As part of Learning Forward’s initiative to develop a statewide, comprehensive professional learning system to support educators in Kentucky as the state implements Common Core State Standards, more than 40 members of the Kentucky education community have been selected to serve on a task force to lead the initiative.

The task force, which includes representation from all stakeholders impacted by the initiative, will review current policies and recommendations to charter a new course in statewide professional development standards that is tied to the Common Core. In partnership with the initiative’s advisory council, critical friends, and Learning Forward staff, the task force will develop tools such as materials, protocols, and strategies to sustain the planning and improvement of professional development in preparation of the Common Core implementation in Kentucky.

Representatives from six additional states, Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington, serve as critical friends to Kentucky in their effort to transform professional learning. Joellen Killion, Learning Forward senior advisor, and Kathleen Paliokas, director of InTASC at Council of Chief State School Officers, facilitate the task force.

“We are thankful the task force members have taken on this important work in Kentucky,” said Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh. “This team of experts is hard at work advancing professional learning and enhancing Common Core instruction in the states.”