Dr. Klanderud is the Director of the Carter G. Woodson Center for Interracial Education and an Assistant Professor of African and African American History at Berea College.

The Prichard Committee has used our Equity Lens Campaign to focus and highlight how equity is embedded into public education in Kentucky, as well as the importance and relevance of equity in schools. As we continue this exploration, Prichard has identified several experts in equity that will share their perspectives on where we are in the Bluegrass and where we need to progress to improve equity outcomes.

On Monday, the Kentucky Department of Education kicked off its 2-day . This event was focused on the future of K-12 public education in the Commonwealth. The conversations were potent. The speakers were inspiring. The takeaways were plentiful.

The quickest path to improving economic prospects is through higher education. Whether it is obtaining a higher education credential, a 2-year degree, or a 4-year degree, all the data supports increased economic outcomes for individuals with increased education. Education leads to greater economic opportunities and greater civic engagement; this is one of the findings in our Big Bold Future Report.

The pandemic has had a monumental impact on all Kentuckians.

What students, teachers, and families had to endure, and what the state has been able to overcome to structure learning in these unprecedented times, is worth remembering. The best efforts of our teachers, students, and families to rise above the global pandemic to create meaningful learning opportunities must be acknowledged.