The U.S. Department of Education’s (USED’s) Office of Special Education Programs recognized Kentucky as meeting the requirements and purposes of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This marks the 17th consecutive year Kentucky has earned the highest possible federal determination states can receive for implementation of the IDEA.
Kentucky is one of only four states to have at least 17 consecutive years of earning the Meets Requirements designation, the other three being Missouri, Kansas and Pennsylvania. Only Missouri and Kansas have more than 17 consecutive years of the Meets Requirements designation.
Part B of the IDEA governs how special education and related services are provided to school-aged children (ages 3-21) with disabilities. Kentucky’s Part B program is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Special Education and Early Learning.
Gretta Hylton, associate commissioner of KDE’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL), said the determination reflects Kentucky’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality services to students with disabilities.
“Seventeen consecutive years of meeting federal IDEA requirements reflects the strong commitment to students with disabilities that exists across Kentucky,” Hylton said. “I am incredibly proud of the work of my OSEEL team and grateful for the partnerships we share with local districts, educators, families and community partners across the Commonwealth.”
Each year, USED evaluates state performance through its Results Driven Accountability framework, which measures both compliance with IDEA requirements and results-based indicators, including graduation rates, statewide assessment participation and performance, and other outcomes for students with disabilities.
The 2026 determination is based primarily on Kentucky’s Federal Fiscal Year 2024 State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report, along with additional compliance and results data considered as part of the federal determination process. Kentucky is one of 21 states and entities nationwide to earn a Meets Requirements determination under Part B of the IDEA in 2026.
Hylton said Kentucky’s continued Meets Requirements designation highlights the Commonwealth’s commitment to implementing IDEA with fidelity while continuously improving educational opportunities and outcomes for students with disabilities.
“This recognition is a result of years of collaboration, strong systems and a shared commitment to ensuring students with disabilities receive the supports and opportunities they need to succeed,” Hylton said. “While we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on continuously improving outcomes for students with disabilities.”
For more information on the 2026 IDEA Part B State Determinations, people can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Leave A Comment