Each fall, Kentucky’s accountability conversation changes a bit with new data, headlines, color ratings, and pressure for districts to explain the numbers. But what families really want is simple: clarity. We can help create that clarity.
This post explains how to share KSA results in a way that lowers stress, builds trust, and matches the data story to your district’s real work this year.
why clarity matters now
Families don’t read state accountability memos. They look at your homepage.
With this year’s KSA release, leaders across the state are following KDE’s advice from last year: celebrate progress and recognize unfinished work, especially in subgroup performance and areas like science and writing.
But if parents visit a district site and are overwhelmed by an abundance of numbers, can’t tell what the colors mean, what's improved, or what’s next, the story turns into one simple question:
“Is our school okay?”
Clear, well-placed KSA summaries help answer that question before it gets out of hand. The numbers matter, but the meaning matters more.
what districts are really competing with
Not each other, but attention.
Color ratings (Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) often shape first impressions because they are the most visible part of the system. Districts like Kenton County used their Green and Blue ratings as key points in the press this year.
Families naturally prefer simple visuals instead of long reports.
If your district doesn’t provide a clear, accurate visual first, people will fill in the gaps with their own assumptions.
This is where strategic design becomes an accountability tool, not for manipulation but to help people understand the data.
designing the data story families actually need
One of the easiest ways to help families understand your KSA results is to make your data accessible, both visually and emotionally.
That’s why we created the KSA Banner & Table Guide. It walks districts through customizing a clean, branded banner and score table using Apptegy’s custom code feature.
The guide includes:
- notes on where to drop in your links, colors, and scores
- guidance on replacing IDs so the banner shows up in the right place
- reminders to edit only what’s labeled, avoiding code errors
- color and font guidance to ensure readability
This isn’t about making scores look better.
It’s about making them clear.
When families can read, follow, and navigate your data, tension drops and trust grows.
Families don’t need perfect scores. They need a clear story about what you’re learning and where you’re growing.
framing the data beyond the score
Here’s the change we’re seeing across Kentucky:
Districts are using data less as a verdict and more as a way to start conversations.
From subgroup growth to postsecondary readiness gains, leaders are highlighting both progress and momentum. They remind communities that proficiency is only one part of the full picture.
When your KSA banner and table appear on your homepage next to stories about new programs, upcoming priorities, or first-quarter celebrations, families see the data in context. This context lowers fear and builds shared ownership.
connect for a clearer ksa story
If you want help designing or presenting your KSA results, whether visually, strategically, or on your homepage, we’d love to help you create a story that shows your district’s real work and priorities.
