AI in Kentucky K-12 is a grant from the Kentucky Department of Education that funds K-12 school districts in Kentucky seeking to integrate artificial intelligence literacy and tools into classroom instruction. The program supports educators and students in developing AI competencies, keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology in the education sector.

Familiar platforms such as Microsoft tools have been referenced as examples of AI integration. Eligible applicants are Kentucky K-12 school districts. Award amounts are unspecified.

The program reflects the Kentucky Department of Education's commitment to preparing students and staff for an AI-enabled workforce.

Commissioner's Monday Message - June 17, 2024 Commissioner's Monday Message - June 17, 2024 Kentucky Department of Education sent this bulletin at 06/17/2024 03:36 PM EDT Commissioner's Monday Message Things are always changing in this industry, and it is our job to keep up with the new technologies and continue learning so that we can teach our students and staff to the best of our abilities.

Although Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for a little while, it has become a really hot topic recently in the education space. Some familiar platforms you may already be using like Microsoft, Google and Adobe have some AI program opportunities. Although everything comes with both positives and negatives, we can’t ignore these technological advances.

I encourage you to embrace the good things about AI while being responsible with its uses within the classroom. There are several aspects of AI to look out for from a school administrator's perspective. As your district explores the use of AI, please continue to safeguard appropriately the sensitive information that you handle in your district every day.

Take extra caution to not share protected or sensitive information to an AI that could use or share that data with unauthorized persons in the future. Even though AI can make the process of creating something quick and easy, it is important not to let the program operate autonomously. AI is best used when there is still the element of human review after generating a work product through AI.

We are the fifth state to release an Artificial Intelligence Guidance Brief , which is a living document that the Kentucky Department of Education, Office of Education Technology will continue to update as they learn more about AI. Using this guidance as a resource, you can find numerous sections that encourage educators to use AI as a resource, such as the purpose, definition and incorporating principles.

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Interim Commissioner of Education Are you a new transportation director, assistant director or a superintendent seeking a deeper understanding of transportation operations? The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) invites you to a comprehensive five-day training in Frankfort from July 29 to Aug.

2. Due to room capacity, the class is limited to 40 participants. Training runs from 9 a.

m. to 4 p. m.

ET each day and you can earn six credits per day (full-day attendance required). Fill out the New Transportation Director Class registration form to save your spot! Important note: If you attended our October and April sessions, we will cover new information alongside familiar topics.

Remember to bring your computer and binder from the last class, if available. Laws, regulations and policies: Understand the legal framework governing school transportation. Kindergarten and preschool transportation: Learn about safe transportation for our youngest students.

McKinney Vento: Explore provisions for homeless students’ transportation needs. Special needs transportation: Gain insights into accommodating students with diverse needs. T-codes and Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding overview: Decode the intricacies of transportation funding.

Driver training program and inspector training: Receive high-level information regarding and responsibilities in these critical areas. Collaboration with outside agencies: Presenters from various divisions and agencies will explain how we work together to ensure safe transportation across Kentucky. Please contact Elisa Hanley with any questions.

COVID-19 Testing Supply Program Update from KDPH The Kentucky Department for Public Health’s (KDPH’s) COVID-19 Testing Supply Program for K-12 schools will conclude with the 2023-2024 school year. While the last day for school districts to request COVID-19 antigen testing supplies from KDPH is June 15, a new opportunity to provide free tests for your school district has become available.

For the 2024-2025 school year, Kentucky K-12 school districts are encouraged to order over-the-counter rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests made freely available directly from the federal government through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Education and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To register, school districts should designate one primary contact to complete the registration form to include the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) District ID found on the NCES’ Search for Public School Districts webpage.

The primary contacts will receive two emails: one to activate HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s Health Partner Ordering Portal account and one with training on how to order test kits. Please email KYCOVIDTesting@ky. gov if you have any questions.

School Resource Officer Funding Available to Districts Included in the budget state lawmakers passed in April is $16. 5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 and $18 million in fiscal year 2025-2026 for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to assist local districts in funding salaries for school resource officers (SROs), as defined in KRS 158. 441 , on a reimbursement basis.

KDE shall reimburse local school districts up to $20,000 for each campus employing at least one on-site full-time certified school resource officer. Any portion of the money not expended for this purpose shall lapse to the state's budget reserve trust fund account.

In order to meet the reporting requirement outlined in the budget, KDE is requesting districts that will seek reimbursement to complete the School Resource Officer (SRO) Funding Intent to Participate form by July 31. Information provided in the survey will determine funding amounts available to districts for each school campus employing at least one on-site full-time certified SROs.

For questions, please contact Karen Wirth or Lalah Brewer . KDE Releases House Bill 6 Guidance The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has just released guidance related to House Bill 6 , which became effective upon passage. House Bill 6 requires each local board of education and each school to prominently display information about their students’ most recent performance on the Kentucky Summative Assessment.

District assessment coordinators will be sent information on how to access the school and district data that must be included on school and district websites. For more information about data content, contact the KDE Office of Assessment and Accountability . Registration Open for Certified Evaluation Update Training Per KRS 156.

557 and 704 KAR 3:370 , all evaluators of certified personnel below the level of superintendent must earn six hours of evaluation training annually. The Principal Partnership Project (P3) team is offering multiple free training sessions to meet the update evaluation training requirement.

Whether you are interested in enhancing your coaching skills or practicing calibrating performance to the Kentucky Framework for Teaching, the P3 team has an option available. For more information, visit the P3 Update Certified Evaluation Training website . Questions may be directed to Stacy Noah .

Registration Open for Initial Certified Evaluation Training As required by KRS 156. 557 and 704 KAR 3:370 , administrators newly assigned the role of evaluator of certified personnel must complete a two-day learning experience and pass the corresponding assessment. Registration information and additional details are available on the Principal Partnership Project (P3) Initial Certified Evaluation Training registration page .

Questions may be directed to Stacy Noah . Registration Open for 2024 Continuous Improvement Summit The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia™ invite you to the annual Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 23-24 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington.

Please join us for an opportunity to explore a variety of topics and engage in conversations that will enrich your understanding of continuous improvement. Keynote speaker Marck Abraham , the author of “What Success Looks Like,” is a transformational leader with a wealth of experience in education.

He is committed to providing a world-class educational experience that ensures all students achieve their goals of post-secondary college and fulfilling careers. His mission has been to create environments that assist students in reaching their maximum potential in life.

During this two-day event, you will enhance your professional learning, make new connections and build upon existing relationships with peers across Kentucky, hear up-to-date information from KDE leaders, and learn how Cognia can help address your unique challenges in your journey of continuous improvement. To receive early bird pricing, please register before Sept. 2.

2023-2024 School Counselor and Mental Health Provider Use of Time Report KRS 158. 4416(3)(e) requires local superintendents to annually report to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) data related to school-based mental health services providers, including school counselors.

The reports provide information related to the position held, placement in the district, certification or licensure held, the source of funding for each position, a summary of the job duties and work undertaken by each school-based mental health service provider, and the approximate percent of time devoted to each duty over the course of the year.

Report details can be accessed through the 2023-2024 School Counselor Use of Time report and the 2023-2024 Mental Health Provider Use of Time report . Those receiving this at the Kentucky School for the Blind and the Kentucky School for the Deaf, please make sure all employees receive it. Also, Area Technology Center (ATC) principals are asked to forward it to their staffs.

Please send your questions, comments and suggestions on the Monday Message to Jennifer Ginn by 10 a. m. Friday to be published in the upcoming week.

Kentucky Department of Education Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop or problems with the subscription service, please visit This service is provided to you at no charge by Kentucky Department of Education .