Policy
Advocating for Kentucky Students in Frankfort
The Kentucky Student Voice Team tracks and advocates for policies as a part of our larger organizational mission to co-create more just, democratic schools and communities and ensure that the voices of Kentucky students inform education decision making at every level.
As part of this work, we advance broad student representation on school governance bodies and advocate for policies that advance educational equity and excellence.
Our Priorities
During the legislative session, we prioritize key issues facing Kentucky students.
student representation
How students have a voice in decisions
school climate
How safe, welcoming, and supportive school feels
administrative transparency
How open and clear school leaders are
student mental health
Support for students’ emotional well-being
school funding
How money for schools is raised and spent
Assessment and Accountability
How learning is measured and schools are held responsible
student learning
What and how students learn in school
our Values
In order for us to determine whether and how to publicly support a bill or policy, we first ask ourselves a series of questions. We do so to ensure we are consistent with our mission and can leverage both the lived experiences and expert knowledge of Kentucky's students to make the most impact.
Do the voices of Kentucky students make a difference?
We prioritize education issues for which the voices and perspectives of Kentucky students, and especially those that may be the least heard, bring unique added value to the conversation.
Does KSVT in particular bring a unique perspective to the issue?
There are many education issues for which it makes sense for youth-centered groups and students beyond our organization to be out front. Before determining how visible we want to be in supporting a policy or bill, we consider that and ask ourselves if the KSVT can add an essential perspective to a public conversation that is otherwise missing.
Does it fit within our mission statement?
We want to be sure any bill or policy we support aligns with our mission to co-create more just, democratic Kentucky schools and communities.
Is it bipartisan?
To ensure both credibility and lasting impact and to honor our nonprofit status, any legislation we prioritize should have some bipartisan support.
Is the legislation meaningful?
The legislation in question should advance a cause and have a measurable impact on Kentucky students.
Can we build on existing energy to advance this cause?
We are most effective when we can build on existing community energy and work in coalition around an issue. To do that, we look to partner with people who are fueled by credible research and who are committed, as we are, to advancing education justice.
What's on our radar
a few things we're proud of
Some of our legislative wins
Powerball promise
Made Kentucky colleges more affordable for 8,000 low-income students by keeping money from the Kentucky Lottery allocated toward education equity.
Save our seats campaign
Passed legislation (HB 178) that secured permanent student representation on the Kentucky Board of Education with bipartisan support.
mental health campaign
Passed legislation (HB 44) that established excused absences for mental health days for students.
teach truth rally
Successfully blocked legislation (HB 14 and HB 18) that would have prohibited teaching accurate American history.
Stopped School Vouchers
Led a Myth Bus Tour and advocated for voters to know the facts about Amendment 2. Voters overwhelmingly denied private school vouchers in support of public schools.
Filed a historic lawsuit
Filed a lawsuit vs. the Commonwealth of Kentucky for providing inadequate public education, building on the legacy of the landmark 1989 Rose v. CBE case.
