WHAT is it?
The Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA) is a student choice program. The purpose of the KBA is to encourage the students of Kentucky in grades K through 12 to read a variety of quality literature suitable for their age and reading abilities. All Kentucky public and private schools, as well as public libraries, are welcome to participate in the program.
HOW does the program work?
Each year, a KBA committee for each grade category chooses the books for the four Master Lists (K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12). Students read books from the appropriate Master Lists and choose their favorite which they indicate on a ballot. All the ballots are counted and the results are transferred to an online tally sheet which is submitted to the KBA by the volunteer on-site, teacher or librarian coordinator. A winner is declared for each level. Students do not have to read “at their grade level,” and can read as many books as they want. Schools and public libraries, parents and community organizations can provide some or all of the titles and develop local initiatives to promote the program. Books can be purchased from several vendors as a set or individually from book stores, catalogs, and online sources.
WHO can participate?
Students in grades K-12 can read and rate the books on the Master Lists. Adults can nominate books for inclusion on the Master Lists. Schools, libraries, bookstores, groups and individuals can help promote the program and help students participate in this program.
WHEN is it?
Students begin reading in the fall, and submit ballots throughout the year. The ballots are counted and transferred to the tally sheet. All tally sheets must be submitted by April 1 of each year. Winners are announced by the KBA before the end of the school year. Books can be nominated by adults through the web site or by mail throughout the year. The selection of the new Master Lists is done around March 15 each year. In September, one of the winning authors is invited to come to Kentucky for a special recognition luncheon at the Kentucky Reading Association annual conference.
WHY does our school participate?
This program promotes student reading and critical thinking. It offers students a chance to give feedback and to express their thoughts and opinions. The KBA program is designed to provide a wide range of new reading materials to students and it should be implemented in a way that is simple and fun for students, parents and schools. By all means, feel free to make this program broadly inclusive!