Kentucky’s accountability plan includes a Transition Readiness indicator designed to measure a student’s preparedness to transition to the next level in their education and/or career. At the high school level, students can demonstrate transition readiness in one of three dimensions: academic, military or career readiness. Opportunities for demonstrating career readiness include:

• Achieving a benchmark score on industry certifications or earning KY Occupational Skills Standards Assessment (KOSSA) as appropriate for articulated credit, and one of the following:
  • Earning a score of B or better on 6+ hours of approved CTE dual credit courses;
  • completing 2 CTE credits and enrolling in the next credit in a CTE program of study;
  • completing a state-approved apprenticeship;
  • or completing an approved process to verify exceptional work experience.

Kentucky has also identified a SQSS indicator measuring Opportunity and Access along four dimensions: rich curriculum, equitable access, school quality and whole child supports. The indicator includes required, selected and reported measures for elementary, middle and high schools. At the middle school level, required measures of rich curriculum include access to career exploration coursework, including CTE and other coursework focusing on essential skills.

At the high school level, required measures of rich curriculum include students completing a career pathway in a CTE program of study and students demonstrating essential skills by earning a bronze or higher on a work ethic certification. To earn a work ethic certification, students must:

• Complete a work-based learning experience;
• Participate in a CTSO, student technology leadership program, student government or other extra-curricular activity; and (to earn a silver or gold distinction)
• Complete a career pathway or compete in a state CTSO competition.

Kentucky also provides a menu of six measures of “whole child supports” and will allow schools to select two. One of the six included measures is the ratio of students to career counselors or career coaches.