Officials Discuss School Tests

Since test scores were released in November, critics have questioned why low-performing schools only have to move up one point next year to be considered improving. Some Kentucky board of education members asked Wednesday whether the goals set by the state are high enough to lift up low-performing schools. Commissioner of Education Terry Holliday said the new assessments evaluate schools on several factors to determine success. That differs from the No Child Left Behind Law, from which the state received a waiver. He also said the one-point goal is reasonable. The 2012 data showed 899 Kentucky elementary, middle and high schools needed improvement, 260 were proficient and 137 were distinguished.