Measuring What Matters for the CommonWealth of all Students
February 14, 2025
Measuring What Matters for the CommonWealth of all Students
Kentucky’s public schools are filled with potential, but our current system of accountability does not fully capture the breadth of student learning and success. At the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS), we believe it’s time to rethink how we measure student progress and school effectiveness. The current system, overly reliant on single-test measures and largely based on federal and state standards, fails to paint a complete picture of what’s happening inside Kentucky’s classrooms. It’s time for a change—one that puts students first, fosters innovation, and supports educators in meaningful ways.
The promise of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) was remarkable, outlining capacities to ensure that students possessed the knowledge, skills, and dispositions across a whole host of areas to be successful in life. Initially, the KIRIS system sought to measure these capacities in very forward thinking ways. Unfortunately, the advent of No Child Left Behind and other factors has left Kentucky’s accountability framework largely defined by standardized test scores. While assessments play a role in measuring student achievement, they often fail to capture the full learning experience. Schools and districts should not be evaluated solely based on a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, accountability should be flexible, allowing communities to emphasize the values that matter most to them while maintaining high standards. Kentucky is a complex and diverse place - our accountability system should reflect that.
Some of the key concerns with the current system include:
- Limited Measures of Success: A single test score cannot fully represent a student’s knowledge, skills, or growth over time. Can a science teacher make instructional decisions when a student takes a singular test one time every 3 years?
- Lack of Real-Time Feedback: Many assessments do not provide timely or useful feedback to students or teachers, making it difficult to adjust instruction effectively. Students take these assessments in May and it’s September before any relevant data is available.
- Overburdening Educators: Kentucky has exceeded federal testing requirements, adding layers of bureaucracy that do not necessarily improve student learning outcomes.
A more effective system would provide school districts with greater flexibility while maintaining high standards for all students. By shifting toward an accountability model that prioritizes growth and multiple measures of success, we can create a system that truly reflects student learning and progress.
Aligning Accountability with Workforce Readiness
As noted in the Prichard Committee’s recent article, “Making Kentucky High School Diplomas Matter,” employers are looking for graduates who can think critically, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges. Thirty five years ago, these were similar skills that KERA promised Kentucky students. These skills are not captured by traditional test-based metrics, but they are cultivated through personalized and innovative educational approaches.
School districts across Kentucky have developed a Portrait of a Learner/Graduate that represents a transformational approach to education. Instead of focusing solely on standardized test scores, this framework emphasizes the development of durable skills such as:
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Adaptability
Employers consistently identify these competencies as essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving job market. A graduate who can adapt to challenges, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively is far more prepared to contribute meaningfully to their community and the workforce than one whose education was defined solely by test scores.
The Vision for a New Accountability Framework
Kentucky’s United We Learn Initiative presents a unique opportunity to rethink how we assess student success. This framework balances traditional education priorities around reading, math, transition readiness, and graduation rates with a local component that’s more agile when the local context changes. By designing an accountability system that aligns with these values, we can ensure that education in Kentucky is meaningful and impactful.
A more effective system would:
- Prioritize Student Growth: Rather than comparing one group of students to a different group of students, we should measure student learning progress over time.
- Offer Multiple Ways to Demonstrate Learning: Students should be able to show proficiency in various ways, such as projects, presentations, and portfolio assessments, rather than relying solely on standardized tests.
- Reduce Unnecessary Mandates: Schools should be free from excessive testing requirements that do not add value to the learning experience.
- Embed Workforce-Ready Skills: Ensure accountability includes measures for critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability to align with employer expectations.
This shift will not only benefit students but also support teachers by fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability in the classroom.
Accountability That Works for Everyone
A well-designed accountability system benefits both students and educators. For students, it means access to diverse learning opportunities and assessments that truly reflect their strengths and abilities. For teachers, it means a system that values their work and encourages creativity in instruction.
By moving beyond test-driven accountability, Kentucky can:
- Provide a more accurate representation of student achievement.
- Help recruit and retain passionate educators by creating a system that supports and empowers them.
- Foster community-driven education, ensuring that schools align with local values and needs.
- Strengthen workforce connections, ensuring graduates are prepared for meaningful careers.
The future of Kentucky’s education system depends on our willingness to embrace change. By advocating for a new, more effective accountability system, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed in a way that reflects their unique strengths and potential.
Legislative leaders and education policymakers must work together to develop an accountability system that puts students first and supports educators.
Kentucky’s children deserve an education system that measures what truly matters. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for all students.
At the confluence of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, Carroll County is a close-knit community where schools serve as the center of life. With only 10,000 residents, nearly every family has a connection to the district. Strong partnerships with local industries allow Carroll County Schools to prepare students for futures both within the community and beyond. Superintendent Casey Jaynes emphasizes that the district’s role extends beyond academics. It is about ensuring students are prepared for the workforce opportunities that await them. Thanks to supplemental state funding for career and technical education (CTE), Carroll County High School launched a new Heavy Equipment Operator Pathway in the 2024–2025 school year. Known as CATALYST (Carroll Area Transportation and Logistics Youth Simulation Training), the program introduces students to heavy machinery operation through state-of-the-art simulators. The initiative is already opening doors. Students practice on the same equipment used by major employers such as Nucor, Luhn & Oak, and Kemper Construction, giving them a competitive advantage in high-demand fields. Many participants are also working toward a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a credential that expands career options after graduation. Industry partners share the enthusiasm. Shawn Keeton of Luhn & Oak Construction said, “For the school to embrace the needed training and worker shortage is a dream come true and something that I have thought about and worked toward for years.” This collaboration highlights Carroll County’s commitment to collective progress. For students like Dylan Service and Nahomy Lopez Perez, the program is already transformative. Dylan explained that he has gained skills ranging from safety procedures to actual equipment operation, which he believes will help him secure a job after high school. Nahomy, one of the program’s pioneering female participants, noted that the work requires focus and persistence, but with practice, success is possible. This initiative reflects KASS’s priorities: building a strong workforce pipeline, advocating for funding that delivers opportunities, and ensuring accountability that supports the United We Learn vision. Carroll County Schools is showing how community, education, and industry can come together to create opportunity. As Superintendent Jaynes put it, “Our community is changing, and we have to provide our employers with a technically skilled workforce.” Carroll County is ready to lead students toward that future. For more on this initiative, visit carroll.kyschools.us
In Kentucky, superintendents and education leaders are working toward a bold vision for accountability. Instead of relying only on state test scores, districts are beginning to design local measures of quality that reflect the needs, strengths, and values of their own communities. It’s powerful to watch districts all over the commonwealth engage deeply with their community to determine what is most important for the education of their students. Why Local Accountability Matters Every public school exists to serve its community. From its inception, Kentucky’s school districts have supported the local needs of its people and helped to shape generations. We (Families, students, and educators) all agree that schools should be measured not only by numbers on a page, but also by how well they are preparing young people to thrive in life. Local accountability ensures that Kids First is not just a motto, but a measure of success that is meaningful to every Kentucky student. Community Voice at the Center Local measures are not imposed from the outside. They are created with input from parents, students, educators, employers and community leaders. Some communities may highlight financial stewardship, while others focus on student leadership, growth over time, or readiness for the workforce. The power of local measures is the innovation that happens that others can learn from. Logan County chooses to provide a focus on student leadership while Bullitt County ensures authentic learning experiences for every child. What matters is that each district is empowered to define what quality looks like for its children. Kentucky is a commonwealth of diverse communities. What success looks like in a rural county may not be the same as in an urban district. Local measures allow each community to reflect its own priorities while contributing to a broader statewide vision. Together, these measures strengthen public education in Kentucky by ensuring that accountability is rooted in both excellence and relevance. Looking Ahead Launching a modern accountability system is one of the key priorities for Kentucky’s education future. Local measures will play a vital role in this system by providing a clearer, more complete picture of student learning and growth. By working together, superintendents and communities can ensure that every Kentucky student becomes the best version of themselves. KASS believes in strong accountability for our public schools. This means we MUST have our communities at the table to help us define what these measures should be. This has already started in communities across the state. Now is the time to ensure it is part of our accountability system for every student in the Commonwealth.
As a new school year begins, we are excited to welcome back our students, staff, and school leaders across the Commonwealth. As we begin this new year, possibilities and challenges await. Our superintendents are the leadership heartbeat of our public education system, shaping futures, strengthening communities, and navigating through every challenge we face. This year brings both opportunity and urgency. The challenges before us (growing workforce needs, evolving accountability demands, and the need for sustainable funding) require unified, purposeful advocacy. The time is NOW for Kentucky to recommit to the work of public education and KASS remains committed to putting Kids First in every action. We stand with every Kentuckian to advance a vision of education that reflects the promise of every child and the values of every community in the Commonwealth. Our Top Legislative Priorities for 2026 1. Launch a Meaningful, Modern Accountability System Kentucky needs an accountability framework that measures more than test scores. Our vision is a system that partners with local communities, honors personal growth, and values the skills and attributes that make each student life-ready. This means elevating community-based accountability alongside state measures, ensuring that what we track truly reflects what matters most to families, educators, and employers. 2. Build a Strong, Sustainable Educator Workforce Pipeline Our schools are only as strong as the people who lead them. With education now recognized as a top five in-demand sector, we must attract, develop, and retain exceptional educators at every level. This includes competitive salaries, expanded pathways into the profession, and induction programs that set new teachers, principals, and superintendents up for success. 3. Secure a Budget that Invests in Long-Term Student Success To meet Kentucky’s goals, we must restore SEEK funding to the 2008 inflation-adjusted equivalent of $5,743 per student. Aligning our budget with our ambitions ensures that every district has the resources to address local needs, provide competitive wages, and deliver safe, high-quality learning environments. A Call to Lead Together The year ahead will be pivotal. KASS will continue to advocate with clarity, compassion, and resolve because the future of Kentucky’s children depends on it. We invite every superintendent to join us in reaching out to legislators, sharing local stories, and making our united voice heard in Frankfort. Your leadership matters. Your advocacy matters. Together, we can shape a world-class public education system for Kentucky.
Education as a High-Demand Sector: What It Means for Kentucky’s Schools
Strengthening Kentucky’s Education Workforce: Solutions & Strategies
Henry County Schools, located in Kentucky’s Golden Triangle, is making significant strides in student success through investments in school safety, career and technical education (CTE), and academic excellence. With legislative support fueling these advancements, the district is creating a brighter future for students by ensuring they have access to industry-relevant training, a secure learning environment, and evidence-based curriculum programs. Prioritizing Student Safety with Expanded SROs School safety is a top priority for Henry County Schools, and thanks to increased legislative funding, the district has expanded its School Resource Officer (SRO) program. An additional officer has been assigned to elementary schools, providing younger students with a safer learning environment. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to student well-being and fostering a positive school culture. Investing in Career & Technical Education (CTE) for Future Workforce Success To prepare students for high-demand careers, Henry County Schools has upgraded its CTE programs with state-of-the-art equipment and software. These improvements impact pathways in: Media Engineering Health Science Business Agriculture By integrating industry-standard tools into classroom learning, students gain hands-on experience that makes them more competitive in today’s workforce. This initiative is a game-changer for career readiness, ensuring graduates leave high school equipped with the skills needed for success. Academic Gains Through Evidence-Based Curriculum & Leadership Development Academic excellence remains at the heart of Henry County Schools. The district has implemented an evidence-based Reading and Math curriculum for grades K-8, alongside the Leader in Me program—a leadership initiative designed to improve student engagement and school culture. By the Numbers: How These Investments Are Paying Off Henry County Schools is seeing measurable improvements across multiple areas: ✔️ Ranked 13th in Kentucky for Reading & Math growth (out of 172 districts) ✔️ Largest academic score increase in the OVEC region (from 56.87 to 62.85) ✔️ Notable reductions in novice performance across nearly all grade levels ✔️ Increase in students achieving proficiency & distinguished levels on assessments Beyond academics, the district has also made incredible strides in school culture and climate : ✔️ School Climate ranking improved from 124th to 19th in the state ✔️ Staff-Leadership relationships jumped from 132nd to 14th ✔️ Student Behavior ranking surged from 71st to 8th Community & Legislative Support: The Driving Force Behind Success These remarkable improvements wouldn’t be possible without legislative support, grant funding, and community partnerships. With continued investment, Henry County Schools can further expand career pathways, safety initiatives, and innovative learning opportunities. What’s Next for Henry County Schools? With this momentum, the district is planning: ✅ Further expansion of CTE pathways to provide students with cutting-edge career training ✅ Ongoing implementation of evidence-based curriculum for even greater academic success ✅ Potential for additional SRO placements to strengthen school safety Henry County Schools: A Model for Student Success At Henry County Schools, education isn’t just about textbooks and test scores—it’s about preparing students for a successful future. Whether through safer schools, hands-on career training, or innovative teaching methods, the district is setting a new standard for excellence in education. For more information, visit Henry County Schools website.
