Bluegrass Times

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Kentucky secured the thirty-sixth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 62.9%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Kentucky scored a 50% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 68%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Kentucky earned an 85%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"Like a bad day at the Derby, special interests groups dominate education in Kentucky. As a result parent power is tied up in courts with constitutional challenges. This November parents will have a chance to champ at the bit on a ballot initiative that would give them expanded opportunities. Still new leadership would change the odds," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor Andy Beshear can be characterized as one of the least supportive governors for education opportunity in the nation. During the 2023 re-election campaign, he maintained his opposition to school choice, signaling a consistent commitment to deny families from choosing alternative educational options. His efforts to oppose a constitutional amendment ballot initiative shows the depths to which the Governor will go to protect the status quo," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”