Education

The Webster County Board of Education has delayed the construction timeline for its new junior high school by one year. The school was set to open for the 2013-2014 school year. But Superintendent James Kemp says the pre-construction paperwork is taking longer than anticipated.

Some Kentucky board of education members are asking if the state's new assessments set goals high enough to lift up low-performing schools. Since test scores were released last month, critics have questioned why low-performing schools only have to move up one point next year to be considered improving.

Murray State University President Dr. Randy Dunn is one of three finalists for the Florida Education Commissioner position. Department of Education spokesperson Kassandra Elekes says Dunn submitted his application last Friday and interviews for the position on December 11th.

Hopkinsville Community College made the list of fastest growing community colleges. The magazine Community College Week reports HCC grew 15.4 percent between 2010 and 2011, making it the 5th fastest growing school in its size category.

Students in some Tennessee public schools will add at least 300 learning hours in a pilot program making the school day a little longer. WPSD reports five states including Tennessee will participate in the three-year pilot program affecting almost 20,000 students in 40 schools. Those involved with see their day get longer, their school year extended, or both.