Open Response Manual
The Kentucky Department of Education’s “Open Response Questions in the Classroom” manual has been revised. The updated manual now contains guidance for constructing both KCCT-like open response and multiple choice items. Tips for creating scoring guides and improving classroom practice, as well as an electronic open response template, also are included. To access the manual, go to Developing Quality Open Response and Multiple Choice Items for the Classroom.
KTLC Needs You
The theme for the 2008 Kentucky Teaching and Learning Conference is “Student Learning for the 21st Century – Every Child, Every Day.” This theme will connect with the 2007 theme of “Rigor, Relevance and Relationships” by focusing the conference on student learning in high-quality (standards-based, rigorous and relevant) instructional experiences. The 2008 KTLC will showcase excellence from schools and districts across the state in these areas of emphasis:
- Assessment for Learning: How is assessment for learning used as a tool to engage students in the learning process?
- Technology: How is technology being used to engage students? How is technology making curriculum accessible to all students?
- Teacher Leadership: What roles do the coaching and mentoring of teachers play in engaging students in standards-based, rigorous and relevant experiences?
- Closing the Achievement Gap: How does engagement of students help close achievement gaps within all populations?
- Successful School Culture: How can a school create a culture that supports engagement in standards-based, rigorous and relevant instruction?
KDE plans to invite presenters who can share information about the great things going on in schools and districts related to the areas of emphasis above. If you know of someone doing high-quality work in one of these areas, please share that person’s name, your name (as the person recommending), school/district, area of emphasis and a short rationale for inclusion with Robin Chandler or call her at (502) 564-9850.
ILP Training
Online registration is open for 34 hands-on, Web-enabled Individual Learning Plan (ILP) training sessions this fall at 18 locations across the state. Principals, teachers, counselors and student leaders will learn to use the student ILP and the school ILP, as well as how to implement the ILP in their schools. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about the training and to register please go to Online Registration for Fall ILP trainings.
Welcome to new KDE Leadership
The Kentucky Department of Education is pleased to welcome the following new leadership staff, who replace recent retirees:
Elaine Farris has been named deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Learning and Results Services. She replaces Linda France.
Ken Draut has been named associate commissioner of the Office of Assessment and Accountability. Draut replaces Pam Rogers.
Jamie Spugnardi has been named associate commissioner of the Office of Teaching and Learning. Spugnardi takes over for Starr Lewis.
Larry Stinson has been named associate commissioner of the Office of District Support Services. Stinson replaces Kyna Koch.
Quotable Quotes
“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.”
Josef Albers