FRANKFORT, Ky. — State education officials presented the framework for sweeping changes to Kentucky's school assessment and accountability system to the Local Superintendents Advisory Council on May 26, as district leaders prepare to implement House Bill 257.

Associate Commissioner Jennifer Stafford and Division Director Shara Savage of the Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Assessment and Accountability led the presentation to the advisory council, which serves as the formal body through which superintendents advise the chief state school officer and the Kentucky Board of Education on policy and regulations.

The Local Superintendents Advisory Council, mandated by state law, consists of 11 superintendents appointed by the Legislative Research Commission to represent different regions of the state and offer feedback on administrative regulations and education policy before they reach the board.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 257 into law on April 13, following overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly. The legislation received overwhelming approval with votes of 84-2 in the House and 30-6 in the Senate.

The bill represents a significant departure from Kentucky's existing accountability system by shifting focus from year-to-year school improvement to individual student growth in reading and mathematics. It also adds chronic absenteeism as an accountability measure while reducing the burden of state testing by removing on-demand writing and editing mechanics assessments.

The legislation permits districts to develop locally developed indicators of quality in collaboration with their communities, giving schools flexibility to measure success beyond standardized tests. Superintendents must adopt policies defining their districts' writing programs, with the Kentucky Department of Education providing guidelines and professional learning support.

The changes take effect before the 2026-27 school year. The bill includes funding for six additional regional specialists to help provide support for districts implementing the new framework.