Mike Carr2026-03-20T09:17:57-04:00March 6th, 2026|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: District Spotlight, HQIR, KY Numeracy Counts, Mathematics, PLC, Professional Learning, Tier I Instruction|
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 [...]
Mike Carr2026-02-10T08:53:05-05:00February 6th, 2026|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: District Spotlight, HQIR, Instructional Practices & Learning Models, KY Numeracy Counts, Mathematics, PLC, Professional Learning, Vibrant Learning|
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 [...]
Mike Carr2025-12-12T09:21:52-05:00December 12th, 2025|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: District Spotlight, HQIR, Instructional Practices & Learning Models, KY Numeracy Counts, Mathematics, PLC, Professional Learning, Vibrant Learning|
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 [...]
Mike Carr2025-12-02T07:41:31-05:00December 3rd, 2025|Categories: Featured|Tags: Deeper Learning, District Spotlight, Early Literacy, HQIR, KAS for Reading and Writing, KY Reads to Succeed, Reading and Writing, Vibrant Learning|
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 [...]
Mike Carr2025-11-20T11:02:12-05:00November 20th, 2025|Categories: Featured|Tags: Deeper Learning, District Spotlight, HQIR, KAS for Mathematics, Mathematics, Vibrant Learning|
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 [...]
Mike Carr2025-09-21T11:31:17-04:00September 21st, 2025|Categories: Featured, Standards Newsletter|Tags: Deeper Learning, District Spotlight, HQIR, KAS for Science, Science, Vibrant Learning|
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 [...]
Mike Carr2025-08-14T13:30:33-04:00August 14th, 2025|Categories: Standards Newsletter|Tags: District Spotlight, HQIR|
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, [...]
Mike Carr2026-03-19T13:57:43-04:00July 29th, 2025|Categories: Standards Newsletter|Tags: CBPL (Curriculum-Based Professional Learning), Deeper Learning, District Spotlight, Early Literacy, HQIR (High-Quality Instructional Resources), Instructional Practices & Learning Models, KAS for Reading and Writing, KY Reads to Succeed, Professional Learning, Reading and Writing, Resource, Vibrant Learning|
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is on a mission to transform what teaching and learning look like for every student. At the center of this work is Journey to Success, an initiative that goes beyond access to grade-level content and empowers students to actively engage in their learning, demonstrate their [...]
Mike Carr2026-03-19T14:49:54-04:00May 19th, 2025|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: CBPL (Curriculum-Based Professional Learning), District Spotlight, Early Literacy, EBIP (Evidence-Based Instructional Practices), HQIR (High-Quality Instructional Resources), Instructional Practices & Learning Models, KAS for Reading and Writing, KY Reads to Succeed, PLC (Professional Learning Community), Professional Learning, Reading and Writing, Resource|
Brooks Elementary is currently in its first full year of implementing a resource developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute called UFLI Foundations, an explicit and systematic program for teaching students foundational reading skills. Teachers from kindergarten to grade 3 are using UFLI in their Tier 1 instruction. With [...]
Tabor Placido2025-05-19T10:31:35-04:00May 8th, 2025|Categories: Standards Newsletter|Tags: District Spotlight, HQIR|
Spotlight on Science: High-Quality Instructional Resources Transform Elementary Classrooms in the Danville Independent School District Teachers in the Danville Independent School District are bringing science to life with new high-quality instructional resources (HQIR). Elementary educators use Smithsonian and Carolina Biological resources to foster inquiry-based learning. Chief [...]
The following grade 5 health standard does not align with Senate Bill 150 (2023) and should not be included in curriculum or instruction at grade 5 or below: “5.1.6. Describe basic male and female reproductive body parts and their functions as well as the physical, social and emotional changes that occur during puberty.”
