Jefferson County Public Schools

The Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District is committed to education and the well being of students. This commitment is evidenced by our focus upon student success, family/guardian and community collaboration, and employee efficacy, and by the infusion of each into every aspect of the District’s programs and activities.

The City of Louisville established the first public schools for children in 1829. The Common Schools of Jefferson County were established in 1838. The city and county systems merged in 1975 to create JCPS.

Muhammad Ali (professional boxer and humanitarian), Ned Beatty (actor), Louis D. Brandeis (U. S. Supreme Court Justice), Sue Grafton (author), Darrell Griffith (professional basketball player), Mitch McConnell (U. S. Senator, Senate Minority Leader), Jerry Abramson (former Louisville mayor), John Jacob Niles (composer and folk singer), Marsha Norman (playwright), Pee Wee Reese (professional baseball player), Diane Sawyer (journalist and television personality), Nicole Scherzinger (singer, songwriter, and dancer), Phil Simms (professional football player and sports broadcaster), Hunter S. Thompson (journalist and author), Wes Unseld (professional basketball player, Hall of Famer), and Terrence W. Wilcutt (astronaut)

JCPS has implemented a vibrant, engaging curriculum that meets the needs of twenty-first-century learners across all subject areas. A special focus is placed on content-area reading and writing. The district has also expanded the implementation of inquiry-based math and science programs with the help of a $35.5 million grant from the GE Foundation.

High school students are already using new math materials that are part of the College Preparatory Mathematics curriculum. It encourages the following outcomes:
• Students solve problems numerically, symbolically, graphically, and verbally.
• Students work on study teams in laboratory-type settings to solve challenging problems.
• Students use guided investigations to learn concepts and problem-solving skills.
• Teachers summarize lessons based on individual needs.
• Students receive ongoing practice in basic math skills and homework, including problems that help students maintain or enhance skills they have already learned.

Another highlight of the district’s curriculum is the progress it has made in implementing the K–5 One Community, One Nation (OCON) social studies program. The curriculum for grades three and four was completed in spring 2010. Aligned with the JCPS CARE for Kids program, the goals of the OCON curriculum are to create knowledgeable, inquisitive, and active citizens and to address students’ social, emotional, ethical, and academic growth.

We believe that each student must graduate prepared to succeed in college, career, and life choices and to be a productive, contributing citizen.

We believe that students learn best when they:
• Know that the adults in their lives expect much of them and believe they can succeed.
• Value the importance of education by demonstrating effort, perseverance, and caring for others.
• Engage in curricula that are rigorous and with instruction that is personalized and differentiated.
• Make connections to their learning experiences, their school community, and the world at large.
• Interact in a caring, safe, secure, respectful, diverse, and inclusive learning environment.
• Reflect on the results of their assessments, and make conscious choices to improve their learning.

We believe that student success depends upon high-performance learning environments that:
• Value each student equally.
• Inspire and empower students to be successful, lifelong learners.
• Use formative, diagnostic learning assessments to motivate students, and to tailor and improve instruction.
• Enable students to demonstrate in-depth understanding through meaningful and relevant learning experiences.
• Model the ideals of exemplary citizenship.
• Promote teamwork, problem solving, collaboration, and a culture of inquiry.
• Develop student leadership through character development and service learning.
• Encourage parent/community support and involvement.

We believe that leadership is the most effective catalyst for maximizing student performance through a positive school culture that:
• Expects and promotes quality teaching.
• Provides employees with the resources necessary for students to achieve at high academic and social levels.
• Strategically places staff members in positions, and provides them with powerful professional growth experiences.
• Encourages staff to explore new strategies and pursue innovation to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Expects staff to collaboratively design, plan, implement, and review effective programs and practices.

We believe that public education provides the best learning environment for building, preserving, and strengthening our democratic society.

For the most up-to-date demographic data, visit the JCPS Accountability, Research, and Planning Department Web site at http://www.jcpsky.net/Departments/AcctResPlan/index.shtml. Data Books, School Profiles, and School Report Cards provide a great deal of demographic information.

JCPS schools use technology to support instruction and boost student achievement. For example, the Technology Integration Project provides a tablet PC and a projector to every full-time classroom teacher. In addition, all JCPS classrooms are networked to provide access to the district’s voice/data network. Many classrooms are equipped with presentation systems that integrate classroom computers and overhead projectors with SMART Boards.

JCPS is one of only three school districts across the U.S. selected for a spring 2011 site visit by members of the National School Board Association’s Technology Leadership Network. Members will visit several JCPS schools to learn how they use technology to help students succeed.

JCPS provides an array of student- and family-support programs. These are just a few examples:
• The Extended School Services (ESS) Program provides after-school tutoring and homework help. Many schools also offer ESS during the instructional day.
• Family Resource and Youth Services Centers provide education, social, career exploration, and crisis-intervention services.
• More than 13,000 students with special needs receive a comprehensive array of services from the JCPS Exceptional Child Education Department.
• More than 3,500 English language learners receive services in the JCPS English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. (The district’s students speak more than 100 different languages.)
• JCPS eases students into high school through Freshman Academies, highly supportive learning environments in which students work with a core group of teachers and interact with a smaller number of students than they would in a typical high school environment. Available at 16 schools, Freshman Academies build student confidence, create a sense of community, and forge strong academic and social relationships that promote high school success.
• Thousands of Louisville residents volunteer for the districtwide Every 1 Reads Program to help elementary and middle school students improve their reading and writing skills. The Ramp Up Program is designed for freshmen who are behind in those subjects.