Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will annually identify schools for comprehensive support and improvement (CSI) aligning with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 and as outlined in KRS 160.346.
To strengthen student outcomes, local education agencies (LEAs) are encouraged to address student-, teacher-, and school-level factors that influence academic achievement. KDE remains committed to supporting LEAs throughout the school improvement process by offering strategic guidance and resources.
Under ESSA, both state and local agencies are granted the flexibility and responsibility to identify the unique needs of each identified school based on a review of all indicators in the state accountability system. Once a school is notified of its CSI designation, it must collaborate with local stakeholders to develop and implement a turnaround plan that outlines specific actions to improve learning conditions, including the selection and implementation of at least one evidence-based intervention and strategies to address identified resource inequities.
CSI Materials
Resource Allocation Reviews: This website provides additional information and resources aligned to resource allocation reviews (RARs) required under Section 1111 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Kentucky Department of Education conducts a resource allocation review in each local education agency (LEA) that supports a significant number of comprehensive support and improvement (CSI) and/or targeted support and improvement (TSI), including additional targeted support and improvement (ATSI), schools. LEAs are identified as supporting a significant number of schools according to criteria specified in 703 KAR 5:280. The purpose of the review is to help LEAs and schools connect resources with student outcomes, as well as uncover opportunities for more strategic resource use.