Participants sought for workgroups to recommend improving state’s workforce pipeline via education – The Lane Report

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Commonwealth Education Continuum (CEC) has formed three new workgroups that, over the next nine months, will develop recommendations to help improve Kentucky’s education and workforce pipeline.

Specifically, the workgroups will focus on early postsecondary opportunities, the transition to postsecondary education, and educator workforce and diversity. The groups, each comprised of about a dozen members, will meet for about two hours at least once a month starting in April.

The continuum is also seeking individuals to serve as feedback partners, focus group participants and survey participants in the effort.

Gov. Andy Beshear and state education officials in January launchedd the CED to help Kentucky students through transition points in education from early childhood to adult learning when they are most likely to be lost, such as between high school and college. Because no one state agency can tackle the multiple issues facing public education, the CEC unites efforts at all levels.

Beshear said that “high-quality, accessible and cohesive public education” is essential for economic success, and its impact will be felt across succeeding generations.

Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, said the partners and participants will help ensure that workgroups consider a diverse range of perspectives.

“This is a comprehensive reform effort, and we want to include as many voices as possible,” Thompson said. “Everyone in Kentucky has a share in our education system, and we look forward to marshaling the assistance and insights of our community stakeholders.”

Anyone interested in participating can complete an application of interest.

More than two dozen representatives have been named to the effort, drawing expertise from across the education system. The goal is to finalize recommendations to state policy leaders by December.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, who serves as secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, state Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass, and CPE President Thompson all serve as co-chairs for the effort.

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