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More than 150 teachers and school administrators from across the state convened in Louisville on Monday, August 26, 2024 to kick off the school year and their participation in two AdvanceKentucky programs: Access to Algebra and the College Readiness Program. Kentucky Department of Education Chief Academic Officer Micki Ray Marinelli kicked off the daylong program by discussing the importance of expanding access to advanced coursework for Kentucky students.
“One of the things I respect about AdvanceKentucky is that you are eliminating the barriers and gatekeeping for these students, to ensure all students have access to this learning,” Marinelli said in her opening remarks.
Marinelli previously participated in AdvanceKentucky’s College Readiness Program as a teacher in Anderson County. “I’m grateful for the investment AdvanceKentucky made in me as an educator,” Marinelli added. “I’m grateful to our partnerships and the history of work that’s proven to be successful for teachers and students. Ensuring access to advanced coursework is a call to action for all of us because students deserve it.”
AdvanceKentucky, an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, works with districts across Kentucky to increase enrollment and success in STEM classrooms. The Access to Algebra program promotes greater access to Algebra by 8th grade to increase the number of students on track to meet college readiness math benchmarks by the time they enter high school. The College Readiness Program increases the number of students enrolling in AP® mathematics, science, English, capstone, and computer science courses and strengthens the teaching of those courses with resources and professional development programs.
“We always look forward to heading into a new school year with our partners and teachers. They are at the heart of all we do,” said AdvanceKentucky Executive Director Anthony Mires. “We’re particularly proud to be partnering with the Kentucky Department of Education on House Bill 162/The Numeracy Counts Act. This investment in Kentucky students will cultivate the talent Kentucky needs to engage in advanced coursework in high school and ultimately lead to a highly skilled workforce in the future.”
Participants took part in interactive sessions and panel discussions to prepare for the 2024-2025 school year and share best practices to increase student success across schools and districts. Awards were also announced honoring teachers, administrators and schools for successful implementation of the Access to Algebra program. Those recognized were:
· Shelby County – Outstanding District
· Grace James Academy of Excellence, Jefferson County – Outstanding School
· Sally Hurt, Wolfe County Middle – Excellence in Teaching
· Cory Rawlins, Grace James Academy of Excellence, Jefferson County – Leadership Award
· Dr. Adam Hicks, Shelby County – Outstanding Administrator
Those interested in AdvanceKentucky programs for students, teachers and administrators can visit advancekentucky.com to learn more.