N. Ky. Advocate THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSOR Joins Prichard Staff Brigitte Blom Ramsey of Falmouth joined the Prichard Committee staff in May as associate executive director. She previ- ously served as director of strategic resour- ces and public policy at the United Way Perspectives of Greater Cincin- nati and co-chaired VOLUME 25 | FALL 2014 the Northern Ken- tucky Education Action Team. Students’ Input Elevating Policy Issues Ramsey is a Voice Team Growing, Studying Postsecondary Transitions member of Ken- The Prichard Committee’s Student Voice Team Beshear for backing of education funding increases. tucky’s Early Child- ended its pilot year strong: preparing to call attention With no formal recruitment effort, the group hood Advisory to ways state policymakers and education leaders can expanded beyond its initial central Kentucky mem- Council and was Ramsey improve transitions after high school. bership and now includes 30 middle and high school appointed in 2008 by Gov. Steve Beshear to Among a spate of activities last year, the group students with members from Elizabethtown and Jef- the State Board of Education. She resigned mobilized other students in a statewide social media ferson, Green and Knox counties. that position upon joining the Prichard staff. campaign to push for increased education funding in One of the most ambitious undertakings, howev- “Members of the Prichard Committee the state’s 2015-16 budget and made the featured pre- er, is still in the works, as members develop a strategy believe that engaging, educating and em- sentation at an event in Frankfort to hail Gov. Steve See VOICE, Page 8 powering citizens makes a difference, and See RAMSEY, Page 5

31 Years of Action, Answers, Progress

Lexington, Lexington, KY

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who we are The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is an independent, non-profit, nonpartisan group of volunteers who have worked since 1983 to improve education. The group provides information and materials to ed- ucators, policymakers and citizens across the state on a variety of student Prichard Committee Associate Executive Director Cindy Heine, center, speaks achievement and public school issues. The committee is not affiliated with with member Bonnie Freeman of Louisville and Prichard Committee vice-chair Kentucky state government. It is named for the late Edward F. Prichard Jr., Franklin Jelsma, also of Louisville, left, at a reception in her honor in Lexington a lawyer from Paris, who in 1980 led a citizens’ committee on improving in July. Heine retired after 25 years on staff. She offers thoughts on her tenure Kentucky’s universities. and issues facing Kentucky schools in an interview on Page 4.

THANKS TO OUR GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR VOLUME 25 Prichard Committee 2 FALL 2014 Perspectives for Academic Excellence v i e w p o i n t Jobs Report Shows Limits Staying in Touch Across a Diverse State Facing Non-College-Bound Kentucky high school graduates who enter the Kentucky is a diverse state. Depending example, most of the state members are not having workforce face limited options and low wages, ac- on where you are, the prevailing news, conversations about charter schools, with the excep- cording to a July report from the Kentucky Center for excursions, and accents may rest square- tion of Lexington and Louisville where this is a hot Education and Workforce Statistics. ly in West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee or issue, but most of our members are asking for more Members of the Class of 2012 who opted for Indiana. Some Kentuckians regularly drive information about the Common Core, known here full-time work earned an average of $7,567 in their east through the Cumberland Gap to work as the Kentucky Core Academic Standards. first year of employment, only rising to $11,511 three in Virginia. Others cross bridges over the I would like to thank those able to attend and years after graduation. Ohio and Mississippi Rivers near Cairo, Ill., extend a special thanks to those who served as hosts. “Even after three years, only a little more than headed west to a job in Missouri. Overall, we’ve learned that regional meetings once one out of three who were employed were earning The Prichard Committee has always a year are beneficial to both our members and staff. as much as a person who works full-time at a mini- brought together voices of citizens around At this time, we are considering having one big um wage job,” the report found. “The idea of leaving a common concern, but statewide meetings annual meeting and a set of regional meetings each high school for a high-paying job in the factory or in can work against a strong awareness of year. Eastern Kentucky in a mine is the exception and not thinking Based on the the rule.” and action discussions and feed- Different The report found that females earn about one- across a back we received, we parts of our third less than male grads who enter the workforce, wide state. sent out follow-up state have and that African-American grads earned about 30 The information. We are percent less than their white peers. Prichard also in the process of different The report found that recent grads were most Commit- drafting a white paper interests and likely to land jobs in the state’s four lowest-paying tee staff on charter schools industries. Additionally, attendance in high school and board that we will share issues, from also showed a connection with later income — decided to with members prior charter schools graduates with 20 or more unexcused absences in hold seven to our November an- to Common their senior year earned up to 55 percent less than regional nual meeting where those with 5 or fewer unexcused absences. meetings it will be a topic for Core standards. The report “illustrates what we know to be true this spring discussion. Student in the current economy,” said a statement from the By Stu Silberman instead of intern Danny Miller Prichard Committee. “More than ever, students Executive Director one larger researched charters must be prepared for college and career at high lev- meeting, and wrote the paper els.” giving us a chance to talk with and listen to this summer. Also prior to the November meeting, The report, “No College = Low Wages,” is avail- our members in smaller group settings. It we will convene a study group of our members that able at kentuckyp20.ky.gov. was also a good opportunity for new staff will review our work and provide initial feedback. members to meet our members. We look forward to receiving input and feedback We were able to have face-to-face from across Kentucky. As an advocacy group, we conversations in small groups about the exist to build informed support for quality teaching r e a c h i n g u s specific needs of each region, and many and learning, so please feel free to contact us at any folks participated who have not been able time to let us know how we can be helpful to you in by mail — 271 W. Short St., Suite 202 Lexington, KY 40507 to do so in the past. We talked about a your local communities. by phone — (859) 233-9849 variety of issues including Common Core State action rests on local awareness and online — www.prichardcommittee.org standards, charter schools and workforce engagement. development. The Prichard Committee has built its reputation Perspectives is published regularly throughout We found that different parts of our and record on work that connects the two. Our the year as both a printed and an e-mail newsletter. state have different interests and issues but regional meetings were a great reminder of that Contact us to be added to our mailing lists or to there is striking commonality as well. For power and potential. suggest others we might add. Prichard Committee VOLUME 25 for Academic Excellence Perspectives FALL 2014 3 Prichard Member Hinkle Teachers Network at Let’sTALK Conference Appointed to State Board Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Samuel D. Hinkle, IV, of Shelbyville to the State Board of Education in July. A lawyer, Hinkle is a member of the Prichard Committee. Hinkle is a past four-term member and chair of the Shelby County school board. Beshear also appointed retired administrative judge Debra L. Cook of Corbin to the state board. She served on the Corbin school board for 16 years. The two join nine other members appointed by the governor. Two other state board members, Mary Gwen Wheeler of Louisville and Roger L. Mar- cum of Bardstown, the state board’s chairman, are also members of the Prichard Committee. Marcum and Wheeler were re-appointed to new four-year terms by Beshear this summer. Hinkle, Marcum and Wheeler were appointed to seats on the board that About 300 educators attended the second Let’s TALK: Conversations About Effective Teaching and represent geographic areas of the state. They each Learning conference in Louisville in June. Sessions focused on a range of teaching, assessment and now fill terms that extend to 2018. evaluation issues. The meeting was sponsored by the Kentucky Education Association, the state edu- The state board oversees action by the state ed- cation department, the Prichard Committee and the Fund for Transforming Education in Kentucky. ucation department. It develops and adopts regula- Keynote speakers included Sharon Porter Robinson, above right, president of the American Associa- tions that govern 173 school districts across Ken- tion of Colleges of Teacher Education, and Holly Bloodworth of Murray, bottom right, 2014 Kentucky tucky. Teacher of the Year.

OFFICERS Nancy M. Collins, Hazard Suzanne K. Hyden, Prestonsburg Cindy Price, Somerset Sam Corbett, Louisville Harvie Wilkinson, Lexington Nancy Jarett, Louisville Julie Howard Price, Paducah Alfonso N. Cornish, Louisville CHAIR Doug Jones, Morehead Louis Prichard, Paris Brad Cowgill, Lexington Cheryl Karp, Louisville Kathy Reed, Bardstown Franklin Jelsma, Louisville William M. Cox, Jr., Madisonville Judy Kasey, Louisville Al Rider, Upton VICE-CHAIR Darrell E. Crawford, Auburn Joseph W. Kelly, Salvisa Dorothy S. Ridings, Louisville Hilma S. Prather, Somerset Ben Cundiff, Cadiz Amelia R. Kiser, M.D., Glasgow Jill E. Robinson, Frankfort SECRETARY/TREASURER Cory Curl, Versailles Carol Lamm, Berea Jean Rosenberg, Prestonsburg Sim Davenport, Owensboro Lonnie Lawson, Somerset Linda Rumpke, Lexington MEMBERS Scott P. Davis, Henderson Mary Jane Littleton, Murray Becky Sagan, Lexington Madeline Abramson, Louisville Jean M. Dorton, Paintsville Fannie Louise Maddux, Pembroke Keith Sanders, Owensboro Shawn T. Allen, Sr., New Castle Laura M. Douglas, Louisville Roger L. Marcum, St. Catharine Joshua Santana, Lexington Daniel L. Ash, Louisville W. Clay H. Ford, Owensboro Elissa May-Plattner, Melbourne Julie Schmidt, Louisville Clay A. Barkley, Louisville Bonnie Lash Freeman, Louisville William McCann, Lexington Ben Self, Lexington Brady Barlow, Lexington Bill Garmer, Lexington Norma M. Meek, Ashland Jon L. Sights, Henderson Matthew Barzun, Louisville Jill L. Giordano, Princeton Lewis N. Melton, P.E., Middlesboro Albert P. Smith, Jr., Lexington Justin Bathon, Lexington Meghan Glynn, Taylor Mill Ouita P. Michel, Midway Alice Sparks, Fort Mitchell William E. Beasley, Henderson Rebecca S. Goss, Nicholasville Herb A. Miller, Lexington Susan Spurlock, Prestonsburg Jessica Berry, Lexington Jane Graham, Lexington Pam Miller, Lexington David Tachau, Louisville Robert Biagi, Shelbyville Stephen Grossman, Lexington Karen Monday, Walton Adrienne Godfrey Thakur, Lexington David Bolt, Morehead Kevin Hable, Louisville Helen W. Mountjoy, Utica Lynda M. Thomas, Lexington Candance Castlen Brake, Owensboro Jean R. Hale, Pikeville Wade Mountz, Louisville James C. Votruba, Highland Heights Matthew W. Breetz, Louisville Donna S. Hall, Lexington David R. O’Bryan, Lexington Lois C. Weinberg, Hindman Andrew Brennen, Lexington Michael Hammons, Covington Patrick W. O’Leary, Louisville Mary Gwen Wheeler, Louisville Dale Brown, Bowling Green Billy Harper, Paducah Charlie Owen, Louisville Gene Wilhoit, Lawrenceburg Patricia Brundage, Covington Samuel D. Hinkle, IV, Shelbyville M. Lynn Parrish, Pikeville William H. Wilson, Lexington Ron Bunch, Bowling Green Larry Holladay, Fort Thomas Paul E. Patton, Pikeville Ellen Call, Louisville Augusta Brown Holland, Louisville Dennis Pearce, Lexington Helen Carroll, Erlanger Kerry Holleran, Covington Laura A. Pitman, Murray Alva Mitchell Clark, Lexington David Holton, Louisville Hiram C. Polk Jr., M.D., Louisville Stu Silberman, Martha Layne Collins, Lexington Marianne Schmidt Hurtt, Fort Wright Margaret G. Pope, Paducah EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VOLUME 25 Prichard Committee 4 FALL 2014 Perspectives for Academic Excellence ‘Change is Difficult; It is Much Easier to Maintain the Status Quo’ Heine Reflects on State’s Rising Education Status In July, Prichard Committee Associate Executive Director Cindy Heine retired af- ter 31 years with the group, including 25 on staff. During her tenure, she led efforts to educate parents and citizens about the Ken- tucky Education Reform Act of 1990 and subsequent changes in state education pol- icy, to improve teaching quality, and, most recently, its drive to expand quality pre-k and Left, Cindy Heine, Bob Sexton and moderator George Zack prepare for a televised 1989 education forum. In early childhood programs. She was a lead- 2012, Heine testified in Frankfort on the state’sHANDS home-visitation program to assist first-time parents. ing force in the organization’s grassroots ad- Parents pictured who also testified are Monique Lewis holding Jayla and Edwina Hazel holding Ellison. vocacy efforts, programming, publications and operations. After the death of founding tion. My good friend, Pam Sexton, introduced me to set of reforms like ours could make a difference. With Executive Director Robert F. Sexton, Heine Ed Prichard, who offered advice; and, after a year of Bob’s leadership, we raised funds to develop a pub- served as interim executive director until Stu stressful advocacy, we managed to get the principal lic-information campaign, serve as a watchdog and Silberman was named to lead the group. removed from school leadership. In that one year support strong implementation of this new system. This spring and summer, she was recog- we lost about 10 of our better teachers, a devastating What were the toughest obstacles? nized by several organizations: the Kentucky blow to that school and its students. That was the year Change is difficult. It is much easier to maintain PTA gave her its Paul Mason Legislative the Committee on the Future of Higher Education in the status quo than to rethink and change long-held Advocate for Children Award; the Ken- Kentucky was wrapping up its first report. Pam was a practices. The 1990 reforms brought momentous tucky Association of School Administrators member of this group, chaired by Mr. Prichard. When change, turning Kentucky’s education system upside presented its William T. Nallia Educational they decided to incorporate in 1983 as the Prichard down. For the first time, educators would be held ac- Leadership Award; the Kentucky Associa- Committee for Academic Excellence and undertake countable for student learning and they had to focus tion of School Superintendents gave her its a study of elementary/secondary education, they ex- on ALL students, not just those who were easy to Distinguished Service Award, and Children panded their membership. I was invited to join and teach and who had strong family support. Inc., of Covington, honored Heine and the served on a subcommittee on children and youth, The second big obstacle is turning well-inten- Prichard Committee’s Brigitte Blom Ram- looking at factors that interfere with students’ learn- tioned policy into reality. That takes a massive educa- sey with its Imagine Tomorrow Award for ing. One recommendation was quality preschool for tion and professional development effort. leadership on behalf of young children. any child ages three and four whose parents wanted it. One factor that seems to be unique in Kentucky Heine recently reflected on key issues in In early 1989, Bob Sexton, the director, offered is the strong working relationship among state-level Kentucky education since the 1980s and the me a job as associate executive director of the Com- advocates. Understanding the challenges of the vari- challenge of keeping education excellence a mittee. He had a secretary at the time and no other ous constituents has been extraordinarily helpful. In priority locally and at the state level. staff. I had been working as a nurse at the University addition, our state Department of Education, Council Q: What got you interested in of Kentucky Medical Center, our youngest child was on Postsecondary Education and Education Profes- education and involved as a par- about to graduate from high school, and I was ready sional Standards Board are working hand-in-hand. ent? for a new challenge. These efforts to work together are an important factor A: When our children entered public Over your tenure, what were the key in the progress Kentucky has made. schools in Lexington, I became engaged challenges in activating citizens to sup- What are the next big steps needed? as a homeroom mother and PTA volunteer, port public education? Kentucky has made good progress since the 1990 but engagement became more intense with Helping the public and policymakers understand reforms. A 2011 University of Kentucky Center for the arrival of a new principal, who was too legislation to give it a chance to work is extraordinari- Business and Economic Research report shows us strong in maintaining discipline and very ly challenging. Bob thought of efforts like this as a moving from 48th among the states in 1990 to 33rd weak on instructional leadership. We joined campaign. After the 1990 reforms, large foundations in 2009 on an index of education indicators. Of the a small group of other parents and took ac- took an interest in Kentucky to see if a comprehensive bottom 10 states in 1990, Kentucky made the strong- Prichard Committee VOLUME 25 for Academic Excellence Perspectives FALL 2014 5 ‘The most important thing elementary/secondary funding to 2008 levels — a good step for which we are grateful, but that did not Ramsey we can do to improve address inflation, leaving us six years behind. Higher Continued from Page 1 education and our economy education has been cut $168 million — 15.5 percent that the biggest impact we can have is in the is provide young children — between fiscal 2008 and 2014. So, as much as I education of the next generation,” Ramsey hear that the public supports education, I don’t see it in with a strong start.’ said. “The commitment to this vision attract- public policy providing resources to make it happen. ed me to the Prichard Committee.” You’ve become a leading proponent Ramsey holds a degree in economics est gains, remarkable for a poverty-ridden state like for expanding quality early childhood ed- and international studies from Northern ours. I think we can attribute that to teachers and ucation. What kind of system should state Kentucky University and a master of pub- school leaders who have worked extraordinarily hard. leaders be working to create? lic policy from the University of Kentucky One issue on the Prichard Committee agenda The most important thing we can do to improve Martin School of Public Policy and Admin- since our earliest reports is teaching. The next most education and our economy is provide young chil- istration. She has worked as director of tax important step is adopting and implementing the new dren with a strong start. Research shows stronger and budget for Kentucky Youth Advocates evaluation system called PGES — the Professional outcomes when mothers have good prenatal care and and as a researcher for the University of Cin- Growth and Effectiveness System. As envisioned, deliver babies at term. Brain development in the last cinnati, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleve- it will give classroom teachers more specific and two to three weeks of pregnancy and in the first few land and Northern Kentucky University. helpful feedback to improve their practice. It should years of life is critical in establishing the foundation She also served as a member of the Pendle- help administrators more thoughtfully grant tenure to for learning and socio-emotional development. ton County school board. young teachers and make a difference in outcomes Every child needs adults who care about them, “It goes without saying that education for our students. talk with them, read to them and provide a secure, is empowerment — it’s empowering for The second effort currently underway in Ken- loving and nurturing environment. We need a sys- a kindergartener who has that first sweet tucky — the Vanguard Project — will change the tem of care that assures quality prenatal care for all taste of learning success, for third and face of teacher preparation and subsequent employ- women, supportive programs like the Health Access fourth graders proficiently making the leap ment if adopted as intended. Nurturing and Development (HANDS) home-visiting from learning to read to reading to learn, What have you learned about Kentuck- program for vulnerable families, quality child care for middle schoolers beginning to learn ians’ interest in education from working and preschool for all children whose families want it about the world outside of their own com- with people from all parts of the state? and support for parents in these early years. munity and the rich opportunities that await The public is vocal about providing a high-quali- What are you looking forward to most them, and it’s empowering for high school- ty education in Kentucky. Business leaders talk about about retirement? ers who begin to envision their potential as the need for an educated workforce to maintain their At the top of my list is spending more time with full contributors to a larger society,” Ram- competitive edge. Colleges and universities want stu- our children and grandchildren. Following that, I’m sey said. dents capable of doing and completing postsecondary looking forward to more time for reading, gardening “It is my hope that, somewhere along level work. Policymakers, including legislators and and travel and having time with friends. the way, all young people realize that educa- governors, want to improve the economy with strong I have been privileged to work in a job that I have tion is their ‘golden ticket’ and that we, the elementary, secondary and postsecondary programs, loved. It has been my honor to work for and with adults, do everything in our power to ensure yet Kentucky spends about $2,000 less per pupil than colleagues, members and friends who are passion- a system that fully prepares them for a future the national average, and our state investment in post- ate about Kentucky and give so much of themselves. we cannot even imagine,” she added. secondary education has declined dramatically. Working with our executive directors, Bob Sexton Ramsey succeeds Cindy Heine who re- William Fox, professor of economics at the Uni- and Stu Silberman, kept me on the path of ‘lifelong tired as associate executive director in July versity of Tennessee in Knoxville, correctly predict- learning.’ Some of those folks, like Pam and Bob after joining the Prichard staff since 1989 ed in a 2002 report to the Kentucky legislature that Sexton, who are no longer with us, have left some- and serving as a member of the group be- without tax reform, revenue would not grow to meet thing of themselves in us — the desire to make a ginning in 1983. (See related story, Page 4.) the state’s needs. As I’ve talked with individual legis- difference, to be smart and strategic as we move for- “Cindy has been such a great advocate lators, almost every one is sincere in their desire to do ward, to listen to those who struggle with the system and champion for kids during her 31 years, what’s best for Kentucky, including providing a good, and to raise hell when needed. I can’t imagine a better and she will be missed by all,” said Stu Sil- solid education. Since 1990, however, as a whole, the opportunity; and, for that, I will be forever grateful. berman, the Prichard Committee’s execu- legislature hasn’t been willing to make the tough deci- tive director. “We are so fortunate to be able sions to ensure adequate resources to educate our chil- MORE: The full text of this Q&A is online at to have someone with Brigitte’s quality and dren. This year, the governor and legislature restored www.prichardcommittee.org. experiences join us as we move forward.” VOLUME 25 Prichard Committee 6 FALL 2014 Perspectives for Academic Excellence schools and with the same sponsors. It will begin Jan. p a r e n t l e a d e r s h i p 30 and conclude on March 21, 2015. BEREA GROUP BACKS TRAINING Program Grows to 5 Institutes for 2014-15 The Partners for Education at Berea College In- stitute begins Sept. 12 at Natural Bridge State Resort Partnerships Help how schools and districts operate. They also learn Park and conclude in November. Applications were about ways to engage school leaders and fellow par- accepted from the service region of the Partners Adults Boost Schools ents to develop a project to increase achievement and for Education at Berea College, which includes the expand parent involvement in their child’s school. The Governor’s Commonwealth In- following counties and communities: Bell, Breath- N. KY. REGION TARGETED stitute for Parent Leadership will hold five itt, Clay, Estill, Garrard, Jackson, Knott, Knox, Lau- regional sessions across Kentucky in 2014- The Northern Kentucky session kicked-off on rel, Lee, Leslie, Madison, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, 15, reaching an expected 150 parents with Aug. 22 in Hebron. It is sponsored by Toyota Ken- Powell, Pulaski and Rockcastle, as well as the inde- training designed to boost their effectiveness tucky, State Farm and Duke Energy. Applications pendent school districts in Berea and Jackson. and team-building ability to support stron- were accepted from the following independent school Baumert said the team planning the 2014-15 ses- ger schools. districts: Augusta, Beechwood, Bellevue, Covington, sions is pleased with the expanded sessions and the The institutes will reach parents in the Dayton, Erlanger-Elsmere, Fort Thomas, Ludlow, possibilities in the near future. counties surrounding Berea, in far eastern Newport, Silver Grove, Southgate, Walton-Verona “The 17-year reputation of our program, as a ma- Kentucky, northern Kentucky and Louis- and Williamstown. Participants were also chosen jor initiative of the Prichard Committee, to build ca- ville. Institute director Cindy Baumert said from Bracken, Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, pacity in communities to support public schools has the upcoming sessions are a sign of increas- Grant, Kenton, Mason, Owen, Pendleton and Rob- made it possible to attract financial support from local ing interest in parent leadership training. ertson counties. funders,” she said. “Our ability to be flexible to meet “Our team is excited about our growing LOUISVILLE DOUBLES UP the ever changing needs of our partners in education partnerships with organizations across the The first Louisville institute is set to begin on has driven new opportunities for us. We are looking state who value engaging parents and other Sept. 5. Primary sponsors are the James Graham at new business opportunities with an entrepreneurial community members in meaningful ways Brown Foundation, The C.E. and S. Foundation, The approach. The ability to stay true to your mission yet to improve our public schools,” Baumert Gheens Foundation and Toyota Kentucky. Applica- continually look at new ways of doing things is al- said. “There is a real synergy happening in tions were accepted from parents, caregivers, men- ways the challenge.” communities to do this work, and one that is tors and other adults who work with students at all Developing partnerships that allow the institutes involving all stakeholders.” Jefferson County Public Schools, with preference to continue and expand into central and western Ken- Participants for the sessions include par- given to applicants affiliated with the 18 Priority tucky is a goal, Baumert added. Since the program ents, guardians, mentors and community Schools in Jefferson County and their feeder middle began in 1997, more than 1,800 parents and commu- members. and elementary schools, including the following high nity members have become fellows of the program, SESSIONS OPEN IN MOREHEAD schools: Doss, Fairdale, Fern Creek, Iroquois, Sene- and several states and school districts across the ca, Shawnee, Southern, Waggener, Valley and West- country have developed their own institutes from the The 2014 sessions began Aug. 15 with ern; and the following middle schools: Frost, Knight, GCIPL model. the Eastern Kentucky institute sponsored by Myers, Olmsted North, Stuart, Thomas Jefferson, For information about future institutes or to be Morehead State University. Sessions will Western and Westport. notified about upcoming GCIPL opportunities, visit continue in September and November. Due to the overwhelming interest, a second in- www.gcipl.org, and follow us on Facebook at www. Applications were accepted from the 32 stitute will be held in Louisville targeting the same facebook.com/kygcipl. county service region of Morehead and the University of Pikeville, made up of Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, INSTITUTES FOR 2014-15 Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Greenup, Harlan, The Governor’s Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership will be spread among five loca- Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, tions in the months ahead. A quick look at the sites and dates: Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, MOREHEAD & CARTER CAVES STATE PARK: Aug. 15-16, Sept. 12-13, Nov. 21-22 Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Rowan and HEBRON & NORTHERN KY: Aug. 22-23, Sept. 26-27, Oct. 18 Wolfe counties. As in all of the institutes, ap- LOUISVILLE: Sept. 5-6, Oct. 10-11, Nov. 8 plicants selected to attend participate in five NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK: Sept. 12-13, Oct. 10-11, Nov. 7-8 days of free training where they learn about LOUISVILLE: Jan. 23-24, 2015, Feb. 20-21, March 21 aspects of Kentucky’s education system and Prichard Committee VOLUME 25 for Academic Excellence Perspectives FALL 2014 7 State Allocating $1.2 Million Locally to Advance School Readiness Community Early Childhood Councils covering slightly fewer than half of the Kentucky pupils who Early Childhood and the state Early Child- 88 Kentucky counties will share more than $1 million started public school kindergarten in 2013-14 met hood Advisory Council will work with the in grants announced in June by Gov. Steve Beshear. readiness benchmarks. The screening measure asks local councils in implementing the grants. He added that councils in 27 more counties have students their name and age and whether they can re- The local councils utilize the state’s Ear- been invited to apply for an additional $200,000, all cite the alphabet or count to 30, among other skills. ly Childhood Profile, a county-by-county to boost school readiness. “It is imperative to the future of Kentucky that report that combines kindergarten readiness The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per our children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and data, participation in publicly funded pre- county, are intended to support work by the councils succeed,” Gov. Beshear said in announcing the first school, Head Start and child care informa- to mobilize communities around local strategies to wave of grants. “That is why we must engage every- tion with other factors, like the quality and improve school readiness skills. one, from lawmakers to families, in making sure all availability of child care and the education In January, the state released results of the first children in the Commonwealth get the best possible of the early childhood workforce. The re- statewide kindergarten screenings which showed that start in life.” port also presents demographic data that The councils, often organized as a multi-county underscores the depth of challenges facing group, work to develop community-level strategies young children and their families in reach- for improving readiness and early childhood out- ing school readiness targets. Toyota, Beshear Support comes. They are comprised of community volunteers Beyond the grants announced in June, from local school districts, public health departments, 19 councils covering 27 counties were invit- New bornlearning Sites child care providers, Head Start, local libraries, par- ed to apply for the remaining funds — more The state is funding 25 new bornlearning acade- ents and interest groups. The Governor’s Office of than $200,000. mies this fall, the first step in using part of a massive federal grant to create 150 new academies across the state over four years. The state’s plan to spend Conference Promotes Pre-k Quality $1.4 million on the program complements a $1 mil- lion multi-year investment in the academies by Toy- ota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky. The bornlearning academies are school-based workshops. Across six sessions, parents of young children up to age five engage in hands-on activities and discussion about what it means to be ready for kindergarten and learning strategies they can use to maximize their child’s early learning and develop- ment. The academies started in the Kenton County schools with assistance from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Univer- sity. The program has been expanded by a partner- ship between Toyota, the Prichard Committee, the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood and the Unit- ed Way of Kentucky. In June, Toyota named 14 new academies being funded in the coming school year. The state’s expansion of the program is fund- ed under Kentucky’s Race to the Top Early Learn- More than 1,000 providers of child care, pre-k and other services to young children attended the in- ing Challenge federal grant awarded in December. augural Ready Kids Conference in June organized by the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood. The Kentucky was one of six states to win a grant in the conference offered professional training and a range of sessions, including one by Brigitte Ramsey, third round of the federal competition, which has associate executive director of the Prichard Committee. Right, keynote speaker Mark Shriver, senior awarded over $1 billion to 20 grantees. vice president for strategic initiatives at Save the Children, discussed key moments in the work of his More information is available at bornlearning. father, Sargent Shriver, to found Head Start and other anti-poverty programs. Above, sessions included org. informational presentations as well as team-building and activities to build the skills of young children. VOLUME 25 Prichard Committee 8 FALL 2014 Perspectives for Academic Excellence Members of the Student Voice Team joined a Cap- Pamela Papka Sexton itol press conference on increased education fund- ing. The group included, from left, Ashton Bishop of 1946-2014 Green County Middle, Meghana Kudrimoti of Dun- bar High, Jamie Smith of Henry Clay High, Mahika Gupta of Dunbar High, Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexing- ton, Jane Beshear and Gov. Steve Beshear, Hiatt Al- len, a Tates Creek High graduate, Reilly Voit of Dun- bar High, Bharath Chithrala of Dunbar High, Sahar Mohammadzadeh of Dunbar High, Gentry Fitch of West Jessamine High, Ben Kincaid of Dunbar High, and Andrew Brennen, a Dunbar High graduate.

voices of our schools’ most critical stakeholders and Voice to showcase a student and teacher dynamic that gen- Continued from Page 1 erates value beyond the classroom walls.” to draw attention to ways students and families Belin said interest in the group has been steadi- can better plan for college and life beyond high ly growing, and she regularly fields requests from school. professional conferences to share the story behind Starting this summer, an investigative team inter- their work. viewed students, parents, teachers, researchers and She added that the Student Voice Team is meet- Pamela Papka Sexton, a founding mem- policymakers to identify key issues and consulted ing its goal of demonstrating how informed students ber of the Prichard Committee, died June with journalists and technology experts on dissemi- can serve as valuable partners in improving schools. 12, 2014 in Lexington after a year-long bat- nation strategies. The team is creating content such as “We see this as a model for collaborating with tle with cancer. She was 68. op-eds, video clips and a policy brief and will release young people that can be replicated in a variety of A poet, artist, and activist, Sexton was materials later this fall through traditional and social contexts,” Belin said, adding that she aims for the the widow of Robert F. Sexton, the found- media outlets. team to prove “how much having student perspec- ing executive director of the Prichard The Student Voice Team is collaborating with tives can enhance education policymaking.” Committee. In addition to her passionate Ali Wright, a Lexington teacher who works with the Gentry Fitch, a senior at West Jessamine High advocacy for education, Sexton served as Center for Teaching Quality in North Carolina, to School helping to spearhead the Postsecondary chair of the board of the Carnegie Center enhance the scope and impact of the Postsecondary Project, underscores the point: “Students are not for Literacy and Learning in Lexington and Project. Rachel Belin, the Prichard Committee de- just the future. Involving us in such high-level, as vice-president of the Kentucky Folk Art velopment director who is coordinating the Student solution-oriented work shows that we have a lot to Center in Morehead. She also served on the Voice Team, said the groups joined to “amplify the contribute and are very much a part of the present.” boards of the Lexington Children’s Theatre, the Lexington Arts and Cultural Council, and the Lexington Philharmonic. Congress Extends Home-Visiting Funding Pam Sexton is pictured above, top, with Kentucky’s home visiting program to support mortality rate, fewer non-emergency visits to emer- her late husband and Lois Combs Weinberg first-time parents got a boost in March when Con- gency rooms, reduced incidence of child neglect, an of Hindman at a Prichard Committee meet- gress extended the Maternal Infant Early Childhood increase in parents reading to their children, and an ing. Below left, at a meeting with Wade Home Visiting program, which supports HANDS increase in parents returning to school or work. Mountz of Louisville, and, below right, (the Health Access Nurturing Development System) The Prichard Committee rallied members and speaking with University of Kentucky in Kentucky. friends along with its Business Leaders for a Strong President Eli Capilouto in 2013 when the Funding was set to expire after September but Start members to contact Kentucky’s Congressional university announced it would archive the was extended through March 2015. delegation in support of the extension. papers of Bob Sexton in its library system’s In Kentucky, HANDS offers coaching and sup- Attention to the federal home visiting program’s Special Collections. port for vulnerable young families, giving them the funding is also a continuing priority as its funding is “For many, many years, she dedicated information needed to make better choices for their in question again in March. her life to doing what was best for kids in children. The program has demonstrated results in- More information on the federal program is Kentucky and beyond,”said Stu Silberman, cluding: fewer premature births, a decreased infant- available at mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/homevisiting/. the Prichard Committee executive director.