FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Department of Education leaders discussed the new procurement process for a state-provided college entrance exam and presented research on teacher literacy supports during a Superintendents Advisory Council meeting May 5.

The procurement process was initiated after the Kentucky General Assembly passed Senate Bill 197 in April, requiring the state to rebid its college entrance exam contract for the 2026-2027 school year. Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a provision limiting use of state funds but allowed the competitive procurement requirement to stand, placing the new school year in the position of beginning without a selected exam.

The contentious legislative battle followed Kentucky's September 2025 transition from the ACT to the SAT, administered by the College Board. That contract, valued at $30 per student, was touted to save the state up to $350,000 annually. However, lawmakers sought another competitive process following concerns about assessment requirements.

Council members also heard from the Kentucky Reading Research Center, which serves as a resource hub and clearinghouse for literacy educators and policymakers across the state. The center, established at the University of Louisville's College of Education and Human Development, was created to support educators implementing evidence-based reading programs and promote literacy development.

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, more than half of Kentucky students are below grade level in reading. The center's research clearinghouse offers summaries of hundreds of studies on literacy instruction, with plans to expand resources through systematic literature reviews and research on evidence-based practices.

The advisory council heard that schools using Read to Achieve grant funding reported the resources were essential for improving literacy instruction. Teachers and reading interventionists said the training and support improved their ability to deliver science-based reading instruction, highlighting the importance of continued investment in educator professional development.