Education

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.

Murray State University will offer a new online-only masters degree in public administration this fall. Department Chair Dr. Bill Cassie said a number of students have expressed a preference in obtaining the graduate degree online. Students can complete the program in 12 or 24 months. Murray State now offers 5 undergraduate degrees and 6 graduate degrees online.