Local Laboratories of Learning (L3s)

Local Laboratories of Learning (L3s) aim to create assessment and accountability systems that are meaningful, responsive, and reflective of the unique needs and values of Kentucky's students, families, and communities. Through local innovation, districts design assessment systems that authentically represent community contexts, enhance student learning, and support vibrant, student-centered experiences.

How L3s Work

Each participating district within an L3 cohort engages deeply with students, educators, families, and community stakeholders to:

• Innovate & Prototype – Develop new assessment approaches aligned with local needs and priorities.

• Engage Communities – Actively involve stakeholders in meaningful dialogue to shape educational practices.

• Promote Inclusion – Ensure that diverse perspectives and contributions of students and community members shape the learning process.

• Share Learning – Collaborate with peer districts to continuously refine practices and contribute to statewide improvements.

L3 districts have been integral in the development of Kentucky’s new assessment and accountability framework, aligned with the ambitious vision of the Kentucky United We Learn (KUWL) Council. These districts have:

• Created prototypes of locally-driven assessment and accountability practices.

• Offered valuable insights, feedback, and shared learning with L3 peers and the broader educational community.

• Committed to advancing the concept of Local Accountability, a key pillar of the KUWL framework, transforming education to meet the unique aspirations and needs of Kentucky communities.

Cohorts & Participating Districts

The L3 initiative currently includes three cohorts:

Cohort 1 (Launched Fall 2021)

• Allen County
• Fleming County
• Frankfort Independent
• Jefferson County
• Johnson County
• Logan County
• Shelby County

Cohort 2 (Launched Spring 2022)

• Berea Independent
• Boone County
• Bullitt County
• Corbin Independent
• Greenup County
• Lawrence County

Cohort 3 (Launched Fall 2022)

• Floyd County
• LaRue County
• Rowan County
• Washington County
• Carter County

Monthly Community of Practice

KDE’s Division of Innovation, UK NextGen, and OVEC facilitate a monthly L3 Community of Practice meeting designed to:

• Share district prototypes and innovative practices.
• Foster collaboration, feedback, and peer learning among L3 districts.
• Uplift shared learning and best practices with partner organizations and district leaders beyond the L3 initiative.

Additionally, these organizations provide individualized 1:1 coaching to each of the 18 L3 districts, supporting tailored innovation and implementation efforts.

Our Partners:

L3 is supported through strategic partnerships among:

• Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) – Providing leadership, policy guidance, and statewide coordination.
• Ohio Valley Education Cooperative (OVEC) – Supporting district collaboration and sharing best practices.
• University of Kentucky Center for Next Generation Leadership (UK NextGen) – Facilitating innovation, leadership development, and continuous improvement.
• Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) – Ensuring alignment with state goals, policy coherence, and advocacy.

Celebrating local innovations and district accomplishments.

• [Community Voices & Testimonials] – Perspectives from participants on the transformative impact of the L3 work.
• Learn more about the Kentucky United We Learn initiative – Supporting vibrant learning experiences and innovation across Kentucky.

​

______________________________________________________________________________​