The U.S. Department of Education’s (USED) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has once again recognized Kentucky as meeting the requirements and purposes of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), marking the 16th consecutive year the state has earned the highest possible rating.
This determination reflects Kentucky’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality services to students with disabilities, ages 3–21, through its Part B program, administered by the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning.
Only 20 states and territories received a “Meets Requirements” rating in 2025. Kentucky is among a select group of states that have earned this designation 16 years in a row, demonstrating consistent excellence in both compliance and outcomes for students with disabilities.
“This recognition reflects the collective dedication of our local, regional, and state education workforce, especially our special educators, and, most importantly, the families who advocate every day for their children with disabilities,” said Gretta Hylton, associate commissioner of KDE’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning. “Sixteen consecutive years of meeting requirements under Part B of the IDEA is a testament to the strength of our shared commitment and the sustainable systems we’ve built together across Kentucky.”
Each year, USED’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Service evaluates state performance using its Results Driven Accountability framework, which measures both compliance with IDEA requirements and key results-based indicators such as graduation rates, assessments and post-school outcomes. The 2025 determination is based on Kentucky’s FFY 2023 State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report, submitted in February 2025.
Kentucky’s long-standing “Meets Requirements” status is a reflection of the strong systems in place across the Commonwealth, the dedication of local districts, educators, and families, and the collaborative efforts of KDE staff. This recognition highlights a shared commitment to excellence, compliance and continuous improvement in supporting students with disabilities and ensuring meaningful outcomes statewide.
For more information on the 2025 State Determinations for IDEA, visit USED’s official website.
To learn more about Kentucky’s implementation of IDEA, please reach out to Gretta Hylton via email at gretta.hylton@education.ky.gov.
Kentucky Department of Education