The Kentucky Department of Education has released this year’s school accountability and assessment data report. The document details the statistics of test scores from every district, grade level, and test subject in the state. Officials said there are some bright spots to celebrate, but also some areas of concern.
Robbie Fletcher, Commissioner of the KDE, said a reported increase in school climate and safety is promising.
“As more students feel like schools are safe and provide a quality learning environment. There is no greater responsibility that you have than to make sure that our kids are safe. When someone tells you ‘I am going to allow you to take care of my child’, there is no greater compliment. And we do not take that lightly,” said Fletcher.
On the other hand, science continues to be an area of struggle for Kentucky middle and high schools, with most testing at the novice and apprentice levels. Just 6 percent of high schoolers were proficient or distinguished in the subject.
“We need to see improvement in our sciences across all grade levels. We need to take a deep dive into our science assessment, our instruction, and our student performance. With a goal of developing actual steps to improve science education and performance with our Kentucky students,” said Fletcher.
The percentage of middle and high school students considered proficient or distinguished in math rose but was unchanged in elementary schools.
Also detailed was the ongoing teacher shortage and chronic absenteeism. Some Kentucky districts reported 62.5 percent of their student body missed a tenth or more of the school year.