Education

The Kentucky Department of Education has released statewide data for two tests that show improvements over last year and state officials are pleased with the progress, but say there’s more work to be done.

The EXPLORE and PLAN tests are taken in eighth and tenth grades respectively. The tests measure preparedness for high school and the ACT college entrance exam that all juniors take.

An Indiana Senate committee heard public comment today  on a bill that would require  school corporations across the state to develop and publish a policy on the restraint and seclusion of children, typically involving youngsters in a special education setting.

Officials say most of the state’s school corporations have restraint policies, but they’re inconsistent and some are vague.

Senate Bill 345 would require them to include specific information, provide training for teachers and staff and publish the policies in a handbook.  

Officials with the Jefferson County Teachers Association say if the school board proceeds with the preliminary budget adopted this week it could challenge the district in court.

The issue is over the elimination of some of the district’s school resource teachers. RTs help certain JCPS schools and teachers with curriculum or student academics. While some RTs work in specific schools, others are located in district offices like Gheens Academy.

Jefferson County Public Schools officials are optimistic about the future of career and technical education programs in the district despite a drop in enrollment last year.

A higher than projected enrollment in JCPS CTE programs this year has led to an increase in state funding of nearly $200,000. The JCPS board approved the increase in funding at Monday night's meeting.