Education

Four Kentucky universities will begin using a standardized financial aid letter aimed at helping students and parents better understand the costs of higher education.

The U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday that the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Bellarmine University and Louisville's University of Phoenix campus have agreed to use the “Financial Aid Shopping Sheet.”

Jefferson County Public Schools’ elementary showcase will be held Saturday at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

The annual event allows parents and students to meet with staff and be introduced to various programs and schools where they’re eligible to apply.

Attendees will also have a chance to ask transportation and student assignment questions.

A report released Thursday by Washington-based Data Quality Campaign shows Kentucky has made progress in using data to improve student achievement.

The “Data For Action 2012” report touts Kentucky as a leader for its longitudinal data system, which refers to data that can be tracked from kindergarten to career.

Update: The standoff between SWAT and a man holed up in an East Market house is reportedly over. The Courier-Journal reports a dead body was found inside the house that caught fire during the stand off. The identification of the body has not been made available.

Update: Because of the SWAT situation, Lincoln Performing Arts School has canceled all evening activities.