Kentucky maintains exemplary US Implementation of Special Education for a record 16th year in a row.
In a commendable display of collective effort, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has played a significant role in securing recognition for the Commonwealth. This recognition comes as Kentucky maintains its "Meets Requirements" status, a testament to the strong systems in place across the state.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) evaluates state performance under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) using key results-based indicators. These indicators, primarily based on the State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR), measure both compliance and outcomes for students with disabilities.
The indicators considered include the graduation rate and dropout rate for students with disabilities, performance on various educational outcomes such as assessments and timely transitions, the quality, accuracy, and use of IDEA Part B data reporting by states, and compliance and implementation of IDEA requirements.
In the 2025 IDEA State Determinations, states' implementation of IDEA Part B is assessed, with ratings such as “Meets requirements,” “Needs assistance,” “Needs intervention,” or “Needs substantial intervention” being assigned based on their performance across these indicators.
The OSERS places great emphasis on the use of current research and evidence-based practices in data collection and management to improve states’ capacity to report high-quality IDEA Part B and Part C data. This approach further supports the evaluation framework.
Kentucky's efforts aim to ensure meaningful outcomes statewide for students with disabilities. Local districts, educators, and families have demonstrated a remarkable dedication in education, contributing significantly to the state's recognition.
For more information about Kentucky's implementation of IDEA, Gretta Hylton can be contacted via email at [email protected]. For the 2025 State Determinations for IDEA, visit the official website of the U.S. Department of Education.
This recognition signifies a shared commitment to excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement in supporting students with disabilities. The importance of supporting students with disabilities cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in Kentucky's education system.
Kentucky's education system, under the guidance of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), has focused on the education-and-self-development of all students, especially those with disabilities. Local districts and educators in Kentucky have been actively involved in learning and implementing evidence-based practices to ensure a high-quality education for students with disabilities, contributing significantly to Kentucky maintaining its "Meets Requirements" status in the 2025 IDEA State Determinations.
