Education

In the wake of the Newtown, Conn., shootings last week, a few reports have surfaced in Kentucky and now in southern Indiana regarding allegations of student threats.

On Tuesday, police arrested a Jeffersonville High School student after investigating a rumor circulating around the school system, said Greater Clark County Schools officials.

The following are excerpts from a statement released by GCCS.

Gov. Steve Beshear has signed an executive order to create the Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics, which officials say solidifies his commitment to data gathering across various agencies.

The center will replace and build upon Kentucky’s P-20 Collaborative, which has kept similar information related to education and beyond. This includes linking high school and college data and the center may eventually help determine if schools are meeting the state’s workforce demands.

The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommitee approved the Kentucky Department of Education’s new restraint and seclusion policy proposal Monday.

Kentucky is one of several states that don’t have a state law governing restraint and seclusion in schools so it's up to KDE to set that policy.

The changes would increase training and parent communication and allow restraint and seclusion of misbehaving students in cases of imminent threats.

Community leaders advocating for restorative practices in Jefferson County Public Schools are urging Superintendent Donna Hargens to support pilot programs in schools that have expressed an interest.

Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together, or CLOUT, hosted a seminar at Spalding University on Monday with over 30 community leaders including six JCPS principals. The group discussed how Louisville could implement restorative practices in schools and the community.