mike.carr

About Mike Carr

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So far Mike Carr has created 19 blog entries.

Calhoun Elementary: Shifting the Focus to High-Quality Math Representation 

2026-03-06T14:32:27-05:00March 6th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , |

Calhoun Elementary School set out to strengthen Tier I mathematics instruction by aligning classroom practice more closely with the intent of the Kentucky Academic Standards for Mathematics and fostering productive struggle among students. In pursuit of this goal, school leaders selected Illustrative Mathematics, a high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) that received strong ratings [...]

  • Learning coach and principal pictured beside graphic highlighting “Spotlight: Howell Elementary School.”

Howell Elementary: Embracing ‘Cognitive Grappling’ to Build Student Mathematicians 

2026-02-10T08:53:05-05:00February 6th, 2026|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: , , , , , , , |

https://youtu.be/Q1aNhbH1LCU   At Howell Elementary School in the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent school district, a shift in mathematics instruction began with a realization: Teachers were working hard to design their own curriculum, but the lack of alignment K-5 was leaving gaps in student learning. Data revealed a "massive need" for a [...]

Corbin Independent: Shifting Professional Learning to Transform Math Instruction

2025-12-12T09:21:52-05:00December 12th, 2025|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Two years ago, Corbin Independent Schools faced a realization familiar to many districts: Students were not consistently demonstrating the mathematical practices necessary for deep understanding. Data from district “learning walks” revealed that classroom tasks didn't always provide opportunities for students to engage in the math practice standards.  Rather than settling for a quick fix, the district asked "why" until they [...]

  • A thumbnail with two female school administrators with the text "Spotlight Johnson County Schools"

Building a Vision, Empowering Readers: Johnson County Schools’ Literacy Journey 

2025-12-02T07:41:31-05:00December 3rd, 2025|Categories: Featured|Tags: , , , , , , , |

https://youtu.be/E65yIgGGsQc In Johnson County Schools, literacy isn’t just a subject; it’s a mission. With a little over 3,000 students across five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, this eastern Kentucky district is proving that a shared vision and strategic systems can transform student outcomes.  A Vision [...]

  • Bullitt County Featured Image

Bullitt County: Vibrant Learning in Mathematics Supported by HQIR 

2025-11-20T11:02:12-05:00November 20th, 2025|Categories: Featured|Tags: , , , , , |

Bullitt County Public Schools (BCPS) built a clear, replicable path from instructional resource evaluation and selection to vibrant learning. The district followed Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) curriculum framework recommendations and grounded every step in the BCPS Instructional Vision.   Implementation and Professional Learning  Once the high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) for [...]

  • A woman teacher stands in a classroom holding books, and next to her is a large graphic that reads “New Resource: Curriculum Implementation Monitoring Toolkit.”

New Resource Available! Curriculum Implementation Monitoring Toolkit

2025-12-02T08:47:23-05:00October 22nd, 2025|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: , |

As districts across Kentucky work to implement high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs), they have recognized a need to measure the effectiveness of their implementation to ensure the HQIR positively impacts the student experience and outcomes. In response to this need, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) created the Curriculum Implementation Monitoring [...]

Fort Thomas Independent: Phenomena-Based Science Promotes Vibrant Learning in Middle School

2025-09-21T11:31:17-04:00September 21st, 2025|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: , , , , , |

An initial professional learning day set the stage for a bigger shift. At Highlands Middle School in Fort Thomas Independent Schools, a session on assessment alignment introduced the sixth-grade science team to storyline instruction. The idea clicked. The team started exploring OpenSciEd, a high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) designed around coherent [...]

  • KAP Resources Announcement

Kentucky Atlas of Phenomena (KAP) Expands with 40 Fresh Resources for Science Educators

2025-08-22T08:01:28-04:00August 14th, 2025|Categories: Standards Newsletter|Tags: , , |

Kentucky Atlas of Phenomena (KAP) Expands with 40 Fresh Resources for Science Educators The Kentucky Atlas of Phenomena (KAP) has been recently updated with 40 new phenomenon bundles, expanding this valuable resource for science educators across the Commonwealth. Developed by Kentucky educators for Kentucky educators, KAP [...]

  • Oldham County Spotlight

Spotlight on Oldham County: Aligning Professional Learning with High-Quality Instructional Resources

2025-08-14T13:30:33-04:00August 14th, 2025|Categories: Standards Newsletter|Tags: , |

Spotlight on Oldham County: Aligning Professional Learning with High-Quality Instructional Resources When Oldham County launched its district-wide effort to implement high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) K-5 in English/Language Arts, leaders knew that deep, curriculum-based professional learning would be essential to ensuring success. Through intentional planning, cross-role collaboration, [...]

  • Math HQIR Adoption Resources

Kentucky Math HQIR Adoption Resources for K–12

2025-08-14T09:15:28-04:00August 14th, 2025|Categories: Standards Newsletter|Tags: , |

Math HQIR Adoption Resources Per KRS 158.8402(5)(b), “Each superintendent shall adopt an evidence-based curriculum along with high-quality instructional resources for mathematics that is determined by the department to be reliable, valid, and aligned to Kentucky academic standards for mathematics required by KRS 158.6453 for kindergarten through [...]

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