STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
It was standing room only at Caverna High School’s library Tuesday afternoon as families, faculty and Kentucky Department of Education representatives gathered to watch students from grade school to graduates showcase digital portfolios that painted a picture of their growth throughout their academic careers.
The exhibition served not only as a community event, but also as part of KDE’s Defense of Learning Roadshow, highlighting the district’s competency-based approach to education and giving students the opportunity to reflect on their progress beyond traditional test scores. Through the presentations, students demonstrated how they meet the district’s five core competencies while also sharing the personal experiences that shaped them along the way.
Students introduced themselves and offered the assembly a glimpse of who they were outside of a school desk, speaking on their pets, family and hobbies. Accompanied by a slideshow, each student individualized their profile to showcase strengths as well as areas they recognized as needing improvement.
Each slideshow served as a kind of self-portrait, balancing accomplishments with honest reflections on areas still in progress.
The format, however, remained much the same, albeit growing more detailed as the higher grades came to present, with older students expanding on how they demonstrate “mastery of the five district-wide competencies” and how those skills prepare them for life after graduation.
Several students highlighted their acuity in communication and collaboration with others, while others reflected on leadership, adaptability and problem-solving. The students’ occupational aspirations were as varied as their backgrounds, ranging from liberal arts to AI engineering.
“It’s just so amazing to see these young minds thinking about their civic involvement,” said Caverna Board Chairwoman Jennifer Briggs. “And what gifts they have and what purpose they have and how they can start utilizing that in their community.”
Briggs also pointed to the career pathways offered by the district. One student, who hopes to become a zoologist, was asked by Briggs if she intended to take advantage of the district’s veterinary education opportunities as she advances. The student said she had already considered the option and is currently planning to enroll.
“I think it’s really neat to start thinking about those pathways that we have,” said Briggs. “And applying them to younger ages.”
Briggs also touched on the idea of students choosing schools based on academic opportunities, much like they would when considering colleges.
“We think about where we want to go to school for college, why don’t we start thinking about where we want to go to high school?” she said. “If we have all these different pathways, we can already have a four-year plan to do this program at Caverna and then take that experience and use it in their chosen field.”
As a finishing touch, attendees were also offered lunch prepared by the district’s culinary department, giving the afternoon one final example of students putting their skills on display.
Key facts:
• Caverna High School hosted a Kentucky Department of Education Defense of Learning Roadshow event.
• Students from elementary grades through recent graduates presented digital portfolios.
• Portfolios highlighted mastery of Caverna’s five district competencies and personal growth.
• Families, faculty and KDE representatives filled the high school library.
• Caverna Board Chairwoman Jennifer Briggs praised students’ civic involvement and career focus.
• The district’s culinary students prepared lunch for attendees.
Gage Wilson with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this reporting.
Comments