Kentucky students participated in the Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) during the spring of 2025. The KSA is aligned with the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for each content area and serves as the state’s annual summative assessment for students in grades 3 through 8, 10, and 11 in Kentucky public schools.
The assessment measures student proficiency and progress across multiple subjects, including reading and mathematics (grades 3–8 and 10), science (grades 4, 7, 11), on-demand writing and editing and mechanics (grades 5, 8, 11), and social studies (grades 5, 8, 11). These standards outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.
Administered online across all Kentucky districts, the KSA goes beyond multiple-choice questions by including tasks that measure critical thinking and problem-solving. Students are asked to construct extended responses and interact with technology-enhanced questions that require drag-and-drop selections, multi-select responses, and the use of digital tools to demonstrate understanding.
While the KSA provides valuable insights into student learning, it represents only one measure of a student’s academic progress. When considered alongside grades, classroom performance, projects, and other assessments, KSA results help form a more complete picture of each student’s growth and achievement over the course of the school year. Allen County Schools Superintendent Travis Hamby reaffirmed the district’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for success in school and beyond.
“Our mission is to ensure every student graduates as an engaged, resilient citizen who pursues their passions, maximizes their strengths, and contributes meaningfully to their community,” Hamby said. “We remain focused on nurturing, inspiring, and empowering our students to thrive in an ever-changing world, and that commitment is reflected daily in the work of our dedicated teachers and staff.”
Allen County Schools’ 2025 Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) results reflect steady academic progress across the district, with notable gains in reading and mathematics. The district’s overall performance ratings show positive momentum, particularly at Allen County Primary Center (ACPC) and Allen County-Scottsville High School (ACSHS), both earning “High” designations with overall scores of 70.3 and 78.8, respectively.
“We are encouraged by the continued growth in many indicators, especially in reading and mathematics in most of our schools,” said Superintendent Hamby. “The results highlight the hard work of our students, staff, and families. At the same time, we recognize the importance of ongoing support at the middle level, where we continue to focus on strengthening academic outcomes and student engagement.”
Hamby added, “These results affirm the positive impact of our district-wide focus on literacy and math instruction. Through targeted interventions, collaborative planning, and data-driven decision-making, our schools are demonstrating measurable improvement. We are proud of the progress and remain committed to ensuring every Allen County student achieves success.”
With the release of the 2025 Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) results, Superintendent Hamby expressed optimism about the district’s progress and direction. He noted that Allen County Schools continues to strengthen academic supports for students and expand professional learning opportunities for staff. These efforts include refining instructional practices, enhancing interventions, and updating curriculum to ensure that all learners receive high-quality, equitable instruction.
“Our approach moving forward is both proactive and strategic,” said Superintendent Hamby. “We are committed to ensuring that every student receives the education they deserve, and we will continue to partner with staff, parents, and the community to improve outcomes for all.”
A targeted support plan is underway at James E. Bazzell Middle School and Allen County Intermediate Center, focusing on additional instructional resources, a data-driven review of teaching practices, and expanded interventions for students requiring extra assistance. In addition, the district is developing a public dashboard that will allow parents and community members to access real-time school performance data, further promoting transparency and community engagement.
For the Kentucky Summative Assessment, students receive both a scale score and a performance level (Distinguished, Proficient, Apprentice, or Novice). Performance levels vary by subject, while overall school ratings are communicated through a color-coded system with five levels: Blue (Very High), Green (High), Yellow (Medium), Orange (Low), and Red (Very Low).
Accountability results are based on two factors - Status (current-year performance) and Change (growth from the previous year). These measures combine to determine each school’s overall performance rating. Cut scores for these ratings are established by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and the Local Superintendents Advisory Council (LSAC) in accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Results are reported publicly through the Kentucky School Report Card, an online dashboard that displays data for each state indicator at the school, district, and state levels. The platform provides transparent access to Status, Change, and overall performance ratings for all students and student groups.