and I appreciate GE Appliances’ generous gift through the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation to help kick start this project.”
The academies differ from traditional academic and vocational education models because they prepare high school students for both college and careers. The JCPS Talent Development Academies will align with the identified industry clusters for our region – healthcare, advanced manufacturing/engineering, business services, information technology, hospitality & tourism, and skilled trades. The integrated curriculum will provide broad information about a field and weave this theme into an academic curriculum that prepares students for postsecondary enrollment. Many students will also graduate from high school with career certifications and/or college credit. Studies have found that students in college and career academies perform better in high school and are more likely to continue into postsecondary education.
The project manager position will focus on supporting the execution of a comprehensive project plan that aligns industry focus with school curriculums. In partnership with KentuckianaWorks, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), and JCPS, the project manager will work to develop career roadmaps that detail education, skills, and training for progression in careers across the six identified industries. The project manager will also work to develop and coordinate an approach, processes, tools and systems that will facilitate the ongoing engagement of employers in the JCPS Talent Development Academies.
The academies are created with input from local business and economic development leaders. The idea is to create a workforce with skills currently needed by local employers and to align resources with growing career opportunities for students.
“The JCPS Talent Development Academies will inspire, engage and educate students in a way that helps them better prepare for relevant careers in today’s economy,” said GE Appliances President & CEO Chip Blankenship. “We’re thrilled to provide this grant to help accelerate the initiative for the benefit of students, their parents, employers and our community. This is another step in the journey GE Appliances is on with our great partners at JCPS to educate and excite students about careers in manufacturing. Education is not one size fits all. This is a program that will encourage every student to follow a track that will best apply their talents so they can enter college or the workplace ready for the opportunities that await them.”
Supported by the Ford Next Generation Learning Network, which has more than 35 partner communities across the United States, JCPS is leveraging best practices to implement the academy model. All 23 comprehensive and magnet high schools in JCPS were eligible to submit a proposal to join the initiative. After a review process, 11 JCPS high schools will begin transformation to the academy model in the fall of 2017, pending a $2.7 million budget request and approval from the JCPS Board of Education. The transformation would occur over a three-year period. By 2020, the goal is that 100 percent of JCPS graduates are college or career ready.
Through a partnership of KentuckianaWorks, GLI, and Jefferson County Public Schools, community engagement in this process is being driven by a local launch team and a guiding team comprised of business/industry, community, and education leaders. The launch team, convened by Tom Quick of GE Appliances, a Haier company, focuses on aligning the transitions between education and workforce, as well as ensuring curriculum aligns with skills desired by employers. The guiding team sets the overall community engagement objectives for the work and is setting up a structure to ensure that all programs have business/industry partners advising them and providing experiential learning opportunities for students, such as field trips, job shadowing, real-world projects, and internships.
JCPS envisions that all graduates of Talent Development Academies will be prepared, empowered, and inspired, as stated in the JCPS strategic plan, Vision 2020.
“They will be prepared by graduating with a high school diploma, an industry recognized credential, and six to nine hours of college credit,” said Dr. Hargens. “They will be empowered because they will have built workplace skills through team projects and experiential learning. They will be inspired because they know what their next steps are and are passionate about future educational and career opportunities.”
The Council on Postsecondary Education elected Sherrill Zimmerman as its new chair and Ben Brandstetter as vice chair Friday.
Zimmerman, of Prospect, chairs both the Council’s Tuition Development Work Group and Committee on Equal Opportunities, and is the past chair of the Strategic Agenda Work Group. She is a retired educator from Jefferson County Public Schools where she served as a teacher, assistant principal and magnet program coordinator.
“It will be an honor and a privilege to serve as chair of the Council on Postsecondary Education,” said Zimmerman. “I look forward to working with our students, campuses, Council members and staff to advance the educational, workforce and economic opportunities for all Kentuckians.”
Brandstetter, of Hebron, joined the Council in September. He is president of Brandstetter Carroll, Inc.
“It is a privilege to serve the Commonwealth in this role. Higher education is one of the most important tools that we have to improve the economy of the state, and I look forward to helping advance this for everyone,” said Brandstetter.
Zimmerman replaces outgoing member Glenn Denton of Paducah, who served two terms on the Council and chaired the Council in 2015 and 2016. Brandstetter replaces Donna Moore of Lexington who remains on the Council.
Zimmerman and Brandstetter will serve in their positions for the next year.
The Council also approved the Tuition Setting Timeline and the Tuition and Mandatory Fee Policy. The timeline calls for the Council to take action on tuition and fee ceilings March 31, followed by action on individual campus tuition and mandatory fee rates at the June 16 meeting.
In other items, the Council:
- Updated the Academic Program Approval Policy, which takes effect July 1.
- Approved a proposed amendment to Kentucky Administrative Regulation 13 KAR 2:110 regarding the approval process for advanced practice doctoral degree programs at the public comprehensive universities.
- Heard the following reports: Student Loan Default and Repayment in Kentucky, Future Skills Report, a proposal from Morehead State University related to tuition, legislative update, Committee on Equal Opportunities and an Executive Committee report. A KDE Report, Council President Report and campus reports were also available.
The Council’s next meeting will be March 30-31 at Northern Kentucky University.
Knight Middle School continues to show progress in key areas, with strong leadership and a school culture dedicated to student learning, according to a state audit report made available last week.
The Kentucky Department of Education Two-Day Progress Monitoring Review looked at multiple reports and data, in-school observations and interviews to give the priority school feedback on improving student performance over the preceding two years. The report also outlined strategies to raise student achievement and improve conditions that support student learning.
“This independent assessment indicates that Knight is moving in the right direction,” Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens said. “It highlights the strong, supportive relationship between students and adults, and recognizes the school’s principal as a true instructional leader.”
“I am delighted with the affirmation on how our school climate allows for a focus on academics,” said Knight principal Cathy Gibbs. “Our climate for learning is clearly evident by our school’s reduction in suspensions – more than an 80 percent reduction in the last two years – while increasing proficiency in both math and reading.”
“Knight Middle is moving and improving every day,” she added. “We’re so proud of our students and staff, and look forward to continuing on this journey of improvement.”
The review team rated the school a 3 on a scale of 4 in four areas related to school leadership; mentoring and coaching programs; engaging families; and providing learning supports to meet the unique learning needs of its students.
“This report affirms the exceptional school culture at Knight Middle School that allows the focus to remain on teaching and learning,” said Assistant Superintendent Paige Hartstern, whose achievement area includes Knight. “This is a direct result of strong, committed leadership and a staff dedicated to meeting the needs of students.”
The report cited just two areas as improvement priorities – monitoring and adjusting curriculum, instruction and assessment in response to data; and implementing a formal process to promote collaborative, data-informed discussions about student learning.
The report also indicated the school had satisfactorily or partially addressed the four improvement priorities identified in the 2014-15 Internal School Review for Knight Middle. Those areas related to determining root causes for low parent involvement; refining strategies to consistently implement the schools’ instructional framework; developing a process to adjust curriculum, instruction and analysis of data from a variety of sources; and developing a process for monitoring instructional effectiveness.
“I’m extremely proud of Knight’s progress,” said Dr. Marco Munoz, director of Priority Schools. “It has great leadership, a school culture of learning and a positive behavior management system in place – all things to help lead it out of priority status.”
Schools in priority status are reviewed every two years by KDE. Knight received the shorter, two-day review which focused on the AdvancED Standard 3, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, because of its positive gains in recent years.
Tim Holman, a duPont Manual High School government and politics teacher, is the first recipient of the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award for 2017. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher last week during a ceremony at the school.
“Mr. Holman is an outstanding teacher who demonstrates many unique talents and innovative teaching techniques in the classroom,” Manual Principal Jerry Mayes said. “He is a valuable asset and resource to our school and community. The wonderful thing about having Tim as a colleague is that I am able to teach with an outstanding educator who is passionate about fostering democratic beliefs, values and skills in students.”
During his time at Manual, Holman has organized forums with political candidates, brought in speakers and provided his students with the opportunity to visit the State Capitol. In fact, Holman has been recognized by the Kentucky Senate for going “beyond the call of duty to provide vital educational opportunities and experiences.” Students in his classes have also had the opportunity to see political leaders such as Chief Justice John Roberts, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Vice President Joe Biden and Senator John McCain.
Holman also has served in several leadership roles at Manual, including magnet liaison, School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council member, and sponsor of the Young Democrats and Teenage Republicans. Additionally, he has been the Manual cross-country and track coach for years, leading his players to the state championship in 2016. He also served as the girls’ basketball coach during Manual’s three consecutive trips to the Kentucky Sweet 16 Tournament, which included a state championship.
“He showed several students the path of being more than they thought they could be,” said Portia Wright, a Ballard High School teacher and former colleague. “I watched him effectively take students in his class and encourage them to run for him, which enabled him to earn a different type of respect and admiration. This made them want to work harder for him in the classroom.”
Before teaching at Manual, Holman was a social studies teacher at Meyzeek Middle School. He was later selected by the Center for Civic Education and Engagement at the University of Louisville to work for one year developing curriculum and working on professional development,
As an ExCEL Award winner, Holman will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
Gov. Matt Bevin today announced 10 appointments to the University of Louisville Board of Trustees’ 13-member board. The additional three members include student, faculty and staff representatives.
The Board is responsible for providing governance and oversight for the University’s administration and is accountable for the health, reputation and integrity of the University community in all aspects.
The following is a list of the appointments made:
- J. David Grissom, of Louisville, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2023.
- John H. Schnatter, of Louisville, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2022.
- Sandra Frazier, of Louisville, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2021.
- Nitin Sahney, of Prospect, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2021.
- Bonita K. Black, of Crestwood, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2020.
- Brian A. Cromer, of Louisville, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2020.
- Ulysses Lee Bridgeman, Jr., of Louisville, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2019.
- Ronald L. Wright, MD, of Prospect, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2019.
- James M. Rogers, of Prospect, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2018.
- Diane B. Medley, of Ekron, shall serve for a term expiring Jan. 13, 2018.
Click here to view a video message from Gov. Bevin on the University of Louisville Board of Trustees appointments.
Gov. Bevin made these appointments pursuant to Sections 69 and 81 of the Kentucky Constitution, and KRS 164.821, as amended by SB12 during the 2017 Regular Session.
Download the executive order.
Fairdale High School continues to hit benchmarks needed to shed its priority label, according to a state audit report made available last week.
The Kentucky Department of Education Two-Day Progress Monitoring Review looked at multiple reports and data, in-school observations and interviews to give the priority school feedback on improving student performance over the preceding two years. The report also outlined strategies to raise student achievement and improve conditions that support student learning.
Overall, the review team gave the school high marks for its curriculum, instructional design and assessment practices, rating it a 3 on a scale of 4 in 11 of 12 separate categories.
“I am not surprised by these positive external reviews,” said Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “The work happening at Fairdale is an example of what priority schools can do with the right leadership and right support. This is a school keeping students at the center of all decision-making, with all staff contributing on the continuous improvement journey.”
“I’m tremendously proud of our entire Fairdale High School family and the improvements that continue to be made,” said Brad Weston, JCPS assistant superintendent for Area 2 who served as principal of the school until last November. “This reflects not just how well the school is doing academically, but really how well we’re doing in recruiting, hiring and retaining dedicated teachers and staff.”
Brandy Corbin, Fairdale’s principal, said expectations for her students and staff are high – and the report shows both are hitting the right marks. “I see the dedication and work that happens every single day at Fairdale, and to see it reflected in an independent review is rewarding,” she said.
The report cited just one area as an improvement priority – teachers engaging students in learning. Dr. Marco Munoz, director of Priority Schools, said that’s an area that continues to challenge schools across the country. But he noted that Vision 2020, the district’s strategic plan, places an emphasis on deeper learning. “With that focus and direction, we have a clear road map on how we can engage kids and have ownership of the learning,” he said.
The report also indicated the school had satisfactorily addressed an improvement priority identified in the 2014-15 Internal School Review for Fairdale, related to developing and documenting common grading and reporting policies.
Schools in priority status are reviewed every two years by KDE. Fairdale received the shorter, two-day review which focused on the AdvancED Standard 3, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, because of its positive gains in recent years. A copy of the report is attached.
Mayor joins national experts, universities, employers at Ali Center on Dec. 9
Registration is now open for Power Forward, a workforce and education summit that brings together national and local experts, schools, universities and employers to collaborate on a more productive transition between education and career – helping create a stronger pipeline of talent for Louisville-area employers.
The event is Friday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center. Registration is free at kentuckianaworks.org.
Power Forward is presented by KentuckianaWorks, 55,000 Degrees and Greater Louisville Inc. and funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.
Mayor Greg Fischer, who has set goals for talent attraction and raising the education attainment and skills level in Louisville, will present at the start of the summit, and close with a challenge to the community.
Keynote speakers will include:
- Peter Cappelli, the George W. Taylor Professor of Management at The Wharton School and Director of Wharton’s Center for Human Resources at the University of Pennsylvania,
- Dr. Kate Ziemer, Vice Provost of Curriculum of Northeastern University, which has transformed from an urban commuter university into a top-50 national university partly on the strength of a comprehensive co-op program.
Additional breakout sessions and lightning and TED-style talks will feature an eclectic lineup of presenters and topics.
Light refreshments begin at 8:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided.