Last Updated on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 5:01 AM
As the improvement planning process begins for schools across the Commonwealth, it is time to set achievement gap targets. Kentucky's achievement gap legislation, KRS 158.649 (SB 168), became effective July 15, 2002. This statute requires all school councils (principals if there is not a council) to set biennial targets eliminating any achievement gaps. Achievement gap targets are then submitted to the superintendent for consideration. In order to create a cohesive process, achievement gap conversations need to occur as part of the school improvement planning process. After the superintendent’s review, the superintendent meets with the school council (principal if there is not a council) to reach agreement on the biennial targets addressed in the school improvement plan. The local board of education adopts the achievement gap targets and the district begins to monitor progress. These achievement gap targets must be set no later than February 1, 2009.
In an effort to build capacity and support schools and districts, KDE staff is available for assistance. Please contact Mary Jo Rist, Darryl Thompson or David Cook at 502-564-4201 if you have questions or need assistance.