At the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), we have made our priorities clear over the past several years with the United We Learn vision for public education: creating vibrant learning experiences for students, encouraging innovation in our schools, and collaborating with our communities.

Robbie Fletcher

Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher

The goals KDE has, in line with the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE), pledge to continue these efforts in specific ways. Reimagined assessment and accountability is here and right now, KDE is hard at work finalizing the regulation with KBE and stakeholders across the Commonwealth. All of the input you have given us as we crafted different proposals and prototypes for a new system has helped us get to this point, and we are excited to move forward.

The work will prioritize this work as we continue encouraging widespread implementation of the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. We also plan to continue supporting the partnership with the Kentucky United We Learn Council to advance meaningful, useful measures of student success and vibrant learning experiences for all learners.

Much of our advocacy will be focused on priorities we have already been working on, including our emphasis on strengthening and sustaining Kentucky’s educator workforce. Seeking strategic investments across the educator-career continuum to address areas such as recruitment, preparation, career growth, and retirement will all be critical with this goal.

Another part of building up Kentucky’s educator workforce involves strengthening the pipeline of effective school and district leaders. We plan to do this by increasing principal mentorship initiatives established through Senate Bill 4 and other talent-development supports that recruit, develop, and retain leaders who drive continuous improvement, foster educator success, and develop positive student outcomes.

Beyond these goals, we are also seeking to secure adequate and sustainable funding for student success and school improvement. This involves advocating for sustained investment in vibrant learning experiences for every student and supporting efforts to increase the operational efficiency of schools.

We want to ensure all students can access high-quality, engaging, and supportive learning throughout their time in school, and we also want to support ongoing efforts to create school environments where student and educator wellbeing is prioritized. Modernizing the way Kentucky funds school district facility improvements will be a vital part of this effort as we continue to work with school leaders, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to address the needs of our children.

We are committed to fostering an educational environment in Kentucky that ensures equitable learning opportunities for every student. We are also committed to collaborating with families and communities to provide the resources necessary for their success. As we work with legislators, other Kentucky agencies, and various education stakeholders, these goals will be at the forefront.