In January 2024, the Kentucky United We Learn Council articulated a bold moonshot to guide the Commonwealth’s future of public education: “To build a prosperous Kentucky, we will launch an accountability system that is meaningful and useful to all our learners.”
This moonshot builds on years of groundwork led by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), including a 2020 statewide survey, a 2021 listening tour, and the work of the Kentucky Coalition for Advancing Education which created United We Learn as Kentucky’s vision for education.
In response, KDE launched the Local Laboratories of Learning (L3s) and convened the Kentucky United We Learn Council—a diverse group of families, students, educators, legislators, business leaders, and community members. Through the co-creation of multiple prototypes and stakeholder feedback including nine regional town halls, a new model framework for assessment and accountability has been designed. This model shifts away from labeling and compliance and toward a system built on local innovation, shared ownership, and vibrant learning experiences. It reflects what Kentuckians have asked for: a model that celebrates what matters, builds trust and helps every learner grow in meaningful ways.
More information on the evolution of the framework and the Kentucky United We Learn Council’s timeline can be found on KDE’s Reimagining Assessment and Accountability webpage.
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What does this mean for me?
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