Language in the budget bill requires that schools' test scores be prominently posted — in no less than 16-point type — on districts' main internet landing pages. That includes the percentage of students in the district scoring proficient or distinguished in various areas.
Louisville Rep. Tina Bojanowski, a teacher, says the mandate puts undue emphasis on test scores, overlooking other measures of student improvement. She also says it's a mark against students from low-income backgrounds.
"My first thought is like you had to have a scarlet letter for adultery. This is like scarlet letter on schools because they're education students in poverty," she tells WUKY.
Bojanowski also worries the policy might drive districts to put more resources toward students they view as more likely to reach proficient or distinguished levels, and not those scoring lower.
The budget law would also have the state Board of Education post a rank order by overall academic performance of all schools on its website.
