Education

The number of college degrees awarded in the Commonwealth increased 4% this year. The Council on Postsecondary Education says a record 63,000 degrees and credentials were awarded in Kentucky for the 2011-2012 academic year. 

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed a measure allowing parents to opt their children out of extracurricular school activities.  

The Murray State student who pleaded guilty to possessing bomb making materials in his dorm room may re-enroll at MSU. David M. Wilson admitted having materials used in making pipe bombs to blow up tree stumps at his family farm. MSU Assistant Vice President of Communications Catherine Sivills says, if he re-enrolls Wilson will be on probation for a year, be banned from living in or visiting any dormitories and must complete 60 hours of community service. Sivills says Wilson has not confirmed if he will return to the University.

The Nation's Report Card shows Tennessee students making slight gains in science.  State education officials say the latest results from the National Assessment of Education Progress show nearly 31 percent of students scoring at or above average in science, compared to 28 percent two years before.  

After several years of planning, Ballard and Carlisle County residents will have access to their own library. The Ballard-Carlisle Library has opened with funds supplied by the Ballard Fiscal Court. WKMS’s Shelly Baskin spoke with Librarian Sonya Mainord about the services the new library will provide for patrons.