Monthly Newsletter

June 2023

Message From Audrey Gilbert

Now that we have met as committees following the full council April convening and completed our new big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs), it is critical that we keep the momentum going and work toward new milestones.

The progress that we have made so far has put us on a great and steady path to accomplish our goals. Your unwavering commitment to a bold new future for Kentucky education fuels our work and keeps us focused on the purpose of Kentucky United We Learn. Together, we can create lasting change and transform our Commonwealth.

Updates from our Committees

The Vibrant Learning Experiences (VLE) Standing Committee met virtually on May 8.

A member of the Accelerating Innovation Standing Committee joined the virtual meeting to share their committee's work thus far. Each sub group within the VLE shared their work in regards to the six-month big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) within the larger VLE committee. 

BHAG: Over the next six months, the committee will develop a draft of a public-facing collection of examples of VLE from across Kentucky in alignment with our commitment of “Shining through Sharing.”
In this resource, we will share simple shifts and entry points of vibrant learning experiences, evidence and criteria of vibrant learning experiences, and a map of where vibrant learning is happening across the state.

The Bold New Future Standing Committee met virtually on May 1. 

Committee members reflected on the April whole council convening and discussed next steps to make progress on the big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) that had been generated during work time at that meeting. 

BHAG: Over the next six months, the committee will work to build capacity and increase engagement among communities, families and students to support policy implementation that supports the reimagining of the education system in the Commonwealth. We will collect data from every district to understand the value of skills like those on state and local portraits of a learner to inform aligned changes to state graduation requirements.

The Accelerating Innovation Standing Committee met virtually on May 1.

Members had the opportunity to reflect and expand on conversations that took place at the Kentucky United We Learn Council's April convening. Emerging ideas were shared for consideration of the big hairy audacious goal (BHAG). A new resource management system was introduced. 

BHAG: Over the next six months, the committee will define and compare multiple possible models for a future assessment and accountability system. The models will consider the lessons learned from the research and preparation of the Accelerating Innovation Standing Committee: Mid-Year Progress Report and will meet the committee's design principles. This would include exploring opportunities and tradeoffs within local, state and federal contexts.

Meet the Council Members

Nisha Ajana

Committee: Vibrant Learning Experiences

Nisha Ajana, a resident of Lexington, is a junior at Tates Creek High School (Fayette County). She loves writing and would like to incorporate it into what the Kentucky United We Learn Council hopes to accomplish. She is also part of the Kentucky Student Voice Team. Ajana loves animals and all things vibrant.

Michelle Chappell

Committee: Bold New Future

Michelle Chappell is an associate professor in the Computer and Information Technologies program at Henderson Community College, which is housed in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Department. In addition to her faculty role at the college, she is the program coordinator for the Computer and Information Technologies program. Chappell is a board member of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, the Human Rights Commission and the Transition to Beyond mentoring program for the underrepresented minority students at Henderson County High School. She earned her doctorate of education, specializing in adult and higher education leadership, from Morehead State University.

Darlene Barnes

Committee: Accelerating Innovation

Darlene Barnes is an educator and a parent of three children currently attending public schools in Kentucky. As a parent, she has seen firsthand the challenges and frustration that gifted/talented students and special education students face as they long for more vibrant learning experiences and innovative assessments. As an educator, Barnes has 16 years of experience teaching Spanish at the elementary, middle school, high school and college level. She has bachelor’s degrees in Latin American studies, Spanish and international economics, as well as master’s degrees in international relations and teaching Spanish.

Susan R. Strange

Strategic Plan Program Manager

Strategic Planning & Research

Office of the Commissioner

CGSA Project Manager

Division of Innovative Learning

Office of Continuous Improvement and Support

Phone: (502) 564-2002, ext. 4014

Email: susan.strange@education.ky.gov

300 Sower Blvd. – 5th floor

Frankfort, KY 40601