What is covered under administrative regulation 13 KAR 2:020?
This regulation establishes minimum admission requirements for entering Kentucky’s public colleges and universities. The regulation also addresses conditional admissions qualifications, transfer admissions and advising obligations, and dual credit provisions. It establishes institutional responsibilities for mandatory assessment and placement of students who enter postsecondary institutions underprepared for college-level work.
What main changes are proposed?
Incoming freshmen at Kentucky's public institutions will need higher scores on the ACT to guarantee enrollment in courses that count toward a degree. The minimum ACT score required in math will change from 18 to 19, and in reading from 18 to 21. Students scoring at or above the standards must be placed in credit-bearing courses. Students who score below the minimum will be required to take remedial, non-credit courses or are required to receive some form of assistance, such as tutoring or extra online instruction. Institutions will be required to give underprepared students a subject placement test, provide developmental support during their first term of enrollment, and place students in college-level coursework immediately following completion of their developmental courses. Students participating in developmental courses are required to continue the program until they have demonstrated competence in the subject area.
When will the proposed changes take effect?
The regulation is expected to be approved late 2007 with changes to be effective beginning fall 2009. This will allow time for colleges, students, and parents to acclimate to the new standards. Kentucky high school graduates entering postsecondary institutions in fall 2009 will have completed the mandatory ACT in their junior year during 2007-08 testing.
Why are the changes necessary?
The regulation was last revised in 2000. Since that time, the Kentucky Board of Education has approved a new, more rigorous high school curriculum. Also, new research is now available from both Kentucky faculty and from ACT, Inc. that predicts student success in college courses is based on their level of preparation as entering students. The February 2007 report, Securing Kentucky’s Future: A Plan for Improving College Readiness and Success, recommends several changes to provide more support for underprepared first-time college students. Changes in the structure of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and in Council documents have also occurred and should be captured in this administrative regulation update.
How are these changes made?
Kentucky’s administrative regulation changes are overseen by the Legislative Research Commission. The process is initiated by Council approval of the revised regulation, which occurred May 2007. The Council staff has collected feedback on the proposed changes from educational stakeholders in revising the regulation.
How can you become involved?
A public hearing on these proposed changes will be July 25, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the Council Offices in Conference Room A. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by July 20, 2007 of their intent to attend. If no notification to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. Any person who wishes to be heard will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed administrative regulation. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted until July 31, 2007. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to:
John DeAtley
Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 320
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone: 502.573.1555 ext. 264
Fax: 502.573.1535
Email: John.DeAtley@ky.gov