MONDAY SUPERINTENDENT E-MAIL – 8/8/11
The Monday E-mail contains information on the following KDE-related topics:
- Secretary Duncan announces NCLB waiver process
- Minority Recruitment and Retention (MERR) report for 2010-11 web application due on or before October 1, 2011
- Education Jobs Funds Reminder
- Kentucky Reading Association Annual Conference
- Training: Special education staff to get the latest updates, customized clinics at KSBA annual event
- School bus safety
- Adopt-A-Highway Contest
- KSP seeking teen drivers
- 2011 Kentucky Public Service Recognition Week
- Kentucky Historical Society seasonal hours
- National Black Child Development Institute 41st Annual Conference – October 8-11, 2011
- Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot National High School Cyber Defense Competition
If you have questions about the specific items, please see the contact information for each item.
Items from KDE
Secretary Duncan announces NCLB waiver process
In a press release this morning, Secretary Arne Duncan and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Melody Barnes announced that President Obama has approved the development of a waiver request process from NCLB requirements for states to pursue for the 2011-12 school year. Click on the following link to see the press release: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/obama-administration-proceeds-reform-no-child-left-behind-following-congressiona .
Commissioner Holliday is currently working with Kentucky’s Congressional delegation to address two concerns:
· KY school districts want a process that is timely. While we are encouraged by the peer review process that Secretary Duncan announced, we are concerned that the process may take several months. Our schools want to know as soon as possible if the waiver will be granted for the 2011-12 school year.
· KY school districts are concerned that the conditions for waiver may be too prescriptive and not allow for state flexibility. To date, 44 states have agreed to the guiding principles around next-generation accountability models developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers. These guiding principles commit states to strong accountability systems that are built around state conditions and context.
Commissioner Holliday will be scheduling meetings with each regional cooperative and other stakeholder groups to gain additional ideas for flexibility with NCLB regulations beyond the accountability model. The proposed timeline for releasing the framework for waiver requests is mid-September. We assume there will be a public comment period and then submission of waiver requests with peer reviews as the next step. Secretary Duncan has final approval of all waiver requests. Kentucky has already submitted the formal request and is currently developing the response to waiver guidelines contained in Section 9401. The four pillars mentioned by the Secretary to be addressed in the waiver request are similar to the administration’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization blueprint submitted last year and the KY accountability model includes all four pillars (student growth, college/career readiness, use of data, and teacher/principal effectiveness.
Minority Recruitment and Retention (MERR) report for 2010-11 web application due on or before October 1, 2011
Each year districts are required to submit a Minority Recruitment and Retention (MERR) report of the district’s efforts to increase the percentage of minority teachers. To assist districts with the reporting process, we have provided step by step procedures. The following information describes the reporting requirements and offers guidance to begin the aforementioned process.
Kentucky regulation 704 KAR 7:130 states, “Each school district superintendent shall report annually the school district’s recruitment process and the activities used to increase the percentage of minority teachers in the district pursuant to administrative regulations of the Kentucky Board of Education.” In addition, KRS 160.380(2) (d) states, “The superintendent shall conduct a search to locate minority teachers to be considered for vacant positions.” Lastly, the superintendent shall, “Annually report the activities used to increase the percentage of minority teachers in the district.”
The 2010-11 MERR data collection must be submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education via a web application on or before October 1, 2011. Access to the web application will be available on September 1, 2011. You can access the web application by logging on at:
http://apps.kde.state.ky.us/login/. The reporting cycle for the 2010-11 MERR data report is September 1, 2010 through August 31, 2011. All vacancies during this time will need to be updated before completing the MERR report.
When the district Kentucky Educator Placement Service (KEPS) data manager posts a certified vacancy position, its status is reflected on the posting site as “for review”. A data administrator at the Kentucky Department of Education then reviews the position and the status is changed to “posted”. School district KEPS data managers are prompted to complete the MERR report hiring data when the status of a position is changed from “posted” to “filled”. Data collection is continual and data are archived throughout the hiring period, eliminating the need for manual collection and summary of hiring data at the end of the reporting period.
In an effort to improve data quality, please have the identified staff person managing the KEPS data management system take the following steps to ensure all data is captured:
· Review all posted positions – from the main menu select “search vacancies posted.” Execute a search using District - Posted – All.
· Take appropriate action on all out-dated postings, which remain unfilled after 30 days.
· From the edit page, change the position status from Posted to Filled, (Expired) or Withdrawn.
· If status is changed to “Filled”, complete hiring data entry when prompted.
· Take appropriate action on all posted positions, except for unfilled certified vacancies.
· Review for accuracy hiring data from positions filled through waiver requests.
· Review for accuracy hiring data from positions filled after the thirty day posting requirement (Superintendent, Administrator, Principal and Teacher data).
Use the ID and password assigned for KEPS to access the MERR web application. If you wish to designate a staff person responsible for completing the MERR report, forward the attached instructions for assigning application rights, ID and password to your district Web Application Administrator Point of Contact (WAAPOC).
In an effort to ensure data integrity and secure each district’s report, we recommend removing rights from any staff except the superintendent and superintendent designees. If you need additional support in proceeding with completion of the MERR report, contact Candace Souder with the Division of Next Generation Professionals at candace.souder@education.ky.gov or (502)-564-1479.
Education Jobs Fund – Reminder
Districts must submit a budget by school-level for funds to be released. Upon approval of the school-level budget, an award notification will be sent to the superintendent and finance officer.
In order to receive reimbursement, districts must submit a school level MUNIS expenditure report by the 25th of every month. Expenditure reports will be reviewed for allowable object codes. Upon review of the expenditure reports, reimbursement will be processed within 7-10 business days. Any expenditure reports received after the 25th will be processed accordingly within 7-10 business days of receipt of the expenditure report. All funds must be spent by September 30, 2012. The final reimbursement request must be submitted by November 25, 2012.
Education Jobs Fund expenditure reports may be submitted by the following methods:
Email to: vickie.terry@education.ky.gov (502) 564-6771 Mail to: Vickie Terry, KDE Division of Budgets, 16th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601
Items from Outside Agencies
Kentucky Reading Association Annual Conference
The Kentucky Reading Association’s (KRA’s) annual conference, Lenses of Literacy: Multiple Perspectives, will be held October 27-29 at the Lexington Hyatt and Convention Center.
The theme highlights the emphasis the Common Core State Standards place on the various but integrated strands of literacy — reading, writing, speaking and listening, viewing and visually representing.
Keynote speakers include author Stephanie Harvey; author Cris Tovani; author Donna Alvermann; and University at Albany-SUNY’s Peter Johnston.
For more information on the KRA Conference, visit http://www.kyreading.org/Preview.aspx or contact conference chair Diana Porter at diana.porter@eku.edu.
Training: Special education staff to get the latest updates, customized clinics at KSBA annual event
Special education directors from Kentucky’s public schools will converge on Lexington Aug. 18-19 for the most comprehensive training in their field, offered annually by KSBA’s Legal and Administrative Training Service. The training will be at the Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 W. Vine St.
This conference presents the latest legal ramifications and practical guidance to special education directors and others responsible for compliance with special education requirements in school districts. One day is devoted specifically to professional development of district special education directors, while the second day focuses on the requirements of schools under the federal special education laws.
Topics include basics such as budgeting, staffing, legal requirements, an update on KDE activity, and the latest in-court cases and Office of Special Education Programs and Office of Civil Rights opinions.
The conference is a must to give special education administrators the tools they need to properly serve students and stay out of legal trouble.
Registration remains open here Special Education.
The fees are deeply discounted for employees of districts in KSBA’s Special Education Service.
School bus safety
With the beginning of the school year in full swing, it is important that parents, students, educators and motorists be aware of school bus safety issues.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety has developed information about school buses that may be useful. Please share the attached document with any persons or groups that might benefit from this information.
Adopt-A-Highway Contest
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is sponsoring its annual Adopt-A-Highway Contest and invites students ages 6 through 17 to submit artwork.
The theme this year is “Adopt-A-Highway: Make It Yours.” The goal of the contest is to increase environmental awareness among children, to educate children about the devastating effects of litter and to change attitudes and behaviors about littering.
The deadline for entry is September 30.
See the attachment for more details.
KSP seeking teen drivers
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) are accepting applications for their 9th Annual “Drive To Stay Alive” teen driving academy, set for Sept. 7-11 at KSP Headquarters in Frankfort.
"Drive to Stay Alive" is an innovative program targeted directly at teenage drivers. Participants will spend four days learning skills that may save their lives, including hands-on skills in actual motor vehicle situations combined with classroom studies. KSP utilizes skilled driving instructors who take teen participants through a variety of obstacles while coaching them in the correct way to control a vehicle in different driving scenarios. The training includes topics such as collision causation, vehicle dynamics and skid control, backing, multiple turns and lane interchange, safety belts and air bags, evasive maneuvers, off-road recovery, and controlled braking.
To be eligible for the program, student candidates must meet the following guidelines:
16 years of age or older
licensed driver
good communication skills/leadership traits
permission from principal/superintendant to participate (All Kentucky public and private schools are welcome.)
Applications for the “Drive To Stay Alive” program are available on the KSP website. There is no fee for the program, but space is limited. The deadline for submitting an application is August 31.
For more information about “Drive To Stay Alive,” please visit the KSP website at www.kentuckystatepolice.org or contact the Public Affairs Branch at (502) 782-1780.
2011 Kentucky Public Service Recognition Week
The Kentucky Personnel Cabinet is sponsoring a poster contest for schoolchildren ages 6 to 18 years old. The contest is tied to the 2011 Kentucky Public Service Recognition Week in October.
This contest provides an opportunity to increase the awareness among children of the achievements and contributions of state employees in the workplace and our communities.
The theme is “State Employees – Making a Difference Every Day in Every Way.” The deadline for submitting a poster is September 23.
For more information, see the attachments or contact the Office of Employee Relations at (502) 564-5595 or (502) 564-5954 or visit http://personnel.ky.gov/emprel/2011+KY+Public+Service+Recognition+Week+Poster+Contest.htm.
Kentucky Historical Society seasonal hours
Effective December 11, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) history campus in downtown Frankfort will adopt a seasonal public schedule.
The KHS history campus – which includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal – will not be available to walk-in visitors from Dec. 11, 2011, through March 9, 2012. However, groups of 10 or more will be accommodated with a reservation throughout the winter season.
The history campus will be open to walk-in visitors and researchers on these dates during the winter: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 and Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.
This year will mark the second year KHS has operated under a seasonal schedule. During the 2010 winter season, nearly 6,100 people visited KHS in groups of 10 or more, which was actually an increase in visitation over the 2009 winter season. Focusing on group visitation over the winter – when walk-in traffic is typically lower -- allows KHS staff to focus efforts on processing the society's 500,000 museum and special collections. Last winter, KHS staff transferred more than 31,000 records to a new collections database, added nearly 700 artifact records to its online services and catalogued more than 2,400 rolls of microfilm representing county records, church records and manuscript collections.
The following KHS services will continue year-round:
KHS will be available to schedule visits for groups of 10 or more people with at least seven days notice during the winter season.
KHS will be open to the public for second Saturday programming on Dec. 10, Jan. 14 and Feb. 11. On these dates, KHS will offer genealogy workshops in partnership with the Kentucky Genealogical Society, as well as scout programs and teacher training workshops. The Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at the Center for Kentucky History, KHS exhibitions and the 1792 Store will also be open, along with tours of the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal.
Outreach programming including the KHS HistoryMobile, Kentucky Junior Historical Society/National History Day program, KHS Museum Theatre, oral history technical services, KHS Museums-To-Go exhibits, historical markers and work with the Civil War and War of 1812 related sites and museums will also be ongoing.
Reference services will continue to be available year-round through the library both by email and by telephone.
Rental services will continue to be available at KHS year-round.
Beginning Saturday, March 10, 2012, KHS will resume its regular public hours (Wednesday 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m. ET; Thursday 10 a.m. -- 8 p.m. ET; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m. ET).
To find out more about KHS, visit www.history.ky.gov.
National Black Child Development Institute 41st Annual Conference – October 8-11, 2011
The National Black Child Development Institute invites you to their 41st annual Conference to be held at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel and Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee on October 8-11, 2011. Register now to take advantage of the Early Bird Rates and Register for the Pre-Conference Seminars $250 (NBCDI-Member) and $325 (Non-Member).
For hotel reservations, call the Renaissance Group Reservations Desk at 800-266-9432 or visit www.nbcdi.org and click the “Hotel/Transportation” link to make your online hotel reservations. Indicate that you are attending the NBCDI Annual Conference to receive the discounted rate. The cut-off date for reservations is Friday, September 9, 2011.
For more information, please go to the NBCDI website at http://nbcdi.org/conferences/nbcdi-annual-conference/ .
Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot National High School Cyber Defense Competition
CyberPatriot is the premier high school cyber defense competition created to inspire high school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future. The competition was conceived by the Air Force Association. Northrop Grumman is the presenting sponsor.
A CyberPatriot team consist of five students and up to five alternates. Each team must have a coach, normally a teacher. Competitors must be at least 13 years of age and enrolled in grades 9-12. Teams may use mentors or technical advisors to help students prepare for the competition.
Registration for divisions is now open through October 8, 2011. A fee of $350 per team is required to cover software and training materials for teams to prepare and complete, participation kits and all travel costs for teams that make it to the in-person competition level.
The final competition will take place at AFA’s CyberFutures Conference at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland, March 22-34, 2012.
More information is available at www.uscyberpatriot.org .