The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) unveiled the latest assessment and accountability prototype during the Superintendents Webcast on Sept. 12 and is asking districts to provide feedback on the proposed model.
KDE and the Kentucky United We Learn Council have been working on prototypes for a reimagined assessment and accountability system that will prioritize innovation, personalization, local community and student voice, and the incorporation of vibrant learning experiences.
“Our goal is to learn from what we did in the past and make sure that our new accountability system is something that we believe in,” said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher.
The latest prototype provides “flightpaths” that includes the possibilities for through-course assessments, a local-accountability emphasis, an accreditation-style model, vibrant learning implementation and other aspects that promote continuous improvement with a broad set of school quality domains. This would work alongside the basic requirements needed to meet federal law.
Jennifer Stafford, director of the KDE Division of Assessment and Accountability Support, said locally determined domains also may be part of the framework.
The most recent prototype reflects a new state accountability system that Stafford said is meaningful and useful to all learners, while driving the dialogue, goal setting and improvement efforts related to school quality.
KDE is now entering a study phase of the prototype, which involves seeking input from all districts through Kentucky’s education cooperatives and conducting focus groups with 36 school districts to provide feedback.
“In this study phase, we’re going to continue to listen as we narrow down what our accountability model will look like moving forward,” Fletcher said.
Once the data is gathered, it will be broken down by student groups and used by district leaders to set goals and strategies for improvement. To learn more background and explore specific details about the assessment and accountability prototype, visit KDE’s Reimagining Assessment and Accountability Prototype Resources webpage.
Ultimately, a finalized assessment and accountability proposal will be developed for the Kentucky General Assembly to consider as early as the 2026 legislative session, Stafford said.
District Compensation Reporting
As part of House Bill 6 (2024), the biennium budget bill, KDE was tasked by the Kentucky General Assembly to compile information about classified and certified staff salary increases for the current school year by Sept. 1.
KDE surveyed school districts and found out that of the 169 districts that responded:
- 54% of districts provided a percentage-rate increase;
- 4% provided a flat increase;
- 38% provided a combination of percentage-rate and flat increases; and
- 4% provided no raises.
The average percentage rate increase for certified staff was 4.14% and the average dollar amount increase was $2,805 annually. The average percentage rate increase for classified staff was 3.63% and the average dollar amount increase was $1,322 annually.
In other updates:
- The KDE’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Late Liquidation Extension Request was approved on Sept. 10. The liquidation period, limited to the districts whose projects or purchases were included in the late liquidation extension request, will last through March 28, 2026.
- Superintendents heard about a new teacher shortage survey to identify areas where there are shortages in the Commonwealth.
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