’90
Kentucky Education Reform Act requires that a primarily performance-based student assessment system be used in grades 4, 8 and 12 to hold schools accountable for improving the academic performance of their students.
’91-’92
Writing portfolios introduced in grades 4, 8 and 12.
Written tests with essay questions in reading, writing, science, mathematics and social studies administered in grades 4, 8 and 12.
Performance events in math, science and social studies administered to samples of students in grades 4, 8 and 12.
Results of testing used to establish baseline performance level for every school in the state.
’92-’93
1991-92 assessment results announced: most schools rank as novices, the lowest of four performance levels.
Math portfolios introduced in grades 4, 8 and 12.
Written tests added in arts and humanities and in vocational education/practical living.
Performance events added in arts and humanities and vocational education/ practical living.
’93-’94
1992-93 results announced: elementary and middle schools report significant improvements, but high school scores show decline.
Tests used in 1992-93 administered again.
’94-’95
1993-94 results announced: 95% of schools show improvement over two years; 40 percent earn monetary rewards totaling $26 million; the percentage of students performing at the proficient and distinguished levels doubled, but about 80% of students are still performing at novice and apprentice levels.
Written tests for high schools moved from 12th to 11th grade; elementary mathematics portfolio moved from 4th to 5th grade.
Remainder of tests administered in the same way as previous year.