Kentucky schools show reading gains but fewer hit top ratings

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 22:02 · Archive

Kentucky's latest school report card shows reading scores reached five-year highs, but fewer schools received the state's highest overall accountability ratings.

Kentucky released its latest school report card for the 2025-2026 school year, showing progress in some areas and persistent challenges in others. Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said reading scores reached recent highs across all three grade levels, with 50% of students scoring proficient or distinguished this year, up from the previous year. Science scores also continued to improve, particularly in elementary and high school, bolstered by requirements under House Bill 253 for all kindergarten-through-fifth-grade educators to complete state-approved science-of-reading training by June 30, 2029.

The state's four-year graduation rate reached a five-year high, and postsecondary readiness improved, with the statewide indicator score rising from 92 to 98. However, progress was not consistent across all subjects: social studies performance remained relatively unchanged and writing results were mixed. Fewer schools received the state's highest overall accountability ratings, largely because of lower year-to-year improvement scores.

State lawmakers are changing how Kentucky measures school performance. House Bill 257 will overhaul the state's assessment and accountability system beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, meaning future results will be calculated differently and year-to-year comparisons will become more difficult.

How it is being reported

• Kentucky education data shows lowering year-to-year progress, rising student achievementsNew Kentucky Department of Education data shows that fewer schools in the Commonwealth reached the highest ratings amid overall improvement for districts as a whole.Wowktv · 16 Oct, 21:39
• Kentucky school report card data released for 2025-2026 school yearThe state’s latest report shows progress in some key areas during the 2025-2026 school year, while highlighting others that still need improvement.WSAZ · 15 Oct, 21:25

In this story: Kentucky · Robbie Fletcher · Kentucky Department of Education

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