Superintendents Webcast graphic(FRANKFORT, KY) – Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher and members of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) presented information about the Model Framework 4.0, which would revamp the Commonwealth’s assessment and accountability systems, during the Superintendents Webcast on Nov. 18.

Fletcher said he wants superintendents to weigh in on the proposal before the upcoming 2026 legislative session because he expects them to start getting questions about it soon, if they haven’t already.

“We wanted to go through the Model Framework one more time to make sure everyone has a clear picture of what’s being proposed,” Fletcher said.

The model includes a local accountability system and state accountability that meet federal requirements. Local accountability would include flexible options for districts to set their own indicators in collaboration with their communities. Other indicators that would be required in the local system include writing, social studies and vibrant learning experiences – each would have options for flexibility within them.

Fletcher said one of the goals of the new accountability system would be to emphasize vibrant learning experiences that spark curiosity, motivation and engagement, while cultivating enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Vibrant learning experiences give students the opportunity to demonstrate skills in a variety of ways, including project-based learning, internships and apprenticeships.

“We want students to have that opportunity to (be) more than just a test score as part of an accountability model,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher said the new accountability model also focuses on collaboration, including collaboration with the community, other districts and partners across the state, including KDE and state lawmakers. Districts would have the ability to incorporate local innovation into their accountability systems that reflect local values.

Fletcher noted several districts already have begun work on local accountability with these ideas – vibrant learning experiences, collaboration and innovation – in mind.

Fletcher also went into the timeline for implementation if the assessment and accountability framework is put into state statute, which is split into three phases, starting with a pilot phase with a group of districts to design and implement local accountability systems, focusing on initiating key components, gathering feedback, identifying challenges and refining processes.

Once the pilot phase is done, Kentucky would move into an expansion phase and eventually a sustainability phase. Fletcher also noted that regardless of what happens with the proposed framework in the next legislative session, districts still have the opportunity to implement a local accountability model within the current system.

In other business, superintendents also discussed:

  • Legislative goals for the Kentucky Board of Education and the Education Professional Standards Board; and
  • The counselor and school-based mental health providers’ use of time superintendent’s report.