The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) briefed superintendents in February 2026 on expanded AI support resources for K-12 districts. Baseline KETS (Kentucky Education Technology System) funding increases cover a digital learning coach network to support AI strategies statewide and library media specialists to provide AI-based learning opportunities. KDE plans to incorporate AI into the Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology and expand industry certifications in computer science, including AI. Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is rolling out Digital Citizenship lessons using Google AI platforms by spring 2026. Kentucky was among the earliest states to offer AI guidance to all public school districts and deployed an AI-based Early Warning Tool for at-risk students statewide.
Scoring note: Dimension 1 scores 1 — AI literacy is present in state guidance, the Kentucky Academic Standards are being updated to include AI, and a digital coach network supports implementation. This falls short of a binding curriculum mandate (dim 2 = 0). Dimension 4 remains 0 — professional development is funded but not mandated with defined pre-rollout standards.