Primary Program

Kentucky's Primary Program

Last Updated on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 at 10:02 AM

Kentucky's primary program is that part of the elementary school program in which children are enrolled from the time they begin school until they are ready to enter the intermediate program (fourth grade). The primary program includes the following critical attributes: continuous progress; developmentally appropriate educational practices; authentic assessment; multiage and multiability classrooms; qualitative reporting methods; professional teamwork; and positive parent involvement.

Demographic Survey Summary
See a summary of the results from demographic surveys across the state. According to 704 KAR 3:440 (5), each elementary school that serves primary age children is required to submit an annual performance report on the implementation of the primary program. Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 158.031 states that the annual performance report shall also include the number of students who take five (5) years to complete the primary program. Every primary school must complete a demographic survey to provide to the state showing the structure and organization of the primary program and other pertinent information.

Primary Program Resources
Educational websites that provide resources regarding developmental and educational issues impacting primary children.

Former Commissioner Wilhoit's Email Regarding Primary
Read the email that Commissioner Wilhoit wrote regarding the implementation of the primary program.

Frequently Asked Questions - Primary
Frequently asked questions about the primary program are posted.

Kentucky Early Childhood Standards - Kentucky Core Academic Standards Alignment
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has developed draft documents that align the Kentucky Early Childhood Standards for three-and-four-year-old children with the Kentucky Core Academic Kindergarten Standards in both Mathematics and English/Language Arts.

Kindergarten Entry Screener
The Kindergarten Entry Screener, which will be implemented in the Fall of 2012, will provide districts an element of measuring students' readiness for school in five domains: Adaptive, Cognitive, Motor, Communication, and Social-Emotional. The Kindergarten Entry Screener (704 KAR 5:070) will be aligned with Kentucky's School Readiness Definition and the Kentucky ... More

CCS and Primary Revised doc
The Kentucky Core Academic Standards, when implemented with the seven critical attributes of the Primary Program, ensure that each student is building the foundation for both academic and social success. The attached document is designed to be a tool that schools and districts may use to guide the implementation of the ... More

Primary 2000 and Beyond
Primary 2000 and Beyond serves as a guide for primary education and offers information on legislation and resources that impact the implementation of Kentucky's primary program. The document can be used as a tool for answering questions to help provide a quality education for all of Kentucky's children.

Primary Diagnostic Assessment
Senate Bill 1 (KRS 158.6453(9)) requires schools to enroll primary students using diagnostic assessments and prompts that measure readiness in reading and mathematics. These assessments must be developmentally appropriate. Schools may use commercial products, locally developed products and procedures, or develop their own diagnostic procedures. The following guidelines are provided for ... More

Primary Program Infinite Campus FAQ
Read how to correctly keep primary student data in Infinite Campus in relation to state assessment.

Primary Statutes and Regulations
On this page you will find the Statutes and Regulations that govern the appropriate implementation of Kentucky's Primary Program.

School Readiness Definition
School Readiness Definition Ready to Grow…Ready to Learn…Ready to Succeed Taken from Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Development and Education The Task Force recommends that in Kentucky: School readiness means each child enters school ready to engage in and benefit from early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success. ... More

Assessment & Accountability for Primary
Information about assessment and accountability within the primary program, the reporting of student progress and determining the successful completion of the primary program is provided. Approaches to Authentic AssessmentThis site gives different approaches to the subject. Authentic Assessment ToolboxThis site describes Authentic Assessment, talks about why to use it, and how ... More

Curriculum Documents
Documents relating to what primary students should know and be able to do prior to exiting the primary program are posted including the Core Content for Assessment, 4.1, the Primary Program of Studies, and the Combined Curriculum Documents. Primary Program of StudiesThe Program of Studies for Kentucky Schools Grades Primary-12 helps ensure ... More

Instructional Resources
Instructional Resources and strategies to assist in the implementation of the seven critical attributes for Kentucky's ungraded primary program are provided. Primary Performance Task Kit Capital Printing 4530 Bishop Lane, Suite 105 Louisville, KY 40218 (502) 459-0030

For more information contact:

Rebecca Atkins-Stumbo
500 Mero Street, 17th Floor CPT
Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone: 502-564-7056 x4708

rebecca.atkins-stumbo@education.ky.gov

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