Education

After Critical State Audit, Valley High School Principal Gary Hurt Demoted

Devin Katayama — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:58:15 +0000

Louisville’s Valley High School will replace Principal Gary Hurt next school year following a state audit that concluded he doesn’t have the ability to turn around the school.

Last month, a Kentucky Department of Education team was at Valley High conducting interviews and observing classes.

Listen | WFPL News Special on Changing School Culture and Giving Students Positive Support

Devin Katayama — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:35:55 +0000

While Jefferson County Public Schools has improved its suspension record this year, the district of more than 100,000 students still struggles with the fact that a disproportionate number of minority students are suspended.

Bullitt County Middle School Gets Results With Different Discipline Approach

Devin Katayama — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:12:00 +0000

Seventh grader Charlie Cross sometimes gets frustrated with learning.

“If I don’t know what to do, I’ll raise my hand and they’ll go to other kids and then my hand will get tired so I’ll put it down and I just lay my head down on the desk,” he says.

Cross has been sent to the principal’s office for things like this before. He's also been sent to the district’s alternative school.

He’s not alone.

Kentucky Releases Preliminary Report on College Degrees, Showing Stagnant Results

Devin Katayama — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:16:02 +0000

More than 61,000 students are estimated to receive a degree or credential from one of Kentucky’s public and independent colleges and universities in 2013—slightly fewer than the year before, according to Kentucky's Council on Postsecondary Education.

The CPE released its preliminary degrees report Thursday, you can find it here.

Funding Cuts, Changing Needs Blamed for 41 JCPS Teacher Layoffs

Devin Katayama — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:06:16 +0000

Jefferson County Public Schools will lay off 41 teachers next school year, half of whom teach special education.

JCPS officials say state budget and federal sequester cuts are partly the reason for the layoffs, but they also say fewer students are using special education services.

The state required school districts to submit their layoff lists on May 15.

Kentucky Adult Education Offering Free GED Testing

Devin Katayama — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:32:09 +0000

Over the next few weeks, the state is offering free GED testing to eligible Kentucky residents .

The GED Testing Service hasn’t updated the high school equivalency exam in nearly a decade. Beginning in January 2014, the new test will be more closely aligned with the common core standards many states have already adopted. The testing fee will also double to $120.

In-State Tuition Agreement Means More Cash, Students for Indiana Colleges

Devin Katayama — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:23:55 +0000

Following up with yesterday's story on the reciprocity agreement between Indiana and Kentucky, the Council on Postsecondary Education has provided estimated gross tuition comparisons for how the two states fare in the agreement.

Eastern Kentucky School District Considers Arming Principals

Associated Press — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:24:50 +0000

MCKEE, Ky. — An eastern Kentucky school district is considering a proposal to deputize and arm principals for added safety.

After Christian Group Meeting, JCPS Principals Reminded to Remain 'Neutral' on Religion

Devin Katayama — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:08:29 +0000

Jefferson County Public School Superintendent Donna Hargens sent a memo to all principals reminding them that district employees must remain neutral when discussing religion in school.

Last week, the group Louisville Area Christian Educators, or LACES, held an evening meeting at a district facility where a JCPS principal reportedly discussed ways religion could be introduced to students. Some have raised concerns with the group’s use of a public school facility to deliver their message.

Kentuckians Use In-State Tuition Agreement More Than Hoosiers

Devin Katayama — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:30:41 +0000

More Kentucky students attend Indiana colleges and universities where they can get in-state tuition than the other way around.

Kentucky and Indiana officials have announced that they're extending the agreement that allows students to pay in-state tuition at certain colleges and universities across the Ohio River. The extension was approved by the two states' higher education agencies as its expiration date approached this summer.