Capitol Building from Rear Entrance

News Update From the Council on Postsecondary Education

Council approves 2007-08 performance goals to improve system


At its November 6 meeting, the Council on Postsecondary Education approved state and institutional performance goals for the 2007-08 academic year to help gauge the effectiveness of the postsecondary system. The 32 goals approved by the Council include indicators such as preparation of entering freshmen, enrollment, degree production, and preparation of college graduates for life and work. For the first time, goals were established based on numerical targets generated by a 2020 degree projections model, as well as historical performance and cohort data. The model provides institutions with the approximate performance needed each year for Kentucky to reach the national average in bachelor’s degree attainment by the year 2020. To view the 2007-08 performance goals, visit the Council Web site.

Statewide task force to recommend action to improve performance in STEM disciplines


The Council approved the creation of a CPE STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Task Force November 6 to make recommendations regarding the creation of a statewide P-20 action plan to accelerate Kentucky's performance within the STEM disciplines. The task force will include representatives from the Governor’s Cabinet, postsecondary education, P-12 education, the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Kentucky Department of Education, both houses of the state legislature, professionals within the STEM disciplines, the business community, and entrepreneurs. The creation of the task force came as the result of a recommendation by the Council’s Research, Economic Development, and Commercialization Policy Group. The first meeting is expected to be scheduled in early December.

AIKCU showcases benefits of independent sector, highlights teacher preparation efforts


The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities presented its annual report to the Council at its November 6 meeting. The report included an overview of the independent sector’s role in postsecondary education in Kentucky, along with a brief report on specific initiatives underway at member institutions that address statewide needs and goals related to the Council’s Public Agenda. AIKCU also presented an outside study, Private Colleges, Public Benefits, that outlines the economic and social benefits of the independent sector. A third AIKCU report, Preparing Teachers....Building the Future, details AIKCU institutions’ efforts to improve teacher quality and preparation.

KYAE and Herald-Leader Newspapers in Education program goes bilingual


Kentucky Adult Education (KYAE) and the Lexington Herald-Leader Newspapers in Education program have partnered to publish a bilingual supplement about life’s most basic skills. The 12-page insert published October 24 in the Herald-Leader features basic information in English and Spanish on education, nutrition, health care, finances, and consumerism. The feature provides information to the public and can be used as an instructional supplement in basic literacy and English as a Second Language classes. KYAE has an ongoing partnership with the Herald-Leader to supply newspapers to Adult Education programs for reading instruction and student information. To view the insert, visit the Newspapers in Education Web site.

Council hosts conference to improve teacher quality


The Council hosted its first conference on Improving Educator Quality (IEQ) November 13-14 in Lexington. The conference focused on grant projects currently funded through the Council’s IEQ program. IEQ projects are partnerships of postsecondary institutions and high-need local school districts that deliver research-based professional development to P-12 teachers and administrators. The conference allowed participants to share best practices and it linked former, current and new grantees for networking purposes. Project directors presented the successes and challenges of their projects, and project participants discussed the impact of these projects on the classroom. For more information, visit the Council Web site.