This document presents descriptions of the content that has been identified as essential for all Kentucky students to know and will be included on the state assessment, the Kentucky Instructional Results Information System (KIRIS). The core content in this document is designed to be used with, not instead of, the expectations outlined in "Kentucky's Academic Expectations" to provide the focus for the development of the KIRIS. The designated core content will be addressed directly in multiple-choice items and will provide the context for open response items. However, the core content is not a set of curriculum standards, and it does not reflect a state curriculum. It does represent a progression of learning, so that students are expected to know the content at an identified level and all that precedes that level. From 1996-97 through 1999-2000 the KIRIS will be administered at the following grade levels for the academic areas specified: (1) grades 4, 7, and 11--reading, science, writing on-demand, and writing portfolios; (2) grades 5, 8, and 11--mathematics, social studies, arts and humanities, and practical living/vocational studies; and (3) grade 12--writing portfolios. A section describes the content for each of these areas and summarizes it by grade level. (SLD)