The Next Louisville

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.

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.

JCPS Suspensions Down; Struggle for African-American Students Continues

Devin Katayama — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:27:40 +0000

Overall suspensions are down in Jefferson County Public Schools this academic year, but the district is still struggling with one major at-risk student group.

Spalding University Announces New Third Street Republic Bank Academic Center

Devin Katayama — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:41:49 +0000

Officials with Spalding University have announced plans to expand the campus after purchasing the Cosmopolitan Building in downtown Louisville.

Once renovations are complete the building will be renamed the Republic Bank Academic Center.

Spalding president Tori Murden McClure says the bank met the school nearly halfway to help pay the $700,000 purchase cost.

Jefferson County Teachers Association Wants More Say In School Improvement Efforts

Devin Katayama — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:47:26 +0000

The Jefferson County Teachers Association is trying to increase its role in turning around the school district’s lowest achieving schools and has laid out steps to improve collaboration between the union and Jefferson County Public Schools.

This week, JCTA president Brent McKim sent an email to JCPS superintendent Donna Hargens, in which he discussed 11 ways the union and JCPS could begin working together to improve turnaround efforts at the district’s 18 priority schools (see below).

Listen: Who Are Louisville's At-Risk Students and How Are They Served?

Staff — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:38:50 +0000

Many Louisville students are labeled "at-risk"—some because of family education, health history or income levels.How are these students tracked, served and assured the opportunity to succeed?

Education Forum Today: Who Are Louisville's At-Risk Students and How Are They Served?

Devin Katayama — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:23:52 +0000

Many Louisville students are labeled "at-risk"—some because of family education, health history or income levels.How are these students tracked, served and assured the opportunity to succeed?

Kentucky Students' Written Exam Responses Dropped from State Assessment

Devin Katayama — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:22:15 +0000

The Kentucky Department of Education says it will drop the written portion of the state’s End-of-Course Exams—called the constructed-response questions—in its accountability system, which officials expected will save money and time.

But some are concerned the change, effective this year, is a step back from Kentucky’s recent education reforms.

ACT Testing Resumes Next Week for Several Kentucky Schools

Devin Katayama — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:11:04 +0000

Kentucky Department of Education officials say problems with the company contracted to administer one of the state’s standardized tests online have been fixed and testing will resume on Monday.

This week several states experienced problems with three separate companies contracted to administer standardized tests.

All issues were related to online testing.