“Sufficient time has passed since the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 and the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 to ask: are we making educational progress in Kentucky and, if so, are we gaining on the nation?
…Using 11 educational indicators we examine Kentucky’s progress from 1992 to 2005 and conclude that we have made substantial progress, both in an absolute
sense as well as relative to the nation. However, we cannot afford to lose the
spirit of reform because we are still trailing roughly two-thirds of the states.
These indicators of educational progress show an across-the-board improvement from 1992 to 2005.Educational attainment, as measured by the percentage of the population with a high school diploma, two- or four-year degree, and the high school dropout rate, steadily improved. Likewise, each measure of educational achievement, from ACT scores to the percentage of students scoring proficient or higher on the NAEP exams, was at or near its highest level in 2005.”
“…As we reach the 10-year anniversary of postsecondary education reform and approach the 20-year mark of primary and secondary education reform, these data illustrate real educational progress, both compared to our past as well as relative to the nation. Kentucky has moved from the bottom fifth of states in educational performance in 1992 to just over the bottom third in 2005. However, comparing Kentucky to the top 10 performing states in 2005 reveals that the Commonwealth has far to go in almost every facet of educational attainment and achievement. We should celebrate our progress to date, and remember that educational reform is not a destination, but rather a constant work in progress.”
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