Dr. Robbie Fletcher shares how local accountability can better prepare students for the workforce and keep talent in the region

When a kindergarten student in Glasgow arrived at school wearing a rubber glove in place of a hand he was born without, his teacher didn’t see a limitation — he saw a challenge to solve.

That teacher, Scott Johnson of Barron County, went on to design and 3D-print a functional prosthetic arm for the child, using materials that cost roughly $25. Today, the student not only uses the prosthetic but also works alongside classmates in the school’s 3D-printing lab, learning the very skills that helped change his life.

Kentucky Commissioner of Education Dr. Robbie Fletcher shared that story Dec. 10 as the keynote speaker for the SPEDA Industrial Leaders Breakfast, using it as a powerful example of vibrant learning and how Kentucky is redefining accountability in education — moving beyond test scores to focus on growth, innovation, and real-world learning. 

“That’s the focus of the new accountability model,” Fletcher told the group. “So, when I asked you earlier, are you having anyone put their state testing results on your applications? No one raised their hand. But I bet what you’re looking for is people who can communicate. You’re looking for kids who can collaborate, who can problem solve, who are creative thinkers, who are global learners, and who are resilient.”

Held at Somerset Community College, the breakfast brought together business leaders, educators, and elected officials to explore how education and industry can work more closely to prepare students for the workforce and keep talent rooted in the region.

There are local examples of vibrant learning, too, Fletcher pointed out — such as the national-champion Somerset High School Solar Jumpers team and Pulaski County Schools students interning at Boeing Aerospace. 

These vibrant learning experiences are a part of Kentucky’s proposed accountability framework, which would include state assessments but place greater emphasis on student growth, transition readiness, and local accountability, allowing communities to define what success looks like based on local needs.

“How do you assess students in their communication skills, their collaboration skills, and more importantly, what’s available in your community, in your region, so that students understand that these are the opportunities I have in Pulaski County?” Fletcher said. “How does that go into an accountability model? We have to ask our community members what you expect of us.”

Local education leaders said Somerset and Pulaski County are already modeling this approach.

Somerset Independent Schools Superintendent Kyle Lively emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between schools and employers.

“If we don’t value education and continue to bridge the gap between industry and education, between the job force and the things we need, we’re going to lose out,” Lively said. “… What we understand today is going to change five years from now or soon, so if we don’t continue to have an open dialogue, we’re not going to be successful.” 

Lively noted that Somerset’s success is rooted in both tradition and adaptability.

“We have rich traditions, and we celebrate those, but we don’t rest on our laurels,” he said. “…In the end, we want our students to be successful citizens — and that doesn’t look the same for every student.” 

Pulaski County Schools Superintendent Pat Richardson echoed that sentiment, describing a shift away from a one-size-fits-all definition of success. There was a time, he said, when success was measured by whether students earned a four-year degree.

“Four-year degrees are great, but every student doesn’t need a four-year degree,” Richardson said. “We have to meet students where they are, we need to look at their interests, and we need to prepare them for the jobs of the future and jobs we don’t even know exist yet.” 

Richardson highlighted Pulaski County’s nine career and technical education areas, 24 specific pathways, and partnerships with more than 40 local businesses, supporting more than 100 student internships and apprenticeships.

“When we can tag-team with our business community and give students these opportunities to grow and learn, that’s what we’re about,” he said. “We are always open to working with you all and our community.” 

SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler said the conversation reflects the organization’s broader mission to align education, workforce development, and economic growth.

“What we heard at this industrial leadership breakfast reinforces what’s already happening here — collaboration works,” Girdler said. “When educators, employers, and community leaders are aligned, students win, businesses win, and our region is stronger for it.”

The Industrial Leaders Breakfast Series is part of SPEDA’s ongoing effort to convene regional stakeholders around issues critical to long-term economic vitality, including talent development, workforce readiness, and quality of life. The series has hosted national environmental experts, panel discussions from Kentucky state legislators, and state leaders in economic development and education.