The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) is responsible for establishing policies and regulations related to the education system in the state of Kentucky. Recently, the KBE approved amendments to 703 KAR 5:270, which is the regulation that governs high school graduation requirements in Kentucky. These amendments were necessary to align with the changes required by Senate Bill 158, which was passed in 2020.

Senate Bill 158 was introduced to make changes to the state's education system and address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill aimed to provide more flexibility in the education system and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the post-secondary environment. One of the major changes introduced by Senate Bill 158 was the requirement for all high school students in Kentucky to take the ACT^® (American College Testing) exam.

The ACT^® is a standardized test that: 

• Measures a student's knowledge and skills in various subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and reading

• Widely recognized by colleges and universities in the United States as an indicator of a student's readiness for post-secondary education

• Test scores are used by colleges and universities to determine admission and placement decisions

The amendments to 703 KAR 5:270 include the requirement for all high school students in Kentucky to take the ACT^® once during their high school career. The test must be taken during the student's 11th-grade year, and the results must be used to determine the student's eligibility for a diploma. The amendments also specify that the state must pay for the cost of the ACT^® exam for all students.

In addition to the ACT^® requirement, the amendments to 703 KAR 5:270 also specify that students must complete a minimum of 22 credit hours in specific academic areas in order to be eligible for graduation. These areas include English, mathematics, science, social studies, and electives. The amendments also specify the requirements for the senior project, which is a culminating experience for students in Kentucky high schools.

The ACT^® requirement will: 

• Provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in various subjects

• Help colleges and universities make more informed admission and placement decisions

• Ensure that students are adequately prepared for post-secondary education and the workforce

In conclusion, the Kentucky Board of Education's approval of the amendments to 703 KAR 5:270 is a significant step forward in improving the education system in Kentucky. The changes introduced by Senate Bill 158 and the new graduation requirements will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the post-secondary environment and the workforce. The ACT^® requirement will also help colleges and universities make more informed admission and placement decisions, which will ultimately benefit the students and the state as a whole.