Today in Kentucky, by Tom Latek
According to a comprehensive analysis of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) published by Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball, the agency as a whole needs extensive reforms.
According to Ball, Kentucky’s kids should be given the education they require to succeed in the real world. This analysis lays out a clear course for teacher support, parent accessibility, and student achievement in all of Kentucky’s schools. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher can use it as a guide as he works to raise the standard of public education throughout our Commonwealth.
Among the noteworthy discoveries are:
Rather of reallocating the monies to fill financial gaps, including the most recent one that was reported this past January, KDE permitted more than $250 million in SEEK funds to expire.
Student outcomes have not changed significantly, and KDE’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives have been a waste of funds.
The US Supreme Court recently reaffirmed that KDE’s preschool funding structure is unconstitutional.
Parents are misled by KDE’s preschool rating system. Kindergarten preparation is not correlated with a high preschool ranking. Strong kindergarten preparedness is not promoted by KDE’s present preschool oversight procedures.
The likelihood of sexual harassment and abuse of student-athletes is not being reduced by KDE or KHSAA. Only after this assessment did KDE develop materials for preventing sexual assault and increasing awareness in schools.
Because of KDE’s poor special education tracking, students with impairments have not shown significant academic progress over time.
KDE fails to offer significant assistance to the Kentucky School for the Deaf and the Kentucky School for the Blind.
Teachers find it challenging to access and utilize KDE’s curriculum resources, which hinders their ability to do their duties.
In response to the article, Fletcher stated that KDE is a company that prioritizes ongoing development. We are excited to use the Auditor’s final report to determine plans for ongoing service improvement and future growth prospects for Kentucky’s public school kids. We appreciate the chance to collaborate with the Kentucky General Assembly on the legislative adjustments required to implement the report’s recommendations.
The full report, together with recommendations and KDE’s response, is available at www.auditor.ky.gov.