LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Across Kentucky, students still struggle with scoring proficient or distinguished — at or above grade level — in reading and math on standardized tests. But Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Commissioner Robbie Fletcher says those paint an incomplete picture of public education.
"The label doesn't matter to me. Student growth is where did you get the child, and where did you take them," he said, covering the state testing results at a press conference on Thursday.
In measuring that change, a majority of Kentucky schools improved reading and math scores, though Fletcher showed concern for a general decline in science testing.
At Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), which teaches about one in five Kentucky public school students, math improved while reading slipped back. Neither went above pre-COVID levels, however.
Superintendent Marty Pollio explained it's because of student apathy for standardized tests, missed classroom time from late buses and the months-long gap between May testing and October reports.
"Kids don't have much skin in the game when it comes to standardized testing," Pollio suggested.
He also pointed out where the district succeeded. The gap between black and white student graduation rates closed, now just a difference of half a percent. At 88.2%, JCPS has its highest ever number of students graduating, an improvement of just over 8% from ten years ago.
Plus, the report found 82.3% of students walked the stage ready for college or a career.
"We're getting our kids to the finish line, which is the mission and vision of this district, and making sure that they are ready for post-secondary, college, technical programs, those type of things," he said. "We're very proud of that."
Outside of test scores, the state surveys showed most schools reported an increase in how safe students and families feel.
"When someone tells you that, 'I'm gonna allow you to take care of my child,' there's no greater compliment," Fletcher said.
That reporting requirement was added by the state legislature in 2020. Fletcher and Pollio pushed for additional reports to hold school districts accountable.
The department is working on adding more measures, like how involved parents are at a school and how much practical, real-world experience students get outside of the classroom.
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