The more than 40,000 public school teachers in Kentucky are the in the forefront of the state’s efforts to educate children and prepare them for life after high school.
Kentucky’s public school students participate in annual testing, and the results of those tests are included in the state’s accountability system for schools and districts. Find information about specific tests, data and resources on this page.
The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is responsible for issuing and renewing certificates for all Kentucky teachers and administrators. Staff works closely with school districts in the hiring process to help ensure a properly credentialed educator in every professional position in Kentucky public schools. Staff also works with Kentucky colleges and universities, out-of-state institutions and national evaluation agencies on the preparation of Kentucky certified educators.
Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education, Terry Holliday, provides oversight and direction for the work of the Kentucky Department of Education’s employees. See information about his background, along with details on his advisory groups, presentations, blog postings and more on this page.
Find news releases, basic facts, Kentucky’s P-12 accomplishments and more on this page.
The Kentucky Department of Education provides many resources related to public school curriculum. Although the agency does not mandate specific curriculum to be taught in the classroom, items that are tied to the state’s public school assessment program are available. Find information about CIITS, subject areas, textbooks, the Kentucky Core Academic Standards, Program Reviews and more on this page.
Kentucky’s public schools offer many programs to meet the needs of students – all the way from preschool to high school graduation. Here, you can learn about career and technical education, preschool, extended school services, career advising and more.
Kentucky's graduation requirements, legislation and frequently asked questions.
Kentucky Board of Education
As mandated by Kentucky law, the Kentucky Board of Education develops and adopts the regulations that govern Kentucky's 173 public school districts and the actions of the Kentucky Department of Education. Department officials follow board guidelines as they both lead and serve public elementary, middle and high schools.
The Kentucky Core Academic Standards contain the minimum required standards that all Kentucky students should have the opportunity to learn before graduating from Kentucky high schools.
In March 2009, Kentucky’s General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1. Passage of this bill requires the design and development of a state-level model curriculum framework.
Preparing Kentucky’s students for college and careers requires an effective and continuously improving education system and workforce. To achieve this, Kentucky is establishing a comprehensive system of professional learning for its education workforce.
School improvement will help all schools and districts prepare Kentucky students for next-generation learning, work and citizenship by engaging schools, districts, families and communities through excellent leadership, service and support. Visit this page for information on Comprehensive Improvement Planning for Schools and Districts, digital learning, innovation and more.
The teachers and leaders in Kentucky’s public school system are vital to the success of educational programs and to ensuring that all students are college and career ready. Information on this page is designed to help teachers and leaders find resources related to professional development, professional growth and effectiveness, certification and more.