State leaders are looking at the results of testing in Kentucky’s schools. They show that the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the commonwealth’s students. Over the past two years, Kentucky has fallen behind on education.
Lu Young is chair of the Kentucky Board of Education. During a press conference in Frankfort Thursday, she said legislators have a better idea of what needs to be done to help students and schools.
“The pandemic punctuated the complexity of the student experience. It helped to emphasize the multifaceted approach schools must take in order to meet the needs of the whole child, the social, emotional, physical, and academic needs of students that directly impact school success.”
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman said now is the time for leaders in Kentucky to do something about education.
“But the bottom line is, we all have skin in this game. All of us, elected officials, families, school leaders and community members. We have a choice to make, we can settle and accept the current circumstances as our new normal, we can armchair quarterback and point fingers or we can get to work.”
Governor Beshear laid out his plan, which includes petitioning lawmakers for a five percent raise for all public-school employees. He said he is pushing for the reinstatement of teacher pensions. The governor is also calling for universal preschool for all 4-year-olds. Lawmakers could consider Beshear’s proposal when the General Assembly returns to session in January.
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