Kentucky's Education Efforts Applauded

Kentucky's education efforts over the past 20 years are noteworthy, says a Harvard report.

The report ranks Kentucky in the top five in the nation for education improvements.  The timeframe of the analysis essentially tracks the timeframe since the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990.

Kentucky has done well at moving more kids from below proficient to proficient in key areas and has also shown growth in most subjects at levels above the national average.

In Kentucky's case, reform focused on increased spending and on helping rural schools achieve spending equity as well as an emphasis on high standards for student achievement.  There has also been an increased emphasis on teacher and principal training by way of internship programs.

Kentucky has no charter schools and has not moved in that direction.  Likewise, Kentucky teachers have not been subject to the reforms in evaluation that have taken hold in other states such as Tennessee.

Meanwhile, in spite of the BEP and of numerous other "reform" efforts, including opening up the state to almost unlimited Charter School operation, Tennessee has not made noteworthy gains in the same time period.

Tennessee has failed to invest in schools along the same lines as Kentucky or North Carolina, two neighboring states which both show significant gains in the Harvard study.  Even Tennessee's current reform efforts do not include increased support or pay for teachers and last year, the BEP growth formula was short of expectations, leaving many school districts hurting for funds.

In short, a commitment to investment in schools, support for teachers, and high standards appears to yield results.