House Bill 53, passed into law by the 1998 General Assembly, requires that the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) include multiple measures that are sound, fair and feasible. This effort includes four advisory groups charged with helping the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) build a better assessment and accountability system. The groups are comprised of educators and citizens, legislators, testing and measurement experts and legislative staff.
National Technical Advisory Panel on Assessment and Accountability
The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) makes appointments to the National Technical Advisory Panel on Assessment and Accountability (NTAPAA). This group advises the legislature and KBE concerning technical aspects of assessment and accountability. The panel members are nationally recognized testing experts and most of the members have participated in evaluations of Kentucky's previous testing system.
Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee
The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) appoints the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee (EAARS) that will advise KBE on the development of the assessment and accountability system and will consider the regulations promulgated.
Office of Education Accountability
House Bill 53 also charges the Office of Education Accountability (OEA) with advising the Legislative Research Commission and the Kentucky Board of Education on CATS. Input and feedback from Kentucky citizens and educators on how to design a fair accountability system is both welcomed and valued.