KEN Business Requirements

In direct support of Governor Fletcher’s Educational Vision, the Education Cabinet seeks to continue to build on the successes and lessons of the first 14 years of KERA, seven years of postsecondary reform and the research and technology improvements during that time by implementing a seamless education-centric network that equitably supports lifelong learning for all Kentuckians.

Key features of KEN include:

• Equity in terms of cost, geographic availability, access, and support for all learning styles
• Immediate availability
• Support of audio and video-intense learning and research opportunities
• Scalable and adaptable network design that easily supports future growth
• 24 x 7 network availability and support

A seamless K-20 educational network is a requisite foundation for many of the innovative initiatives envisioned by Governor Fletcher, Secretary Fox, Commissioner Wilhoit, President Layzell, Phil Rogers and other educational leaders in Kentucky.  Work in:  Maximize student achievement and college readiness of all students

December 2007 Helen Mountjoy was appointed as Secretary of the Education Cabinet.  Secretary Mountjoy will assume the leadership role on this project in accordance with HB 380.

November 2007, Jon Draud was hired as the new Commissioner for the Department of Education.   Commissioner Draud will assume the appointment on the KEN Executive Committee per HB 380.

The Commonwealth must take advantage of every opportunity to provide and support expanded learning opportunities for all participants in the P-20 educational environment. As more focus is placed on the successful transition of students from the high school to post secondary environment, systems must be positioned to support students that simultaneously participate in multiple educational levels.  More and more students are simultaneously enrolled in high school and post secondary institutions (University and community and technical colleges).  Information about their enrollment, status and progress must be simultaneously available to all parties.  Pertinent student data must be moved between organizations on both a scheduled and ad hoc basis. 

The power and functionality provided by Internet 2 offers a wealth of learning opportunities for PK-12 students.  The Kentucky Board of Education is currently considering enhancements to graduation requirements in several content areas including science.  There is a potential requirement for applied learning and lab-based science experiences which could be enhanced with the rich educational features Internet 2.  

Educators must also be able to operate in multiple environments simultaneously.  Systematic and embedded professional development for P-12 educators will occur throughout the year. Some of the PD will be provided by Higher Education instructors, other PD will be provided by peers within or outside of the local district.  These adult learning experiences must be recognized in P-12 management systems as well as those of the affected Higher Education institution and the Education Professional Standards Board.  PD will no longer be relegated to a two or three week course each summer.  Higher Education instructors must be able to assist local educators in reviewing the educational requirements of their students and creating need-specific professional development

Add on-line assessments of all types – formative, diagnostic, summative, and end of course --  in support of the Governor’s and the Kentucky Board of Education’s requirements for early and continuous diagnosis, intervention and accountability with a heavy focus in the content areas of math and reading but also including technology and science.