FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky's School Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability Council reviewed a first draft of new assessment and accountability regulations during a July 21 meeting, with members offering feedback on proposed changes stemming from major education legislation.

The 17-member council, created to study and make recommendations on Kentucky's academic standards and accountability systems, heard from Kentucky Department of Education staff including Associate Commissioner Jennifer Stafford and Policy Advisor Jennifer Larkins. The pair outlined proposed revisions to 703 KAR 5:270, which implements House Bill 257, signed into law during the 2026 legislative session.

The legislation fundamentally reshapes Kentucky's K-12 accountability system by shifting focus from group-based metrics to individual student growth in reading and mathematics. The law also reduces state testing, prioritizes attendance and allows school districts to adopt locally defined quality indicators.

"The key regulatory changes under House Bill 257 mean Kentucky will use the individual growth of each student in the accountability system instead of change in accountability indicators from year to year," according to the Kentucky Teacher report. The legislation provides districts flexibility to work more closely with their communities to establish school priorities and ensure students have access to quality learning experiences.

The new accountability system is set to take effect before the 2026-27 school year. Multiple educator teams have been assembled to develop and review the new standards, with additional rounds of public comment planned before final implementation.