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State-by-State Analysis: Kentucky

Elementary

Middle

High School

Standards
The table below indicates the content the AFT looks for when reviewing English, math, science, and social studies standards. Standards that are clear and specific at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are shaded as indicated in the legend above. Standards that do not meet our criteria remain clear or "empty." Refer to the Content Standards link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating standards.

English	Reading Basics	Reading Comprehension	Writing Conventions	Writing Forms


Math	Number Sense	Measurement	Geometry	Algebra	Data Analysis


Science	Earth Science	Physical Science	Life Science


Social Studies	Civics	U.S. History	World History

Updated 8/2004

Curriculum & Instruction
The table below identifies the components of a standards-based curriculum. If the components are present the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the components are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Curriculum & Instruction link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating standards-based curriculum materials.

	English	Math	Science	Social Studies
Learning Continuum

Instructional Resources

Instructional Strategies

Performance Indicators
Performance descriptors
Rubrics / scoring guides
Sample student work
Commentary on student work

Lesson Plans
Specifies standards addressed
Specifies prior knowledge needed
Integrates two or more standards
Indicates necessary materials
Includes classroom assessments
Indicates length of time needed
Includes sample student work and rubrics
Provides instructional guidance
Includes instructional strategies for diverse learners
Updated 11/2001

Assessing Student Performance
The table below indicates the features of an "open" or transparent assessment system that is based on the content standards. If the features are present the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the features are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Assessing Student Performance link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating open and aligned testing systems.

	English	Math	Science	Social Studies
Grades assessed	4, 7, 10, 12	5, 8, 11	4, 7, 11	5, 8, 11

Alignment report available
State indicates standards tested
State indicates number of items per standard

Test or sample items released
Released items indicate standard tested

State provides grade-specific performance level descriptors
State provides rubrics
State releases scored student work
Released student work includes scorer commentary
Updated 4/2004

Accountability
The table below indicates the elements of a student accountability policy. If the elements are present, the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the elements are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Accountability link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating student accountability policies.

	English	Math	Science	Social Studies
State requires academic intervention for struggling students

State funds academic intervention for struggling students

Promotion from grade to grade in elementary or middle school and/or graduation from high school is based, in part, on state test results

Students can earn awards for meeting higher standards
Updated 11/2001

Alphabetical Listing of Topics

Standards-Based Reform

Content Standards

Curriculum

Student Testing

Accountability

Documents Reviewed

1998-99 CATS Assessment Open Response Item Scoring Worksheet, Grades 5, 8, and 11, Mathematics (curriculum)

1998-99 CATS Assessment Open Response Item Scoring Worksheet, Grades 5, 8, and 11, Reading (curriculum)

1998-99 CATS Assessment Open Response Item Scoring Worksheet, Grades 5, 8, and 11, Science(curriculum)

1998-99 CATS Assessment Open Response Item Scoring Worksheet, Grades 5, 8, and 11, Social Studies (curriculum)

Chapter 3: Test Development Process, 2004 (assessments)

The Commonwealth Diploma Program Overview (accountability)

Core Content for Assessment, 1999 (standards)

Does the Test Measure What it is Supposed to? 2004 (assessments)

Early Reading Incentive Grant Program (accountability)

Extended School Services: Program Guidelines (accountability)

Grade 4 & 5 English/Language Arts, 1998 (curriculum)

Grade 12 Sample Released Writing Tasks, 2004 (assessments)

Grades 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 Sample Released Questions, 2004 (assessments)

High School Implementation Manual—English/Language Arts, 1998 (curriculum)

The Kentucky Core Content Test Blueprint, 1999 (assessments)

Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) (accountability)

Kentucky's Learning Goals and Academic Expectations (standards)

Kentucky Writing Assessment: Holistic Scoring Guide (curriculum)

Learning Descriptions and Research on Children's Learning and Development, 1996 (standards, curriculum)

Middle Level Implementation Manual—English/Language Arts, 1998 (curriculum)

The Program of Studies for Kentucky Schools Grades Primary-12, posted on Web site as of July 28, 1999 (curriculum)

Program of Study for Kentucky Schools (standards)

Spring 1999 CATS Assessment Open-Response Item Scoring Worksheet, Grade 7-Writing (curriculum)

Spring 1999 CATS Assessment Open-Response Item Scoring Worksheet, Grade 12 Writing Task 7 (curriculum)

Spring 1999 CATS Assessment Open-Response Item Scoring Worksheet, Grade 12 Writing Task 8 (curriculum)

Standards Setting Synthesis of Three Proceedings: Procedures & Findings, 2001 (assessments)

State Multiple List of Recommended Textbooks and Instructional Materials, Social Studies, posted on Web site as of May 15, 2001 (curriculum)

Student Performance Standards, 2003 (assessments)

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