The Best Legislation Takes Time

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.