Kentucky Department of Education officials continue to seek public comment on developing a new school accountability system. A 12th opportunity, in the form of a virtual town hall meeting, is scheduled for tonight.
Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt says previous input shows Kentuckians want the focus to be on the whole ‘child’ including an emphasis on health and welfare, nutrition, and the arts. “That it can’t be just about a single math or reading test score, but actually, all the different opportunities that students are afforded,” noted Pruitt. “People want a more simple accountability system. They want one that cuts down on the competition between our districts and promotes more collaboration.”
Pruitt says board consideration of a new strategy is scheduled for early 2017. “Time is not our friend here, especially considering that we want to do some pretty special things and some pretty innovative things. It’s gonna really put us sort of back on our heels a little bit to really get all of this done.”
A plan for a new accountability system is expected to go before the board in January with the current timeline calling for it to be in federal officials’ hands by next summer. The education commissioner adds the aim is to have another opportunity for public comment next fall after the plan is finalized.
Tonight’s 6:30 virtual town hall meeting can be accessed through the State Department of Education’s media portal.
