They are also provided an opportunity to make general comments about their education. Rewards for school that improve and sanctions for those that do not are part of Kentucky's reform program. Assessment data are a key part of the information used to target schools which are not improving, including sending assistance teams, or in extreme cases potentially taking over or dissolving a school. Districts can, at their discretion, use test results for such things as grade promotion and graduation, but the state applies no high stakes to individual students based on test results. Assessment design and the writing of items and scoring guides is done by teachers, administrators, specialists from the Kentucky Department of Education, and members of education organizations.
Outside experts help in the design of items.
The portfolio assessments were developed in-state, with assistance from a private contractor. They are scored at the school level, with periodic audits of samples to check the accuracy of school scores. Kentucky has a generally positive approach to ensuring its assessments support important learning by emphasizing constructed-response items. Some studies of Kentucky have suggested that the consequences for schools, even ones such as rewards for teachers, are having some negative effects on schools, and these should be monitored and perhaps modified. The opportunity for students to comment on their learning is also positive.