‘Districts of Innovation’ show positive results, lawmakers told

LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, 9 p.m. — Some Kentucky school districts are using innovative research-based teaching methods to better meet the needs of students, members of the Interim Joint Committee on Education heard Monday.

Schools in Danville, Eminence, Jefferson County and Taylor County were designated as Districts of Innovation earlier this year.

These districts were the first to receive the designation — established by House Bill 37 in 2012 — and were granted specific waivers that would allow them to implement their proposed innovations, David Cook, a director with the Kentucky Department of Education, told lawmakers.

According to state Rep. David Floyd, Districts of Innovation have similarities with charter schools in the schools are given more freedom to meet students’ particular needs.

According to Cook, the districts were chosen from a group of 16 applicants scored against an eight-point rubric in a non-competitive process. Districts of Innovation allow teachers to tailor curricula to meet each student’s learning style, needs and goals, and allow students to progress through subject material at their own pace, he said.

They also have a strong focus on improved student outcomes, he said.

“We want to see the Kentucky graduate lead the nation,” Buddy Berry, Superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools, said. “In our first year alone…we doubled the number of college and career-ready graduates from 37 percent to 74 percent,” he said.

Roger Cook, Superintendent of Taylor County Schools, told lawmakers no student had dropped out of his district in four years.

“Kids don’t want to drop out.  We empower them,” he said.

In response to questions from lawmakers, David Cook said Districts of Innovation will be monitored and supported through goal-tracking, evaluations, site visits and monthly conversations.  Other Kentucky school districts can apply for the designation through a second-year application process that will take place later this year, he said.

Lawmakers commended the work of those involved with the program.

“I believe the students… don’t just have advocates, they have champions,” Rep. Jill York, R-Grayson, said.

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