Education

The Shelby County Board of Education tabled the proposed school calendar change during Thursday’s meeting at the district’s office, asking for more input from staff, parents and students before deciding on a change.

Heather Bogard, a senior at Shelby County High School, addressed the board, asking members not to approve the recommended change, which would have added one day to the calendar. The proposed change moved the last day of school to June 4, and graduation from June 2 to June 9.

School districts across the commonwealth kicked off Operation Preparation this week.

The goal of the statewide effort is for eighth-grade and sophomore students to receive college and career advice from trained community advisors.

"We want to help students realize their potential, maximize their academic preparation and stay on track for success during and after high school," Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday said.

The Shelby County Board of Education heard a brief report on the changes the state will see after the No Child Left Behind waiver was accepted by the federal government.

During Thursday’s meeting at Southside Elementary, SCPS Superintendent James Neihof told the board that the first year will set a base for the each school and district in the state, and from there goals (Annual Measurable Objectives, or AMO) will be set.

Shelby County Public Schools came away with mixed results in the 2011-12 EXPLORE and PLAN test results released by the state on Tuesday.

EXPLORE tests are given to eighth-grade students and PLAN to sophomores, and the results are used to help gauge college and career readiness. The tests are put together by ACT, Inc., the same company that administers the ACT test, which is used as an entrance measure for college.