Kentucky Overview

Kentucky administers its statewide K–12 assessment program through Pearson under a contract originally awarded in December 2018. The core program, the KY 3–8 and High School Summative Assessments, covers Reading and Math in grades 3–8 and 10 (with shorter retest forms for high school), Science in grades 4, 7, and 11, and Social Studies and On-Demand Writing, Editing & Mechanics in grades 5, 8, and 11. The base contract ran through June 2020, with options for up to two additional two-year renewal periods extending through June 2024. Contract value totaled approximately $8.9 million in FY19 and $12.9 million in FY20. Notably, Pearson's proposal included New Meridian math content as an option. As of May 2026, Pearson continues to administer the contract.

The Kentucky Department of Education announced the award of a contract to the College Board to administer the SAT Junior State Administration as the state-funded college admissions exam beginning in spring 2026. The initial four-year contract locks in a cost of $30 per student and has the potential to save the Commonwealth up to $350,000 annually. KDE's previous contract with ACT ended on June 30, 2025. The switch was not without controversy; KDE received a protest in July 2025, but after a thorough review, the Finance and Administration Cabinet determined the protest lacked merit and denied it.