Title 703 | Chapter 005 | Regulation 280
703 KAR 5:280.School improvement procedures.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Additional Targeted Support and Improvement" means the process for schools identified pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(b).(2)
"Advisory leadership team" means the team established pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(f) and Section 7 of this administration regulation.(3)
"Annual improvement" means a school reaching annual goals, established by the department, in the areas identified for comprehensive support and improvement.(4)
"Audit" means the process established in KRS 160.346(6)-(7).(5)
"Audit team" means the department, which completes the audit pursuant to KRS 160.346(6)-(7).(6)
"Charter school" means a "public charter school" as defined in KRS 160.1590(12).(7)
"Charter school board of directors" or "governing board" means charter school board of directors as defined in KRS 160.1590(6).(8)
"Comprehensive Support and Improvement" means the process for schools identified pursuant to KRS 160.346(3).(9)
"District" or "school district" means the local school district governed by a local board of education.(10)
"District audit" means an audit that:(a)
Reviews the functioning of the district and the district's ability to manage an intervention in a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement; and(b)
Meets the requirements of Section 4 of this administrative regulation.(11)
"Evidence based interventions" is defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (2015), 20 U.S.C.A. Section 7801.(12)
"Local education agency" or "LEA" means a local school district as established in KRS 160.010 and KRS 160.020 or a charter school board of directors as established in KRS 160.1590.(13)
"Minority" is defined in KRS 160.345(1)(a).(14)
"School audit" means an audit that:(a)
Reviews the functioning of a school;(b)
Assesses principal capacity for leadership of school turnaround; and(c)
Meets the requirements of KRS 160.346(6)-(7).(15)
"School improvement assistance" means a program designed by the department to support improved teaching and learning.(16)
"School improvement plan" means the plan created by schools identified for targeted support and improvement or additional targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(4)-(5) and embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225.(17)
"Targeted Support and Improvement" means the process for schools identified pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(a).(18)
"Turnaround plan" means the plan created pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(g) and embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225.(19)
"Turnaround team" means the team selected pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(a).Section 2.
Audit Team Membership.(1)
Pursuant to KRS 160.346(6)(a), a school, including a charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall undergo an audit conducted by the department.(2)
Members of the audit team shall be selected from qualified applicants by the department, and approved by the commissioner or his designee;(3)
Members shall complete department-provided or department-approved training in any areas needed to effectively perform their duties;(4)
Members shall hold appropriate certification or qualifications for the position being represented;(5)
The team shall not include any members currently employed by or otherwise affiliated with the LEA or school under review;(6)
The team shall include the following representation:(a)
The chairperson, who shall be designated by the department or its designee, and shall be:1.
A certified administrator approved by the department to provide school improvement assistance;2.
A certified administrator member of the review team; or3.
A similarly qualified professional approved by the department;(b)
An individual approved by the department to provide school improvement assistance;(c)
A teacher who is actively teaching or has taught within the last three (3) years;(d)
A principal who is currently serving or has served as a principal within the last three (3) years;(e)
An LEA administrator who is currently serving or has served in an LEA administrative position within the last three (3) years;(f)
A parent or legal guardian who has or has had a school-aged child; and(g)
A university representative who is currently serving or has served in that capacity within the last three (3) years;(7)
The chair may serve in addition to the six (6) members outlined in subsection (6) of this section, or may be selected from those six (6) members who also meet the qualifications of this section.Section 3.
School Audit.(1)
A school audit shall be scheduled within forty-five (45) days of a school's identification for comprehensive support and improvement.(2)
In addition to the requirements established in KRS 160.346(7), a school audit shall consist of and incorporate into the audit process and report the following criteria:(a)
Analysis of state and local education data;(b)
At the discretion of the audit team, analysis and recommendation regarding the principal's capacity to lead turnaround in a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement;(c)
Review of comprehensive school improvement plans and other planning documents;(d)
Interviews with students, parents, all school council members, if applicable, school and LEA personnel, and community members;(e)
Direct observation;(f)
Administration of teacher and principal working conditions surveys and student satisfaction surveys;(g)
Review of school council minutes and agendas, if applicable; and(h)
Other information deemed necessary by the commissioner or his designee.(3)
The recommendation of the principal's ability to lead the intervention in the school, as required by (2)(b) of this section, shall be based upon an assessment consistent with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders approved by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration and incorporated by reference in 16 KAR 3:090, Certifications for advanced educational leaders.(4)
Charter schools shall be subject to a school audit that shall include an addendum providing a determination regarding the governing board's capacity to provide support for turnaround. Each addendum shall include:(a)
Analysis of state and local education data;(b)
A review of the governing board's level of functioning and recommendation to the commissioner as to whether the governing board has the capacity to manage the intervention in the charter school;(c)
Interviews with governing board members, students, parents, school personnel, authorizer, and community members;(d)
Direct observations;(e)
Administration of teacher and principal working conditions surveys and student satisfaction surveys;(f)
Review of charter school governing board minutes and agendas; and(g)
Other information deemed necessary by the commissioner, or his designee, to assess the functionality of the governing board to support school improvement.Section 4.
District Audit.(1)
A district shall be subject to a district audit upon identification of a school within the district for comprehensive support and improvement.(2)
Within forty-five (45) days of identification by the department of a district containing a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement, an audit shall be scheduled to review the functioning of the district's administration and its specific leadership capacity related to each school identified for comprehensive support and improvement.(3)
Each district audit shall include:(a)
Analysis of state and local education data;(b)
A review of the district's level of functioning and recommendation to the commissioner as to whether the district has the capacity to manage the intervention in each identified school;(c)
Review of comprehensive district improvement plan and other planning documents;(d)
Interviews with local board members, students, parents, school and district personnel, and community members;(e)
Direct observation;(f)
Administration of teacher and principal working conditions surveys and student satisfaction surveys;(g)
Review of school board minutes and agendas; and(h)
Other information deemed necessary by the commissioner, or his designee, to assess the functionality of the district to support school improvement.(4)
The determination of the district's level of functioning and ability to manage the intervention in the school identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall be based upon an assessment of capacity in the following areas:(a)
The district demonstrates maintenance and communication of a visionary purpose and direction committed to high expectations for learning as well as shared values and beliefs about teaching and learning;(b)
The district leads and operates under a governance and leadership style that promotes and supports student performance and system effectiveness;(c)
The district establishes a data-driven system for curriculum, instructional design, and delivery, ensuring both teacher effectiveness and student achievement;(d)
The district ensures that systems are in place for accurate collection and use of data;(e)
The district ensures that systems are in place to allocate human and fiscal resources to support improvement and ensure success for all students; and(f)
The district ensures that a comprehensive assessment system, which generates a range of data about student learning and system effectiveness and uses the results to guide continuous improvement, is implemented.(5)
There shall be only one (1) district audit per district, per year, regardless of the number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement located in the district.Section 5.
Notification to Schools and LEAs of Audit Findings.(1)
Following any school audit, the audit team shall submit all findings and the principal capacity recommendation to the commissioner.(2)
Following any charter school or district audit, the district or governing board audit findings and capacity recommendations shall be submitted to the commissioner who shall then make a determination regarding the district or governing board's level of functioning and whether the district or governing board has the capacity to manage the intervention in each identified school.(3)
After completion of the initial school or district audits and within thirty (30) days of receiving the audit findings, the commissioner shall notify in writing the school, district or governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings and recommendation regarding principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority and a determination regarding district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority. The superintendent shall then make any necessary determination regarding the principal or other certified staff pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(c)-(d).(4)
(a)
A school, including a charter school, or district that believes the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority is grossly unfair may appeal such recommendation within fifteen (15) days after the commissioner notifies the school, district or governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings, as described in subsection (3);(b)
The written request for an appeal shall be submitted by mail to the department at the address supplied in Section 16 of this administrative regulation and shall identify:1.
The reason(s) and supporting evidence that the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority is believed to be grossly unfair; and2.
The requested adjustment to be made to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority; and(c)
The request for an appeal shall be signed by the superintendent of the district or comparable leader of the charter school upon approval of the local board of education or governing board.(5)
(a)
Upon receipt of the request for an appeal filed under subsection (4), the commissioner, or his designee, shall review such appeal against the standards set forth in either Section 3(3), if the appeal relates to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority, or Section 4(4), if the appeal relates to the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority, to determine whether to dispute the appeal;(b)
Within thirty (30) days of the request for an appeal filed under subsection (4), the commissioner shall determine whether to:1.
Adopt the requested adjustment to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity, and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority, set forth in the request for an appeal as required by subsection (4)(b)2.; or2.
Dispute the requested adjustment to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority, or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority, set forth in the request for an appeal as required by subsection (4)(b)2.;(c)
If the request for an appeal is disputed by the commissioner, an appeal shall be submitted to the hearing officer for the Kentucky Board of Education; and(d)
The hearing officer appointed shall conduct a hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B and submit a written recommended order to the Kentucky Board of Education for the board's consideration in rendering its final order, in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.Section 6.
Turnaround Team and Development of Turnaround Plan for School Identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement.(1)
Within fifteen (15) days after the commissioner notifies the school, district or charter governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings, as described in Section 5(3) of this administrative regulation, an LEA shall declare its intent to either utilize the department for the turnaround team or another vendor from the approved turnaround vendor list published pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) and (8)(a) as well as Section 15 of this administrative regulation and, if the LEA declares its intent to use any option other than the department for the turnaround team, the LEA shall use the "Notification of Non-Department Turnaround Team Form."(2)
If the LEA utilizes the department to serve as the turnaround team, the turnaround team shall be comprised of team members selected and approved by the commissioner, or his designee, to provide school improvement assistance.(3)
A school, including a charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall be eligible to apply for funding under 20 U.S.C. 6303. Any funds awarded to a school pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 6303 shall be utilized to pay for turnaround activities, which may include assisting with funding an LEA's utilization of a non-department vendor from the approved turnaround vendor list published pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) and (8)(a) as well as Section 15 of this administrative regulation. (4) Within forty-five (45) days after the commissioner notifies the school, district or governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings, as described in Section 5(3) of this administrative regulation, the turnaround team shall develop a turnaround plan pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(g). (5) In addition to the requirements established in KRS 160.346(8)(g), the turnaround plan shall be embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225 and shall include:(a)
Evidence-based interventions to be utilized to increase student performance and address the critical needs identified in the school audit;(b)
A comprehensive list of persons and entities involved in the turnaround efforts and the specific roles each shall play in the school's turnaround; and(c)
A review of resource inequities that shall include an analysis of school level budgeting to ensure resources are adequately channeled towards school improvement. (6) The turnaround plan shall be approved by the superintendent and local board of education, as required by KRS 160.346(8)(g), who shall provide the necessary support and resources for the turnaround plan and submit the turnaround plan to the commissioner for final approval. (7)(a) Following receipt of the turnaround plan specified in subsection (6) of this section and before the beginning of the school year following the audit, the commissioner, in consultation with the advisory leadership team, superintendent, and local board of education, shall determine the sufficiency of the school's turnaround plan to meet the needs of the school's turnaround effort.(d)
If the commissioner finds that the plan is not sufficient to meet the needs of the school turnaround effort for a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement, the department shall provide feedback detailing the deficiencies and advise the LEA and school to make changes to the plan.Section 7.
Advisory Leadership Team.(1)
The principal or charter school leader of a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall provide to the department, in a format acceptable to the department, the names and addresses of advisory leadership team members appointed pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(f).(2)
The department shall maintain a database of all advisory leadership team members appointed pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(f).(3)
In establishing the advisory leadership team, the principal or charter school leader shall ensure that schools having eight (8) percent or more minority students enrolled, as determined by the enrollment on the preceding October 1, shall have at least one (1) minority member serving on the advisory leadership team.(4)
Meetings of the advisory leadership team shall be open to the public.(5)
Duties of the advisory leadership team shall include:(a)
Providing support for systems that seek to build capacity in school leadership;(b)
Promoting positive school climate and culture; and(c)
Supporting the continual use of data-driven decision-making to support school improvement.Section 8.
Monitoring and Periodic Review of Plan Implementation.(1)
Pursuant to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C.A. Section 6301, all schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall be subject to monitoring and periodic review by the department.(2)
Monitoring shall include:(a)
Onsite support by department staff if the department is chosen by the LEA to serve as the turnaround team pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(a) or if more rigorous intervention by the department is warranted as established in Section 9 of this administrative regulation;(b)
Annual review of school and LEA state accountability data;(c)
Review of indicators of school quality; and(d)
Other measures deemed necessary by the department to ensure compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act, or its successor.(3)
Periodic review of the turnaround plan shall include:(a)
Periodic site visits;(b)
Direct observation; and(c)
Interviews with students, parents, all school council members, if applicable, school and LEA personnel, and community members.Section 9.
More Rigorous Intervention.(1)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit that status after three (3) years shall be subject to intervention by the department including but not limited to:(a)
A school audit conducted by the department;(b)
Onsite assistance by department staff; and(c)
Evaluation and modification of the school turnaround plan.(2)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit after three (3) years shall be subject to an audit by the department every two (2) years, or as deemed necessary by the commissioner.(3)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not make annual improvement for two (2) consecutive years shall be subject to intervention by the department, as established in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, after the second year;(4)
Districts serving any number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit after three (3) years, or two (2) years as established in subsection (3) of this section, shall be subject to a district audit. Additional district audits for districts serving schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit that status shall occur every two (2) years, or as deemed necessary by the commissioner. No district, regardless of the number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that fail to exit that status, shall have more than one (1) district audit every two (2) years.Section 10.
Targeted Support and Improvement and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement.(1)
Upon identification as a school for targeted support and improvement or additional targeted support and improvement, the identified school shall comply with the requirements of KRS 160.346(4)-(5). The school improvement plan shall be embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225.(2)
LEAs with a school identified for targeted support and improvement or additional targeted support and improvement shall monitor and provide support to the school to ensure the successful implementation of the school improvement plan.Section 11.
Significant Number of Schools.(1)
In addition to providing notification to LEAs as to the identification of schools for comprehensive support and improvement, additional targeted support and improvement, or targeted support and improvement, the department shall notify LEAs as to whether they shall be considered an LEA supporting a significant number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement.(2)
To determine whether an LEA meets this designation, the department shall calculate, based on the total number of A1 schools, as defined in 703 KAR 5:240, in the LEA, the LEA's percentage of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement. Any LEA containing two (2) or more schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement, and whose percentage of identified schools exceeds ten (10) percent of all schools within the district shall be designated an LEA supporting a significant number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement.Section 12.
Technical Assistance for LEAs Supporting a Significant Number of Schools Identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement.(1)
LEAs supporting a significant number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall receive the following technical assistance:(a)
A district audit, or school audit if a charter school, conducted by the department; and(b)
Onsite support from department staff.(2)
The district audit, or school audit if a charter school, completed by the department pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section shall take the place of any district or school audit conducted under Sections 3 and 4 of this administrative regulation.(3)
Department staff shall:(a)
Coordinate with the LEA to ensure direct support of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement;(b)
Review, via the district or school audit, if a charter school, resources and allocations to determine if they are being used effectively for school improvement;(c)
Work with the LEA to address any identified resource inequities that negatively impact schools and students; and(d)
Work with the LEA to develop sustainable systems to support school improvement.Section 13.
Technical Assistance for LEAs Supporting a Significant Number of Schools Identified for Targeted Support and Improvement.(1)
LEAs supporting a significant number of schools identified for targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement, shall receive the following technical assistance:(a)
Periodic site visits; and(b)
Onsite support by department staff.(2)
Department staff shall:(a)
Review LEA resources and allocations to determine if they are being used effectively for school improvement;(b)
Provide technical assistance to the LEA regarding resource allocation to support school improvement; and(c)
Connect LEAs with professional development opportunities to build capacity for school improvement efforts.Section 14.
Exit Criteria.(1)
A school identified for comprehensive support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(3)(a) or (c) shall exit that status if:(a)
It no longer meets the criteria for identification; and(b)
It demonstrates progress on the data that served as the basis for identification.(2)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(3)(b) shall exit that status if they no longer meet the criteria for identification.(3)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement as a result of more than one (1) criteria shall exit if all relevant exit criteria are met.(4)
Schools identified for targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(a) or additional targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(b) shall exit that status if they:(a)
No longer meet the criteria for identification; and(b)
Demonstrate progress on the data that served as the basis for identification.(5)
Schools identified for additional targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(b) that do not exit that status within three (3) years shall be identified for comprehensive support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(3)(c).Section 15.
Approved Turnaround Vendor List.(1)
On or after July 1 and prior to August 15 of each calendar year, an entity may request to be a KBE-approved turnaround vendor by submitting to the Chair of the KBE and the commissioner the "Turnaround Vendor Application" outlining evidence of the entity's documented success at turnaround diagnosis, training, improved performance of organizations, and expertise in using evidence-based strategies to improve student achievement, instruction, and schools.(2)
Within forty-five (45) days from receipt of a completed "Turnaround Vendor Application," the commissioner, or his designee, shall review and recommend the KBE approve or deny the "Turnaround Vendor Application."(3)
At the next regularly scheduled meeting of the KBE following the receipt of the recommendation from the commissioner, or his designee, pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, the KBE shall approve or deny a completed "Turnaround Vendor Application."(4)
Any entity with a "Turnaround Vendor Application" that has been approved by the KBE shall be placed on the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) and, thereafter, may be selected, in accordance with KRS 160.346(8)(a), by an LEA to provide turnaround training and support to a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement.(5)
An entity placed on the KBE's approved turnaround vendor list shall annually by October 15 submit the following to the department:(a)
The name and address of each school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement wherein the entity provided turnaround training and support during the immediately prior school year;(b)
The accountability system performance of each school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement wherein the entity provided turnaround training and support during the immediately prior school year;(c)
An accounting of the funds the entity received during the immediately prior school year from an LEA in consideration for the entity providing turnaround training and support to a school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support; and(d)
Any other information the department deems necessary to evaluating the performance of the turnaround vendor and reporting thereon to the KBE and the Interim Joint Committee on Education, as required by KRS 160.346(10).(6)
The KBE may revoke approval of an entity's "Turnaround Vendor Application" as a result of evidence collected pursuant to subsection (5) or through any other means and remove the entity from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a).(7)
Any entity that has had approval of its "Turnaround Vendor Application" revoked by the KBE shall be disqualified from submitting a new "Turnaround Vendor Application" or being placed on the KBE approved turnaround vendor list for a period of two (2) years from the date of revocation.(8)
An entity may, by letter to the Chair of the KBE and the commissioner, withdraw its approved "Turnaround Vendor Application" and be removed from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a). An entity voluntarily removed from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) shall be eligible to reapply using the "Turnaround Vendor Application" at any time.(9)
An entity with a "Turnaround Vendor Application" that has been denied by the KBE or one that has been voluntarily or involuntarily removed from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) shall be ineligible to be selected, in accordance with KRS 160.346(8)(a), by an LEA to provide turnaround training and support to a school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement.Section 16.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The following material is incorporated by reference:(a)
"Notification of Non-Department Turnaround Team Form," December 2020;(b)
"Turnaround Vendor Application," December 2020.(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Department of Education, Office of Continuous Improvement and Support, 300 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.HISTORY: (44 Ky.R. 2158, 2351, 45 Ky.R. 29; eff. 6-17-2018; 46 Ky.R. 1032, 2087, 2402; eff. 4-3-2020; 47 Ky.R. 1458, 2405; eff. 8-3-2021.)
This is to certify that the chief state school officer has reviewed and recommended this administrative regulation prior to its adoption by the Kentucky Board of Education, as required by KRS 156.070(5).
703 KAR 5:280.School improvement procedures.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Additional Targeted Support and Improvement" means the process for schools identified pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(b).(2)
"Advisory leadership team" means the team established pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(f) and Section 7 of this administration regulation.(3)
"Annual improvement" means a school reaching annual goals, established by the department, in the areas identified for comprehensive support and improvement.(4)
"Audit" means the process established in KRS 160.346(6)-(7).(5)
"Audit team" means the department, which completes the audit pursuant to KRS 160.346(6)-(7).(6)
"Charter school" means a "public charter school" as defined in KRS 160.1590(12).(7)
"Charter school board of directors" or "governing board" means charter school board of directors as defined in KRS 160.1590(6).(8)
"Comprehensive Support and Improvement" means the process for schools identified pursuant to KRS 160.346(3).(9)
"District" or "school district" means the local school district governed by a local board of education.(10)
"District audit" means an audit that:(a)
Reviews the functioning of the district and the district's ability to manage an intervention in a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement; and(b)
Meets the requirements of Section 4 of this administrative regulation.(11)
"Evidence based interventions" is defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (2015), 20 U.S.C.A. Section 7801.(12)
"Local education agency" or "LEA" means a local school district as established in KRS 160.010 and KRS 160.020 or a charter school board of directors as established in KRS 160.1590.(13)
"Minority" is defined in KRS 160.345(1)(a).(14)
"School audit" means an audit that:(a)
Reviews the functioning of a school;(b)
Assesses principal capacity for leadership of school turnaround; and(c)
Meets the requirements of KRS 160.346(6)-(7).(15)
"School improvement assistance" means a program designed by the department to support improved teaching and learning.(16)
"School improvement plan" means the plan created by schools identified for targeted support and improvement or additional targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(4)-(5) and embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225.(17)
"Targeted Support and Improvement" means the process for schools identified pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(a).(18)
"Turnaround plan" means the plan created pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(g) and embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225.(19)
"Turnaround team" means the team selected pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(a).Section 2.
Audit Team Membership.(1)
Pursuant to KRS 160.346(6)(a), a school, including a charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall undergo an audit conducted by the department.(2)
Members of the audit team shall be selected from qualified applicants by the department, and approved by the commissioner or his designee;(3)
Members shall complete department-provided or department-approved training in any areas needed to effectively perform their duties;(4)
Members shall hold appropriate certification or qualifications for the position being represented;(5)
The team shall not include any members currently employed by or otherwise affiliated with the LEA or school under review;(6)
The team shall include the following representation:(a)
The chairperson, who shall be designated by the department or its designee, and shall be:1.
A certified administrator approved by the department to provide school improvement assistance;2.
A certified administrator member of the review team; or3.
A similarly qualified professional approved by the department;(b)
An individual approved by the department to provide school improvement assistance;(c)
A teacher who is actively teaching or has taught within the last three (3) years;(d)
A principal who is currently serving or has served as a principal within the last three (3) years;(e)
An LEA administrator who is currently serving or has served in an LEA administrative position within the last three (3) years;(f)
A parent or legal guardian who has or has had a school-aged child; and(g)
A university representative who is currently serving or has served in that capacity within the last three (3) years;(7)
The chair may serve in addition to the six (6) members outlined in subsection (6) of this section, or may be selected from those six (6) members who also meet the qualifications of this section.Section 3.
School Audit.(1)
A school audit shall be scheduled within forty-five (45) days of a school's identification for comprehensive support and improvement.(2)
In addition to the requirements established in KRS 160.346(7), a school audit shall consist of and incorporate into the audit process and report the following criteria:(a)
Analysis of state and local education data;(b)
At the discretion of the audit team, analysis and recommendation regarding the principal's capacity to lead turnaround in a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement;(c)
Review of comprehensive school improvement plans and other planning documents;(d)
Interviews with students, parents, all school council members, if applicable, school and LEA personnel, and community members;(e)
Direct observation;(f)
Administration of teacher and principal working conditions surveys and student satisfaction surveys;(g)
Review of school council minutes and agendas, if applicable; and(h)
Other information deemed necessary by the commissioner or his designee.(3)
The recommendation of the principal's ability to lead the intervention in the school, as required by (2)(b) of this section, shall be based upon an assessment consistent with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders approved by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration and incorporated by reference in 16 KAR 3:090, Certifications for advanced educational leaders.(4)
Charter schools shall be subject to a school audit that shall include an addendum providing a determination regarding the governing board's capacity to provide support for turnaround. Each addendum shall include:(a)
Analysis of state and local education data;(b)
A review of the governing board's level of functioning and recommendation to the commissioner as to whether the governing board has the capacity to manage the intervention in the charter school;(c)
Interviews with governing board members, students, parents, school personnel, authorizer, and community members;(d)
Direct observations;(e)
Administration of teacher and principal working conditions surveys and student satisfaction surveys;(f)
Review of charter school governing board minutes and agendas; and(g)
Other information deemed necessary by the commissioner, or his designee, to assess the functionality of the governing board to support school improvement.Section 4.
District Audit.(1)
A district shall be subject to a district audit upon identification of a school within the district for comprehensive support and improvement.(2)
Within forty-five (45) days of identification by the department of a district containing a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement, an audit shall be scheduled to review the functioning of the district's administration and its specific leadership capacity related to each school identified for comprehensive support and improvement.(3)
Each district audit shall include:(a)
Analysis of state and local education data;(b)
A review of the district's level of functioning and recommendation to the commissioner as to whether the district has the capacity to manage the intervention in each identified school;(c)
Review of comprehensive district improvement plan and other planning documents;(d)
Interviews with local board members, students, parents, school and district personnel, and community members;(e)
Direct observation;(f)
Administration of teacher and principal working conditions surveys and student satisfaction surveys;(g)
Review of school board minutes and agendas; and(h)
Other information deemed necessary by the commissioner, or his designee, to assess the functionality of the district to support school improvement.(4)
The determination of the district's level of functioning and ability to manage the intervention in the school identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall be based upon an assessment of capacity in the following areas:(a)
The district demonstrates maintenance and communication of a visionary purpose and direction committed to high expectations for learning as well as shared values and beliefs about teaching and learning;(b)
The district leads and operates under a governance and leadership style that promotes and supports student performance and system effectiveness;(c)
The district establishes a data-driven system for curriculum, instructional design, and delivery, ensuring both teacher effectiveness and student achievement;(d)
The district ensures that systems are in place for accurate collection and use of data;(e)
The district ensures that systems are in place to allocate human and fiscal resources to support improvement and ensure success for all students; and(f)
The district ensures that a comprehensive assessment system, which generates a range of data about student learning and system effectiveness and uses the results to guide continuous improvement, is implemented.(5)
There shall be only one (1) district audit per district, per year, regardless of the number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement located in the district.Section 5.
Notification to Schools and LEAs of Audit Findings.(1)
Following any school audit, the audit team shall submit all findings and the principal capacity recommendation to the commissioner.(2)
Following any charter school or district audit, the district or governing board audit findings and capacity recommendations shall be submitted to the commissioner who shall then make a determination regarding the district or governing board's level of functioning and whether the district or governing board has the capacity to manage the intervention in each identified school.(3)
After completion of the initial school or district audits and within thirty (30) days of receiving the audit findings, the commissioner shall notify in writing the school, district or governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings and recommendation regarding principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority and a determination regarding district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority. The superintendent shall then make any necessary determination regarding the principal or other certified staff pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(c)-(d).(4)
(a)
A school, including a charter school, or district that believes the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority is grossly unfair may appeal such recommendation within fifteen (15) days after the commissioner notifies the school, district or governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings, as described in subsection (3);(b)
The written request for an appeal shall be submitted by mail to the department at the address supplied in Section 16 of this administrative regulation and shall identify:1.
The reason(s) and supporting evidence that the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority is believed to be grossly unfair; and2.
The requested adjustment to be made to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority; and(c)
The request for an appeal shall be signed by the superintendent of the district or comparable leader of the charter school upon approval of the local board of education or governing board.(5)
(a)
Upon receipt of the request for an appeal filed under subsection (4), the commissioner, or his designee, shall review such appeal against the standards set forth in either Section 3(3), if the appeal relates to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority, or Section 4(4), if the appeal relates to the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority, to determine whether to dispute the appeal;(b)
Within thirty (30) days of the request for an appeal filed under subsection (4), the commissioner shall determine whether to:1.
Adopt the requested adjustment to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity, and authority or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority, set forth in the request for an appeal as required by subsection (4)(b)2.; or2.
Dispute the requested adjustment to the recommendation regarding the principal or school leader's leadership capacity and authority, or the district or governing board's leadership capacity and authority, set forth in the request for an appeal as required by subsection (4)(b)2.;(c)
If the request for an appeal is disputed by the commissioner, an appeal shall be submitted to the hearing officer for the Kentucky Board of Education; and(d)
The hearing officer appointed shall conduct a hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B and submit a written recommended order to the Kentucky Board of Education for the board's consideration in rendering its final order, in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.Section 6.
Turnaround Team and Development of Turnaround Plan for School Identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement.(1)
Within fifteen (15) days after the commissioner notifies the school, district or charter governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings, as described in Section 5(3) of this administrative regulation, an LEA shall declare its intent to either utilize the department for the turnaround team or another vendor from the approved turnaround vendor list published pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) and (8)(a) as well as Section 15 of this administrative regulation and, if the LEA declares its intent to use any option other than the department for the turnaround team, the LEA shall use the "Notification of Non-Department Turnaround Team Form."(2)
If the LEA utilizes the department to serve as the turnaround team, the turnaround team shall be comprised of team members selected and approved by the commissioner, or his designee, to provide school improvement assistance.(3)
A school, including a charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall be eligible to apply for funding under 20 U.S.C. 6303. Any funds awarded to a school pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 6303 shall be utilized to pay for turnaround activities, which may include assisting with funding an LEA's utilization of a non-department vendor from the approved turnaround vendor list published pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) and (8)(a) as well as Section 15 of this administrative regulation. (4) Within forty-five (45) days after the commissioner notifies the school, district or governing board, and the charter authorizer of the audit findings, as described in Section 5(3) of this administrative regulation, the turnaround team shall develop a turnaround plan pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(g). (5) In addition to the requirements established in KRS 160.346(8)(g), the turnaround plan shall be embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225 and shall include:(a)
Evidence-based interventions to be utilized to increase student performance and address the critical needs identified in the school audit;(b)
A comprehensive list of persons and entities involved in the turnaround efforts and the specific roles each shall play in the school's turnaround; and(c)
A review of resource inequities that shall include an analysis of school level budgeting to ensure resources are adequately channeled towards school improvement. (6) The turnaround plan shall be approved by the superintendent and local board of education, as required by KRS 160.346(8)(g), who shall provide the necessary support and resources for the turnaround plan and submit the turnaround plan to the commissioner for final approval. (7)(a) Following receipt of the turnaround plan specified in subsection (6) of this section and before the beginning of the school year following the audit, the commissioner, in consultation with the advisory leadership team, superintendent, and local board of education, shall determine the sufficiency of the school's turnaround plan to meet the needs of the school's turnaround effort.(d)
If the commissioner finds that the plan is not sufficient to meet the needs of the school turnaround effort for a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement, the department shall provide feedback detailing the deficiencies and advise the LEA and school to make changes to the plan.Section 7.
Advisory Leadership Team.(1)
The principal or charter school leader of a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall provide to the department, in a format acceptable to the department, the names and addresses of advisory leadership team members appointed pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(f).(2)
The department shall maintain a database of all advisory leadership team members appointed pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(f).(3)
In establishing the advisory leadership team, the principal or charter school leader shall ensure that schools having eight (8) percent or more minority students enrolled, as determined by the enrollment on the preceding October 1, shall have at least one (1) minority member serving on the advisory leadership team.(4)
Meetings of the advisory leadership team shall be open to the public.(5)
Duties of the advisory leadership team shall include:(a)
Providing support for systems that seek to build capacity in school leadership;(b)
Promoting positive school climate and culture; and(c)
Supporting the continual use of data-driven decision-making to support school improvement.Section 8.
Monitoring and Periodic Review of Plan Implementation.(1)
Pursuant to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C.A. Section 6301, all schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall be subject to monitoring and periodic review by the department.(2)
Monitoring shall include:(a)
Onsite support by department staff if the department is chosen by the LEA to serve as the turnaround team pursuant to KRS 160.346(8)(a) or if more rigorous intervention by the department is warranted as established in Section 9 of this administrative regulation;(b)
Annual review of school and LEA state accountability data;(c)
Review of indicators of school quality; and(d)
Other measures deemed necessary by the department to ensure compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act, or its successor.(3)
Periodic review of the turnaround plan shall include:(a)
Periodic site visits;(b)
Direct observation; and(c)
Interviews with students, parents, all school council members, if applicable, school and LEA personnel, and community members.Section 9.
More Rigorous Intervention.(1)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit that status after three (3) years shall be subject to intervention by the department including but not limited to:(a)
A school audit conducted by the department;(b)
Onsite assistance by department staff; and(c)
Evaluation and modification of the school turnaround plan.(2)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit after three (3) years shall be subject to an audit by the department every two (2) years, or as deemed necessary by the commissioner.(3)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not make annual improvement for two (2) consecutive years shall be subject to intervention by the department, as established in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, after the second year;(4)
Districts serving any number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit after three (3) years, or two (2) years as established in subsection (3) of this section, shall be subject to a district audit. Additional district audits for districts serving schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that do not exit that status shall occur every two (2) years, or as deemed necessary by the commissioner. No district, regardless of the number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement that fail to exit that status, shall have more than one (1) district audit every two (2) years.Section 10.
Targeted Support and Improvement and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement.(1)
Upon identification as a school for targeted support and improvement or additional targeted support and improvement, the identified school shall comply with the requirements of KRS 160.346(4)-(5). The school improvement plan shall be embedded in the comprehensive school improvement plan required pursuant to 703 KAR 5:225.(2)
LEAs with a school identified for targeted support and improvement or additional targeted support and improvement shall monitor and provide support to the school to ensure the successful implementation of the school improvement plan.Section 11.
Significant Number of Schools.(1)
In addition to providing notification to LEAs as to the identification of schools for comprehensive support and improvement, additional targeted support and improvement, or targeted support and improvement, the department shall notify LEAs as to whether they shall be considered an LEA supporting a significant number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement.(2)
To determine whether an LEA meets this designation, the department shall calculate, based on the total number of A1 schools, as defined in 703 KAR 5:240, in the LEA, the LEA's percentage of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement. Any LEA containing two (2) or more schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement, and whose percentage of identified schools exceeds ten (10) percent of all schools within the district shall be designated an LEA supporting a significant number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement.Section 12.
Technical Assistance for LEAs Supporting a Significant Number of Schools Identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement.(1)
LEAs supporting a significant number of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement shall receive the following technical assistance:(a)
A district audit, or school audit if a charter school, conducted by the department; and(b)
Onsite support from department staff.(2)
The district audit, or school audit if a charter school, completed by the department pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section shall take the place of any district or school audit conducted under Sections 3 and 4 of this administrative regulation.(3)
Department staff shall:(a)
Coordinate with the LEA to ensure direct support of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement;(b)
Review, via the district or school audit, if a charter school, resources and allocations to determine if they are being used effectively for school improvement;(c)
Work with the LEA to address any identified resource inequities that negatively impact schools and students; and(d)
Work with the LEA to develop sustainable systems to support school improvement.Section 13.
Technical Assistance for LEAs Supporting a Significant Number of Schools Identified for Targeted Support and Improvement.(1)
LEAs supporting a significant number of schools identified for targeted support and improvement, including additional targeted support and improvement, shall receive the following technical assistance:(a)
Periodic site visits; and(b)
Onsite support by department staff.(2)
Department staff shall:(a)
Review LEA resources and allocations to determine if they are being used effectively for school improvement;(b)
Provide technical assistance to the LEA regarding resource allocation to support school improvement; and(c)
Connect LEAs with professional development opportunities to build capacity for school improvement efforts.Section 14.
Exit Criteria.(1)
A school identified for comprehensive support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(3)(a) or (c) shall exit that status if:(a)
It no longer meets the criteria for identification; and(b)
It demonstrates progress on the data that served as the basis for identification.(2)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(3)(b) shall exit that status if they no longer meet the criteria for identification.(3)
Schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement as a result of more than one (1) criteria shall exit if all relevant exit criteria are met.(4)
Schools identified for targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(a) or additional targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(b) shall exit that status if they:(a)
No longer meet the criteria for identification; and(b)
Demonstrate progress on the data that served as the basis for identification.(5)
Schools identified for additional targeted support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(2)(b) that do not exit that status within three (3) years shall be identified for comprehensive support and improvement pursuant to KRS 160.346(3)(c).Section 15.
Approved Turnaround Vendor List.(1)
On or after July 1 and prior to August 15 of each calendar year, an entity may request to be a KBE-approved turnaround vendor by submitting to the Chair of the KBE and the commissioner the "Turnaround Vendor Application" outlining evidence of the entity's documented success at turnaround diagnosis, training, improved performance of organizations, and expertise in using evidence-based strategies to improve student achievement, instruction, and schools.(2)
Within forty-five (45) days from receipt of a completed "Turnaround Vendor Application," the commissioner, or his designee, shall review and recommend the KBE approve or deny the "Turnaround Vendor Application."(3)
At the next regularly scheduled meeting of the KBE following the receipt of the recommendation from the commissioner, or his designee, pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, the KBE shall approve or deny a completed "Turnaround Vendor Application."(4)
Any entity with a "Turnaround Vendor Application" that has been approved by the KBE shall be placed on the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) and, thereafter, may be selected, in accordance with KRS 160.346(8)(a), by an LEA to provide turnaround training and support to a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement.(5)
An entity placed on the KBE's approved turnaround vendor list shall annually by October 15 submit the following to the department:(a)
The name and address of each school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement wherein the entity provided turnaround training and support during the immediately prior school year;(b)
The accountability system performance of each school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement wherein the entity provided turnaround training and support during the immediately prior school year;(c)
An accounting of the funds the entity received during the immediately prior school year from an LEA in consideration for the entity providing turnaround training and support to a school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support; and(d)
Any other information the department deems necessary to evaluating the performance of the turnaround vendor and reporting thereon to the KBE and the Interim Joint Committee on Education, as required by KRS 160.346(10).(6)
The KBE may revoke approval of an entity's "Turnaround Vendor Application" as a result of evidence collected pursuant to subsection (5) or through any other means and remove the entity from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a).(7)
Any entity that has had approval of its "Turnaround Vendor Application" revoked by the KBE shall be disqualified from submitting a new "Turnaround Vendor Application" or being placed on the KBE approved turnaround vendor list for a period of two (2) years from the date of revocation.(8)
An entity may, by letter to the Chair of the KBE and the commissioner, withdraw its approved "Turnaround Vendor Application" and be removed from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a). An entity voluntarily removed from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) shall be eligible to reapply using the "Turnaround Vendor Application" at any time.(9)
An entity with a "Turnaround Vendor Application" that has been denied by the KBE or one that has been voluntarily or involuntarily removed from the approved turnaround vendor list that the KBE is required to maintain pursuant to KRS 160.346(1)(a) shall be ineligible to be selected, in accordance with KRS 160.346(8)(a), by an LEA to provide turnaround training and support to a school, including charter school, identified for comprehensive support and improvement.Section 16.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The following material is incorporated by reference:(a)
"Notification of Non-Department Turnaround Team Form," December 2020;(b)
"Turnaround Vendor Application," December 2020.(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Department of Education, Office of Continuous Improvement and Support, 300 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.HISTORY: (44 Ky.R. 2158, 2351, 45 Ky.R. 29; eff. 6-17-2018; 46 Ky.R. 1032, 2087, 2402; eff. 4-3-2020; 47 Ky.R. 1458, 2405; eff. 8-3-2021.)
This is to certify that the chief state school officer has reviewed and recommended this administrative regulation prior to its adoption by the Kentucky Board of Education, as required by KRS 156.070(5).