By Kentucky Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-815000.mp3
Frankfort, KY – State auditors say they had a hard time accounting for operating costs associated with the Commonwealth Assessment Testing System, or CATS, because there's no record of how much local school districts are contributing. Rep. Brad Montell, a Shelbyville Republican, thanked the auditors for untangling what he called "an unbelievable, convoluted mess." "It just astounds me and it's no wonder that we can't figure out what we're doing with this test and it's no wonder our teachers are pulling their hair out."
The audit also found problems with some vendor invoices and how they're reviewed. One vendor was overpaid 58-thousand dollars. The Education Department agrees with most of the findings and says improvements are already being made. Senate President David Williams wants to do away with the test.