Education

The Tennessee Department of Education plans to use nearly $4 million in federal education funds to pay for eight leadership development programs. The grants are part of the $500 million the state won three years ago in the national Race to the Top education grant competition. Officials say eight recipients received grants, which were awarded to organizations in partnership with one or more school systems.

The Illinois State University Board of Trustees ​could decide ​​on it's new president at its quarterly meeing  Friday. Murray State President Randy Dunn is among the finalists for the job. The board's ​executive search committee charged with replacing the school’s president met Saturday to review finalist evaluations.

After conflicting reports from test vendor ACT about the ability of its technology system to handle online testing, the Kentucky Department of Education is moving to paper and pencil tests for the remainder of the school year. Early last week about 25 districts reported slow connections and sometimes dropped connections from the ACT Vantage testing system that’s used to administer the online end-of-course exams to high school students. 

Kentucky education experts will soon be examining applications from public schools districts across the Commonwealth that want to become "Districts of Innovation." The state Education Department says the designation allows districts to seek exemption from some rules and regulations to try to improve student learning.

Kate Lochte speaks with McCracken County Public Library’s Director Julie Hart on Sounds Good. The Library has added a new computer system designed for children ages 2 to 8, the A.W.E. Early Literacy Station. This is a new service at the library where children can play educational games on specialized computers, geared towards learning math, reading and language skills. Learn more at mclib.net.