Forward in the Fifth 2013 AppLE Award winners

Forward in the Fifth has awarded the 2013 Appalachian Leaders in Education (AppLE Awards) to eight individuals and one student organization on a leading South Central Kentucky college campus for their work to advance education in the region.

The first-ever Lee and Eleanor Rose Ambassador Award, named after longtime Forward in the Fifth board member Lee Rose and his wife, was presented to Pulaski County business and community leader Chuck Coldiron for his efforts to promote literacy.

Other recipients of this year’s AppLE Awards honoring excellence in education were:

• Educator (Early Childhood)—Rhonda Crigger, assistant principal, Southside Elementary School, Pike County
• Educator (K-12 teacher)—Lana Swartz, head of the science department and teacher, Menifee County High School, Frenchburg
• Educator (K-12 support staff)—Debbie Joseph Smith, coordinator of Family Resource Youth Services Center, Carr Creek Elementary School, Knott County
• Educator (K-12 administrator)—Jon Day, guidance counselor, Hazard High School, Perry County
• Educator (Higher Education)—Regina French, instructor, Adult Education, Bath County
• Community Leader—Bob Hutchison, business leader, Johnson County
• Parent/Parent Group—Kim Moore, volunteer and academic team coach, Somerset Christian School, Pulaski County
• Student/Student Group—Bonner Scholars, a service and leadership program for college students at Lindsey Wilson College (LWC), Adair County

“Today highlights the immense talent and desire of adults and students alike found within our region,” Jim Tackett, executive director of Forward in the Fifth, said in making the award presentations. “It is with this passion and attitude that we will transform Southern and Eastern Kentucky into greater educational excellence.”

The winners of the AppLE Awards were announced and recognized at Forward in the Fifth’s Education Leadership Day on Monday, May 13, at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset. More than 120 people attended the event and helped celebrate the accomplishments of these leaders in education.

Lee and Eleanor Rose Ambassador Award

Coldiron initiated the first “Read Pulaski County” literacy event in 2011 and expanded that idea, with the help of sponsors, to include a statewide literacy celebration earlier this year at Rupp Arena in Lexington. The event, “Feed the Mind—Kentucky,” drew 4,500 students with a special appearance by Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear.

More than 900 students from 11 schools in Pulaski County attended a separate “Feed the Mind” literacy event on April 10 at The Center. Students received a free pizza party and complimentary book to take home and read.

The Lee and Eleanor Rose Ambassador Award acknowledges efforts expanding beyond county borders to promote education.

2013 AppLE Awards

The AppLE Awards were started in 2012 by Forward in the Fifth to celebrate excellence in education by recognizing individuals who work to accomplish the nonprofit organization’s mission: to increase the educational attainment levels for all in the region.

“We are pleased to honor our community leaders and educators with Forward in the Fifth AppLE Awards,” said board chairman Dr. Dessie Bowling. “These exceptional leaders work diligently every day to motivate, inspire, and encourage people to have confidence in themselves and the amazing things they accomplish.”

“This year’s award winners are to be commended for continuing to enhance educational progress in Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” added U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), who helped launch Forward in the Fifth in 1986. “We’re tapping into great ideas from energized educators across the region for new opportunities in preparing our students for post-secondary education and a bright future.”

New Voices in Education contest winners

Ethan Morton, a middle school student at Harlan Independent, and the high school video production class at Letcher County Central were announced as the winners of the New Voices in Education video contest.  Their winning video submissions and top picks from other student-generated videos from the 20 contest entries were shown at the Education Leadership Day event.

Forward in the Fifth partnered with the University of Pikeville and Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC) to launch the student video contest to draw attention to the progress of education in the Appalachian region of Kentucky.

Following the awards presentation, several educational initiatives in place across the region were highlighted by students and educators during a reception.

Amy Thompson-Wells is the Director of Civic Engagement and Student Leadership and Co-Director of the Bonner Scholar Program at Lindsey Wilson College.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lindsey Wilson and a Master of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University.  Amy has 10+ years experience in higher education, including admissions, evening college and civic engagement.

Teresa Lockhart is Director of P-20 Initiatives and Academic Outreach for the University of Pikeville.  She has 20+ years of educational experience as a classroom teacher and Instructional Supervisor giving her a background in education from preschool to post-secondary.  Teresa has been a partner of Forward in the Fifth, working with the Champion Scholars mentoring program at the University of Pikeville.  She also serves as a member of the Big Sandy and Kentucky River P-16 Councils.

James Evans, Jr has been an instructional assistant, teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal before landing his currnet role as Superintendent of Lee County Schools.  James holds a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Arts in Administration P-12.  As superintendent he pledges to be an advocate for his district and support the growth of his students and staff.

Our organization is pleased to announce Dr. Dessie Bowling will be returning to the board for an additional term, serving as our Board Chair in 2013.  Dr. Bowling is Associate Director at the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC) in Hazard.  She is responsible for providing professional development and technical assistance in areas such as school safety, school based decision making councils and managing  KVEC’s U.S. Department of Education i-3 grant devoted to college and career readiness.

While we are excited to have these individuals joining our Board, we want to express our great appreciation and gratitude for those board members who guided Forward in the Fifth with vision and success.  Without each of their dedication to our mission of improving educational attainment for our region, we would not exist.

Mr. Johnny Chaplin, Monticello Independent Schools

Dr. John Chowning, Campbellsville University

Ms. Susan Herald, Jackson Independent Schools

Mr. Michael Hughes, Floyd County Schools

The Small, Rural, Tribal and Border Regional Center (SRTB RC) serves as a resource and outreach center for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), publicizing its programs and services to small, rural, tribal and border agencies across the country.  The SRTB Regional Center also provides general technical assistance to these agencies by identifying and documenting their needs, then coordinating with other NIJ Centers to find a solution to meet them.  Through a vast nationwide network of criminal justice subject-matter experts, engineers, academia and scientists, the SRTB Regional Center can quickly put agencies in touch with the right resource.

The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) develops and conducts high-quality trainings for our first responders throughout the rural regions of the country.  Desiring to equip these small and often resource-strapped agencies with the most current and relevant information and skills, individuals and entire departments may choose to enroll in online or on-site training courses free of charge.  These resources are made available through the Department of Homeland Security.  You may check out their entire training catalogue here or learn more about the specific school-based incident training by clicking here.

We encourage you to visit both of these partners to further uncover the available resources which you and your community may use to be better prepared in the event a future incident happens in your community.  As Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Click here for a detailed description of each of the 2013 AppLE Award categories, eligibility requirements, and nomination forms.

The nomination deadline for Forward in the Fifth’s 2013 AppLE (Appalachian Leaders in Education) Awards has been extended through Feb. 28 to allow more time to complete and submit nomination forms from its extended 45-county primary service area in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

The AppLE Awards recognize leaders in education, including local parent and student groups, who have made significant contributions to promote and support education in their home communities and throughout the region.

“Southern and Eastern Kentucky is full of individuals who devote tireless efforts to improving education for young people and adults alike,” said Jim Tackett, executive director of Forward in the Fifth. “We encourage individuals across our region to share their positive experiences through our nomination process, so these heroes can be recognized for their extraordinary deeds.”

This year’s AppLE Award nominations will be accepted in the following four award categories:

Educators

•   Early childhood (daycare, Head Start and preschool programs)
•   K-12 administration (superintendent, district office staff, principals, counselors)
•   K-12 teachers
•   K-12 support staff (bus drivers, cafeteria, Family Resource/Youth Services, librarian, custodial staff)
•   Higher education (all positions)

Business/community leaders or community organizations

Parents or parent groups

Students or student groups

Nomination forms may be submitted online or postmarked and mailed to Forward in the Fifth at 2292 South Hwy. 27, Somerset, KY 42501 no later than February 28, 2013.  Submissions by fax or telephone will not be accepted.

“Through the AppLE Awards, we are honored to recognize those individuals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their positions to create an exceptional educational environment,” said Dr. Dessie Bowling, Forward in the Fifth board chair. “These are the valuable contributions which assist our young people and communities to reach their full potential.”

Award finalists will be notified by Forward in the Fifth, and the winners announced at a special event in the spring of 2013.

Nominations will be accepted from within Forward in the Fifth’s 45-county primary service area, which includes: Adair, Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Rowan, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe counties.

Click here to download a PDF copy of 2013 AppLE Award flyer

Forward in the Fifth, a regional non-profit organization that supports increasing educational attainment, collaborated with the Kentucky Parent Teacher Association (KYPTA) and The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence offering parent workshops to provide an evening of information for parents and students of all ages.

Educators across Kentucky have been receiving training on the new core academic standards over the past two years resulting in the first implementation of the new student assessments. Kentucky led the nation by becoming the first state to adopt these core academic standards that an additional 45 states later approved.

“The move to common standards was made to provide consistent standards for quality in education throughout the nation,” said Eddie Squires, KYPTA president elect.

“Common standards provide the foundation for a common national assessment,” added Teri Gale, current KYPTA president.  As an example, she explained that children in a military family who move during the school year should be able to resume their current level of studies at the new school without playing “catch up”.

“The educational bar has also been raised,” said Squires.  To be academically proficient, he explained, students will need to work harder because concepts will be introduced at earlier grade levels.

Presenting in  Boyd and Breathitt Counties, Forward in the Fifth Executive Director, Jim Tackett provided examples of what first, fifth, seventh graders and high school students will need to know to be proficient.  He emphasized that parents need to know that knowledge and skills will continue to build on previous teaching and learning and that time will not be spent after summer and winter breaks reviewing the past year’s concepts.

“The new assessment and accountability system will measure growth as well as achievement, so students and schools will not only be working towards proficiency, they will also be expected to show growth and improvement every year,” Tackett said.

In addition to measuring achievement and growth, “gap” student groups (such as minority and special education students and students who qualify for free or reduced lunches) will also be expected to show growth.  When students reach high school, the accountability system includes college and career readiness and graduation rate.

Graduation rates will be calculated differently beginning in 2013.  Instead of counting what percentage of the senior class graduates, the graduation rate will count how many of the freshman students graduate four years later.

Tackett explained that in addition to measuring different outcomes this year, scores are weighted very differently.  Last year, scores were tallied on a 140-point scale and this year it has been changed to a 100-point scale, which he adds, should be easier to follow.

The Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress, known as K-PREP replaces the former “CATS” testing system and is just one of several forms of assessment that will occur at various grade levels.

Now, when students complete the annual K-PREP assessment, parents will receive a “Student Report”.  The first page of the report will show the student’s scores and performance levels and give a short explanation of each level.  The second page compares the student’s performance to other students’ across the nation.  Included are specific activities that parents can do to support their student’s learning.

“I did not know much about the new testing system, but I think it will be better,” said a parent attending one of the workshops.  When asked what ways she will become more involved with her child’s education, she added, “I will follow all the suggestions on the second page of the Student Report.”  Another parent adds that he intends to challenge his son’s skills more.

Tackett explained, “since this system for measuring student success is completely different than last year, parents cannot compare this year’s test score results to last year’s,” said Tackett.

Many educators also attended and realized they also have a new role during this change.  ”We need to educate parents on the importance of ‘rigor’ in their child’s education.  I will continue to help educate parents about the new testing system and common core standards,” said a teacher at Boyd County High School.

The changes to the system are being adopted over a period of years.  New standards for math and English/language arts were incorporated in 2011.  The new K-PREP student assessments were also introduced last year.  Program reviews for writing, arts and humanities and practical living/career studies are being conducted in each school currently. Revised science and social studies standards are being developed and anticipated in the near future.  Comprehensive teacher and principal evaluations systems are also being crafted for full use during the 2014-15 school year.

When parents receive their Student Report, Tackett recommends going over it thoroughly, spending time talking with their student about it and discussing how both can have a role in working toward progress.  For parents who have access to a mobile internet device, there is a free application called “Common Core” that individually lists all of the the current common core standards.

For more information or to set up a Parent Engagement Workshop in your community, contact Forward in the Fifth at 606-677-6000 or at fif@centertech.com .

Forward in the Fifth, a regional non-profit organization that supports increasing educational attainment, is working with the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative and the University of Pikeville to coordinate and promote the video project to draw attention to the progress of education in the Appalachian region of Kentucky.  Students from the University of Pikeville designed the website.

“We learn a lot about educational needs through meetings and phone calls, but there’s nothing quite like seeing education in action first hand, especially from a student’s perspective,” said Congressman “Hal” Rogers. “I want to commend the students at UPIKE for designing such an impressive website where we can share ideas across the region and brag on the great strides we’re making in education in one of the most rural parts of the country. I am eager to see the creative videos from our middle and high school students, highlighting the work in their own classrooms.”

Individual students or student groups may submit videos up to 90 seconds in length to highlight innovative programs in school or out-of-school time, volunteer programs that are making a difference or powerful personal stories.  They may also focus on strong curriculum, robust instructional strategies or best practices by educators, schools or districts.  However, since school sports are already well-covered in local communities, videos on that topic will generally not be accepted unless they are unique in promoting education for a person or group in a special way.

Forward in the Fifth will accept videos in two divisions: middle school (grades 6-8) and high school.  Videos submitted by February 28, 2013 will be entered into a competition for special recognition in their community and regionally.

“We want to encourage student groups to produce videos as part of a school project as well as individual students filming what they see is making a difference in their education,” said Jim Tackett, executive director of Forward in the Fifth.  “Not everyone has access to a movie camera, but a good story can also be told by using a cell phone to make a 60 or 90 second film” added Tackett.

A review and selection committee will screen all submissions and those that are accepted will be featured on the New Voices in Education website.  Judging will center on content, use of theme, originality, creativity, editing and technical quality.  To add excitement to the competition, motion picture screen writer Jeffrey Reddick will serve as one of the judges this year.  Reddick is a graduate of Breathitt County High School and has served as writer and producer for several motion pictures.

The website also features several tools for making short films including free editing programs. Rules for participation and release forms are also available on the site at www.voicesineducation.org.

“I will be excited to see what our students develop as part of this competition,” said Jeff Hawkins, executive director of the Kentucky Valley Education Cooperative. “This project allows each of us to see the influence our schools and communities are making on a regular basis.”

“We are committed to improving access and college readiness for middle and high school students.  This project, which incorporates storytelling, digital media and web design, brings these students together in a positive way.  The University of Pikeville’s web design class and the Film and Media Arts program will continue to be involved in the process and are looking forward to seeing video submissions,” said James Hurley, president-elect at the University of Pikeville.

Jeff Hawkins, executive director of the Kentucky Valley Education Cooperative adds, “I will be excited to see what our students develop as part of this competition.  This project allows each of us to see the influence our schools and communities are making on a regular basis.”

For more information or to submit a video, visit the website at www.voicesineducation.org or contact Forward in the Fifth at fif@centertech.com or at 606-677-6000.

Support, in part, for New Voices in Education comes from a literacy grant through the US Department of Education.

The 7 Habits Leadership Tree

Pineville Elementary School in Bell County, McBrayer Elementary School in Rowan County and Gamaliel Elementary School in Monroe County have begun a new way of thinking and a new kind of interaction between students and teachers.

It includes phrases such as “be proactive”, “begin with the end in mind”, “think win-win” and “seek first to understand, then to be understood”.  These are four of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” developed by Stephen R. Covey that are being applied in school settings and making a difference in academic outcomes.  The school initiative is referred to as “The Leader in Me”.

The 7 Habits provide a common language for students and teachers and provides a road map of expectations for behavior in personal interactions and academic achievement.  For example, when students are “proactive”, they keep track of their own grades including tests and daily assignments.  The teachers document grades too, but when students are recording their own grades, teachers say the students take more responsibility for their own improvement or advancement.

“Begin with the end in mind” is all about setting goals so students know where they are headed with a task and take responsibility for completing it themselves. Then teachers don’t have to do as much explaining and reminding.  “Think win-win” helps students understand the importance of compromising their differences.  “Synergize”—the sixth habit—helps them value other people’s strengths so students can work things out between each other without teacher intervention.

Another habit, “put first things first”, helps students focus on priorities.  One of those priorities is the seventh habit, “sharpen the saw”, or taking care of yourself so that you can be your best.

Habit 2--Begin with the end in mind

A visit to any of the schools provides insight into the commitment each school has made to incorporate The 7 Habits into daily school life.  The 7 Habits are posted in classrooms and painted on walls.  Projects displayed on bulletin boards demonstrate one or more of these qualities of leadership.  Some of the students have created or learned songs and cheers incorporating the habits.  The habits are part of the school’s opening announcements and in conversations between students and faculty.

The schools began introducing The Leader in Me in late 2011 and early 2012, but already administrators are reporting changes.

Pineville Elementary Principal, Cynthia Smith reports remarkable change.  “It’s amazing to see students walking orderly in the hallways and displaying more respect for each other,” she said.  The school rules, she said, were reviewed and rewritten to simplify them with the habits in mind.

Christie Biggerstaff, principal at Gamaliel, reports that the excitement at her school is spilling over to other schools in the district that have also begun introducing the concepts to faculty.

To participate in The Leader in Me, faculty and staff make a significant commitment to implement the initiative.  Each attends an intensive three-step training process that requires five full days of active participation over the first 12 months.  They evaluate the school’s current “climate”, develop a vision for the future, spend time learning about and personally practicing the habits, then move into the implementation stage.

Gamaliel, McBreyer and Pineville elementary schools began their investment in The Leader in Me with support from Forward in the Fifth,a regional non-profit organization that promotes increasing educational attainment in southern and eastern Kentucky.  Forward in the Fifth was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that made it possible to purchase training materials and cover the costs for the initial professional development.

Visitors at last year’s regional Leader in Me Symposium in Bowling Green toured a school that is in the third year of the process.  Booths were set up by students to explain to visitors how the school has implemented student-led parent-teacher conferences.  The students say that because they keep track of their grades and their progress, they are able to describe their strengths and their weaknesses to the adults.  The teacher’s role is to coach the student to find methods to improve on their weaknesses.

“It may seem unbelievable, but when you listen to a third grader outline their accomplishments followed by their plan for improvement and the parent is standing next to the child nodding in approval, you know it’s working,” said Laura Kamperman, community education specialist for Forward in the Fifth who attended the open house.

For more information about Forward in the Fifth’s work with The Leader in Me, visit www.fif.org or call 606-677-6000.

The workshop, entitled “What Parents & Communities Need to Know:  Kentucky’s Core Academic Standards.” will help parents and community members support the revised student expectations and testing system.  Implementing the new system will help schools transition to a  more rigorous education.  The new standards focus on preparing students for college and careers at every stage of their education.

“The information shared at the session will assist parents in preparing their child for his or her future,” said Jim Tackett, executive director of Forward in the Fifth.  ”We invite all who are interested in learning about the new educational system to attend.”

“The reality is that it will take everyone-our schools, our parents, and our communities-working together to educate our young people at the highest level to ensure success,” he added.

Forward in the Fifth, Breathitt County School District, and Jackson Independent School District are teaming up to offer the workshop.

The program is free and includes a light meal and door prizes.  Registration is required to ensure adequate seating and materials.  Please register at:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KYPYR98

Changes are occurring in Kentucky’s education standards and the way they are measured.   To explain the changes, Forward in the Fifth will host a free workshop on Tuesday, November  13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.

“What Parents & Communities Need to Know: Kentucky’s Core Academic Standards”, will help parents and community members support the revised student expectations and testing system.  Implementing the new systemwill help schools transition to a more rigorous education.  The new standards focus on preparing students for college and careers at every stage of their education.

“The information shared at the session will assist parents in preparing their child for his or her future”, said Forward in the Fifth Executive Director Jim Tackett.  “We invite all who are interested in learning about the new educational system to attend.  The reality is that it will take everyone – our schools, our parents, and our communities – working together to educate our young people at the highest level to ensure success,” he adds.

Forward in the Fifth, The Center for Rural Development and the Kentucky Parent Teacher Association are teaming up to offer the workshop.

The program is free and includes a light meal and door prizes.  Registration is required to ensure adequate seating and materials.  Register at  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CXM9XN7 or by calling 606-677-6000.

The Center for Rural Development is located at 2292 South Highway 27 in Somerset at stoplight 15.  The workshop is possible, in part, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education and the National PTA.