Most of you are probably wondering, “What in the world is SCAAC?” That’s not surprising.

This little-known education committee, composed of volunteers, was officially titled the “School Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability Council” when it was created by legislative act in 1998. Most people just refer to the council by its initials. Pronounced, the abbreviation rhymes with rack.

Since its formation, the SCAAC’s two parents, two teachers, two superintendents, two principals, two local school board members, two school district assessment coordinators, two employers, two university professors, and one at-large member – all appointed by the governor – have served as an advisory committee to the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Board of Education on a broad range of topics. The existence of the SCAAC insures voices from ‘front line troops’ in our schools and other interested groups are heard by policy-makers.

Today marked the final meeting for current SCAAC appointees. Their appointments end on April 30, 2012.These folks put in a lot of challenging time advising the education department on the creation of Kentucky’s new assessment and accountability program. They have done a lot of work to bring that new and involved program into being. Along the way, they could have road-blocked the process and prevented a decent program from being created. However, the members rose to the challenge to help create a new assessment that will certainly prove far superior to the previous CATS assessment. This new assessment will challenge, but should not overwhelm, our public school system.

So, thank you to the departing SCAAC members. With a lot left still to do to get our new assessment system running effectively and efficiently, the governor needs to re-tap many of you for more SCAAC service.

SCAAC was chaired by Jessamine County Schools Superintendent Lu Young.

Other members included: Rob Akers, Harrie Buecker, Sara Call, Jana Beth Francis, Catherine Hacker, Larry Hicks, David Higgins, Patrice McCrary, Ben Oldham, Polly Page, Edward Reeves, Pennye Rogers, Sandra Shepherd, Denise Whitaker, Carl Wicklund and Phyllis Young.

A hat tip to all!