KRS 158.803: Early mathematics testing program -- Purposes -- Development and

requirements of program -- Annual reports.

(1) The Kentucky Early Mathematics Testing Program is created to lower the number

of high school graduates in Kentucky who require remediation in mathematics upon

enrollment in postsecondary education institutions, by providing information to

primarily high school sophomores and juniors statewide regarding their level of

mathematics knowledge in relation to standards required for community and

technical colleges and university level mathematics courses early enough for

students to address deficiencies while still in high school.

(2) The testing program shall be a computer website -based program that incorporates a

variety of diagnostic mathematics tests to identify knowledge and skills needed for

postsecondary education courses.

(3) The testing program shall be developed and conducted by a public university. The

Council on Postsecondary Education, with the advice of the Department of

Education, shall develop a process to solicit, review, and select a proposal for the

development and implementation of the computer website -based testing program.

The council shall approve the location of the program at a public university no later

than September 1, 2000 . The university shall be the fiscal agent for the testing

program and shall receive the funds appropriated by the General Assembly.

(4) The program shall be available to all interested Kentucky public and private high

school students in grades ten (10) an d eleven (11). Student participation in the

program shall be voluntary, and program test scores shall not be:

(a) Placed on a student's high school transcript; or

(b) Used by postsecondary education institutions in the admissions process.

(5) The computer website testing program shall be available to all Kentuckians for

evaluation of an individual's mathematics knowledge and skills.

(6) The program shall encourage the active participation of all public and private high

schools in Kentucky.

(7) The computer website testing program shall:

(a) Develop or adopt appropriate tests to determine the level of mathematics

knowledge of high school students in relation to the standards of placement

tests given at the community and technical colleges and undergraduate pu blic

universities. In the development or adoption of the tests, consideration shall be

given to the program of studies and the minimum requirements for high

school graduation established in KRS 156.160 and the alignment of these

standards with postsecondary course standards;

(b) Develop a structure to permit each participating student the opportunity to

take the computer -based test at school in the presence of school personnel or

at the student's home in the presence of his or her parents or guardian;

(c) Score the completed tests and provide the test scores and diagnostic

information on a student's knowledge and skills electronically to the student

and the high school upon completion of the test in the form of electronic mail

or printable files or screens.

(d) Provide the following information for up to three (3) participating

postsecondary education institutions specified by the student as a possible

college choice:

1. The student's test score;

2. A list of mathematics courses required for the student's intended major

at a postsecondary education institution;

3. A list of any remedial courses the student might be required to take

based on the student's current level of mathematics knowledge as

demonstrated on the test;

4. The estimated cost of the remedial courses the student might be required

to take; and

5. The high school courses and the specific mathematical concepts or

functions a student should consider studying in order to address any

deficiencies;

(e) Encourage the chair of the mathematics department or the academic dean at

each of the participating postsecondary education institutions specified by the

student as a possible college choice to send a personalized letter to the student

that:

1. Encourages the student to take additional high school mathematics

courses to address deficiencies in mathematics knowledge; or

2. Congratulates the student who does well on the test for his or her

achievement and encourages continued study in mathematics; and

(f) Develop and implement a strategy to raise awareness and encourage

participation in the program, targeting high school students, parents, high

school faculty and administrators, mathematics departments or faculty at

postsecondary education institutions, and the general public.

(8) The Kentucky Department of Education shall provide assistance as necessary to the

Kentucky Early Mathematics Testing Program to implement the provisions of this

section and KRS 158.801.

(9) The public university that conduct s the testing program shall submit an annual

report to the Kentucky Board of Education and the Council on Postsecondary

Education regarding its activities, and the effects of the program on levels of

remediation required by participating students.