New report details data on education across the U.S.
The National Center for Education Statistics in the Institute of Education Sciences has released the report "Digest of Education Statistics, 2007."
The 43rd in a series of publications initiated in 1962, the digest provides a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate school.
The digest contains data on a variety of topics, including the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments and graduates, in addition to educational attainment, finances, federal funds for education, libraries and international comparisons.
To view, download and print the report as a pdf file, click here.
Parents need to encourage safe driving during prom, graduation season
As all-night school events like prom and project graduation are coming up, the Kentucky State Police is encouraging others to be aware of the hazards of driving while drowsy. The numbers of drowsy driving accidents are staggering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that each year there are approximately 100,000 crashes caused by drowsy driving. Approximately 71,000 people are injured and 1,500 die each year as a result of drowsy driving collisions.
Captain Tim Lucas of the Kentucky State Police’s Highway Safety Branch notes, “When the prom or graduation is over, (students) head to the all-night party, where the pace of activity keeps them pumped with adrenaline. Often, these parties are ‘locked’ and students cannot return if they leave. As they head to their cars and begin the drive home - or to yet another prom-related event, the morning-after breakfast - they have now been awake nearly 21 hours or longer, and finally the excitement of the evening begins to wear off. At this point, students are literally accidents waiting to happen.
“… . These events do discourage drug and alcohol use by teens and no doubt have saved many lives over the years,” Lucas adds. “To ensure we do not trade one danger for another, school administrators and parents need to know the dangers of driving while drowsy and how to combat it.”
KSP recommends students practice these drowsy driving habits:
· Get some sleep during all-night events. If necessary, pull off in a safe place and sleep for at least 20 minutes before continuing.
· Take afternoon naps ahead of time.
· Parents can arrange pickup of their teens or pay for a cab after the event is over.
Governor’s Derby celebration
Gov. and Mrs. Steve Beshear invite all Kentuckians and their guests to visit the Capitol Saturday for the annual Governor’s Derby Breakfast. The traditional celebration has been hosted by Kentucky governors for more than 30 years.
The Kentucky Department of Parks will serve breakfast, and guests may choose from country ham, sausage, scrambled eggs, cheese grits, biscuits, fruit juices and coffee. Breakfast is free and open to the public. Food will be served from 7 to 11 a.m.
A number of activities also are planned to entertain visitors of all ages. Gov. and Mrs. Beshear will begin the first heat of the stick horse races at 8:30. If children want to experience the real thing, pony rides also will be available.
Visitors may choose to tour the Governor’s Mansion or, if weather permits, they may fly high in free hot air balloon rides to be staged on the grounds.
Other attractions include the Kentucky Historical Society’s HistoryMobile, which will allow spectators to explore the life of Abraham Lincoln. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will have live birds and reptiles on hand. The Kentucky Horse Park will share plans for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010. The College Info Road Show will offer the best ways to plan and pay for higher education.
From Bluegrass music and clogging to marching bands and Chinese dances, there will be entertainment to appeal to everyone’s taste.
For more information about the Governor’s Derby Celebration, click here.
Speed Museum celebrates Asian culture
The Speed Art Museum will be hosting a series of events in honor of its annual celebration of local Asian cultures for families, Saturday, May 10, from noon to 3 p.m.
As one of the areas largest Asian events, families can enjoy the arts and traditions of countries across Asia including China, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Samoa and Vietnam including traditional music and dance performances, informational displays, hands-on experiences and games. Admission is free. Admission to ArtSparks, Interactive Family Gallery is $5, free to museum members. For more information, call (502) 634-2700 or visit the museum’s Web site.
State offers fun family outings
Without leaving Kentucky, you and your family can discover hundreds of things to do together as a family. Reinvigorate your senses with raucous music, tasty food and a host of other fun-filled activities Explore Kentucky and share in its unbridled spirit.
Check out these family friendly events in Kentucky:
· International Bar-B-Q Festival, Owensboro, May 9-10
· Glasgow Highland Games, Barren River State Resort Park, May 29-June 1
· Stephen Foster The Musical 50th anniversary, Bardstown, June 7-Aug. 15
· Festival of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Horse Park, June 12-15
· Great American Brass Band Festival, Danville, June 12-15
· Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, Aug. 14-24
New Highly Skilled Educators named
Fifteen Kentucky educators will serve as new Highly Skilled Educators (HSEs), joining the 46 currently helping low-performing schools raise the achievement of their students.
The 15 are from school districts across the state.
They will participate in rigorous training this summer and will be assigned to schools needing assistance this fall. HSEs serve for up to three years, during which time they are granted leaves of absence from their home school districts.
They are:
- Barb Hollar, Ockerman Elementary teacher, Boone County
- Sharon Rankin, instructional supervisor and director of Federal Programs, Bourbon County
- Lee Ann Mik, Old Mill and Mt. Washington elementaries curriculum specialist, Bullitt County
- Linda Handley, Campbellsville Elementary principal, Campbellsville Independent
- Valerie Cole, Big Creek Elementary teacher, Clay County
- Amon Couch, Central Primary principal, Corbin Independent
- Tara Isaacs, Tates Creek Elementary professional staff assistant, Fayette County
- Julia Rawlings, curriculum resource specialist, Fleming County
- Wendy Brown, Thomas Jefferson Middle instructional coach/school support, Jefferson County
- Dawn Tarquinio, H.B. Slaughter Elementary mathematics coach, Jefferson County
- Kelly Sirginnis, Lloyd B. McGuffey 6th-Grade Center teacher/assessment coordinator, Lincoln County
- Kim Lake, Mercer County Elementary district literacy coach, Mercer County
- Gale McClure, Estes Elementary curriculum facilitator, Owensboro Independent
- Pebbles Lancaster, Trigg County primary teacher, Trigg County
- Nancy Wilson, Warren East Middle curriculum coordinator, Warren County
Since 1990, the Highly Skilled Educator program (known as the Distinguished Educator program until 1998) has identified and trained more than 350 educators to work with schools identified by the state assessment and accountability program as being in need of assistance.
Approximately 95 percent of schools served by Distinguished or Highly Skilled Educators have risen out of the assistance category by the end of two years of support.
Reel School PSA winners
The Reel School’s annual public service announcement contest for Kentucky elementary, middle and high schools has ended, with eight schools taking top honors. This year’s contest topic was bullying as The Reel School partnered with the Kentucky Center for Safe Schools for the contest.
All of the videos entered in the contest can be viewed by clicking here.
First place winners received new camcorders, and second place winners received copies of video editing software for their school programs. Trophies and plaques also were distributed to winners.
Elementary winners
- First place: "Stand Up for Yourself" - Robert D. Johnson Elementary (Fort Thomas Independent)
- Second place: "Bullying Around the World" - Middle Fork Elementary (Magoffin County)
- Third place: "Bullies and Bristow Don't Mix" - Bristow Elementary School (Warren County)
Middle school winners
- First place: "Can You Spot the Bully?" - Drakes Creek Middle (Warren County)
- Second place: "Bullying and What You Should Do" - East Jessamine Middle School (Jessamine County)
- Third place: "Bullying: The Ripple Effect" - Barren County Middle School (Ruth
High school winners
- First place: "Think Before You Act" - Graves County High School
- Second place: "Words Hurt" - Graves County High School
- Third place: "Don't Let it Cross the Line" - Elizabethtown (Independent) High School
National FFA scholarships awarded
Thirty Kentucky FFA members have received more than $39,000 in scholarships from the National FFA Organization. Each year, FFA awards about $2 million in scholarships nationwide, and those are sponsored by a variety of businesses. The scholarships may be used for colleges, universities and postsecondary agricultural programs.
FFA, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, was founded in 1928 and has more than 500,000 members nationwide. FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
State Future Educators win awards
At the Future Educators Association National Conference, held in February in Chattanooga, Tenn., Kentucky students won a number of awards.
The conference hosted 950 participants from 22 states. Kentucky’s group was the second-largest, with 163 attendees. The students attended workshops, heard speakers and participated in competitions, with many winning awards.
The Future Educators Association is an international program for middle and high school students interested in exploring careers in education. FEA is headquartered in Bloomington, Ind., and is an initiative of Phi Delta Kappa International, a worldwide association for educators.
Kentucky has nearly 245 FEA chapters. Approximately 200 of those are chartered chapters, the highest of any state in the U.S. Chartered chapters are those recognized for outstanding activities throughout the year.
Conference winners from Kentucky represent the Fleming, Jefferson, Menifee and Pike county school districts.
See the news release for full details on all the winners.
Earthquakes safety tips
When Kentuckians are reminded about springtime weather what-to-dos, tornados, floods and nasty thunderstorms involving thunder and lightning are usually the main reasons for this. However, this year, earthquakes are being added to this list.
Last week alone, there were three earthquakes in our vicinity, including two in Illinois near the western part of the state and one in Arkansas. Combine those with the two felt the week prior to that, and it’s probably a good time to review what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Here’s a sample of tips provided by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security for before, during and after earthquakes. For a complete list, click on the link provided.
Before
- Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated.
- Choose an out-of-area friend or relative who separated family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and condition.
- Know the safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables or desks or against inside walls.
- Know the danger spots: windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
- Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. (Do not attempt to relight a gas pilot.)
- Maintain a three-day supply of emergency food, water and other supplies, including a flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio, extra batteries, medicines, first aid kit and clothing.
During
- Remain where you are until shaking stops. Think out your plan of action first, then move.
- If outside, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
- If driving, stop safely as soon as possible. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
- Do not stop your vehicle under overpasses or bridges.
- Stay below window level in your vehicle.
- Turn off the engine and turn on the radio. Follow emergency instructions.
- Stay in the vehicle if downed power lines have fallen across it. Do not touch metal. Wait for help. You might be able to back away from lines.
After
- Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury, fire or other emergency. Hunt for hazards.
- Check for other hazards and control them (fire, chemical spills, toxic fumes and possible collapse). Check utilities (water, gas, electric). If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source.
- Emergency water can be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, canned vegetables and toilet tanks.
- Never use matches, lighters or candles inside.
- Plan for evacuation in case events make this necessary. Leave written messages for other family members or searchers.
Five ‘Kentucky Education Issues’ available online
Kentucky Education Issues, a television program hosted by Education Commissioner Jon E. Draud, is now available on the Kentucky Department of Education’s Web site.
The half-hour program features lively discussion with leading educators and policy makers concerning topics important to students, teachers and taxpayers.
Kentucky Education Issues is produced by KDE’s Virtual Learning Branch primarily for Insight Cable in northern Kentucky and its affiliates throughout the state. The program also will air on the Kentucky Channel (KET3). Check local listings for specific times and availabilities.
Click on the links below to view program episodes.
Program #1: Draud discusses proposed state budget cuts and the impact they could have on public education in Kentucky. Guests are Robin Kinney, associate commissioner for the Office of Internal Administration and Support and Petie Day, director of the Budgets Division, from the Kentucky Department of Education.
Program #2: The chairmen of the Senate Education Committee, Sen. Ken Winters (R) and the House Education Committee, Rep. Frank Rasche (D), discuss funding and other education issues currently before the Kentucky General.
Program #3: Draud and Ken Draut, associate commissioner for the Office of Assessment and Accountability, discuss CATS (the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System) and changes to it proposed in Senate Bill 1.
Program #4: Kentucky Board of Education Chairman Joe Brothers and Vice-Chair Bonnie Lash Freeman discuss public education in Kentucky, the role of the state Board of Education and plans for reaching the goal of proficiency for all students by 2014.
Program #5: Draud talks with Education Cabinet Secretary Helen Mountjoy about the differences in their roles and responsibilities, the new biennial budget and its impact on P-12 education and the wide variety of education initiatives and services available to Kentuckians.
Links in this issue:
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07
http://www.sleepdex.org/drowsy-driving.htm
http://www.governor.ky.gov/derby
http://www.speedmuseum.org/
http://www.kentuckytourism.com/
http://www.emck.net/reelschool/
http://www.emck.net/reelschool/videos08.aspx
http://www.kyffa.org/
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/HomePageRepository/
News+Room/Current+Press+Releases+and+Advisories/08-031.htm
http://homelandsecurity.ky.gov/protectyourfamily/naturalemergencies/
earthquakes.htm
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