The Future of Assessment and Accountability in Kentucky

How it's Working in Districts

Published: 4/8/2026 3:05 PM

​​​​​​​​​​Across Kentucky, districts are already bringing the future of assessment and accountability to life.

Through the United We Learn vision and the work of the Kentucky United We Learn Council, districts participating in Local Laboratories of Learning are piloting new ways to reflect what students know and can do—ways that value local priorities, vibrant learning experiences, and shared responsibility for student success. Supported by the Kentucky Department of Education, these districts are helping shape how the new system works in real classrooms, schools, and communities.

This page highlights district stories through short videos and spotlights that show the framework in action—from rethinking local measures of success to strengthening partnerships with families, businesses, and community organizations. Together, these examples illustrate how the new accountability system moves beyond compliance and toward meaningful, locally owned approaches that support every learner.

As you explore these district experiences, you’ll see how innovation looks different in different places—while still aligning to a shared statewide vision for student learning, growth, and opportunity.​​​

Ro​ckcastle County Schools - Community Based ​Accountability System​


Shelby County Schools - Local Measures of Quality


Lunch & Learn: A Midday Learning Exchange Video Series

A monthly webinar series designed to spark candid conversations and share learnings about local accountability. Each session features a panel-style Q&A with district leaders sharing how vibrant learning, assessment innovations, and community partnerships are transforming their schools.


Building Community Trust: Grant & Washington County

In our inaugural session, leaders from Grant County and Washington County share how they’ve moved beyond compliance to create a local vision for education that truly resonates with their communities. By stripping away "education jargon" to make strategic plans accessible to everyone, these districts are proving that transparency builds trust.

  • Featured Speakers:
    • Todd Moody, Superintendent (Grant County)
    • Danielle Haley (Grant County)
    • Dr. Robin Cochran, Superintendent (Washington County)
    • Holly Elmore (Washington County)​​
  • Key Learning Highlights:
    • Student-Led Success
      •  How Washington County’s "Celebrations of Learning" empower students in grades 2, 5, 8, and 12 to present evidence of their own growth.
    • The Power of Voice
      • Why including parent priorities—like school meal feedback—on district dashboards helped drive a reduction in chronic absenteeism.
    • Scaling Innovation
      • A look at how Grant County’s professional-grade CTE culinary and welding labs and Washington County’s K-12 competency rubrics are creating vibrant learning experiences.
    • Building Trust
      • ​Why local accountability is about more than just data—it’s about inviting the community in as true partners.

​​Th​e Future of Assessment
and Accountability: 

Sensemaking Video Series

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​​​​Karen Dodd
Office of the Commissioner of Education
Strategic Planning and Research
300 Sower Blvd., 5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-2102 Ext. 4700
Fax (502) 564-7749



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