Reading & Writing Instructional Resources Consumer Guide Available for KRS 158.305 District Implementation
Per amendments to KRS 158.305 as part of Senate Bill 156 (2023), each superintendent or public charter school board shall adopt a common comprehensive reading program that is determined by the department to be reliable, valid and aligned to reading and writing standards required by KRS 158.6453 and outlined in administrative regulation promulgated by the Kentucky Board of Education for kindergarten through grade 3 for all schools or a subset of schools, with consultation of all affected elementary school councils. Senate Bill 156 requires superintendents adopt this common comprehensive reading program by July 1, 2024.
To assist districts in evaluating and selecting an approved Tier 1 universal reading program/resource, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) published a consumer guide specific to high-quality instructional resources for reading and writing. The guide is intended to help decision-makers in Kentucky districts select high-quality reading and writing instructional resources aligned to the Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing that meet the unique needs of students, educators and local communities.
KDE further recommends districts consider both an explicit, systematic, cumulative, multisensory reading foundational skills supplemental resource as well as a rich, knowledge-building curriculum, such as Core Knowledge/Amplify, EL Education and Wit and Wisdom.
Read to Succeed KRS 158.305 Implementation Frequently Asked Questions
To assist districts and schools with the implementation of the Read to Succeed Act required in KRS 158.305, the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Division of Early Literacy has taken the most common questions regarding implementation and created an easy-to-use Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. The resource is available on the KDE Early Literacy Resources webpage.
Reminder: Reading Improvement Plan Template Provides Basis for Meeting Requirements of Read to Succeed Act
Per Read to Succeed Act amendments to KRS 158.305, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, if a student’s rate of progress toward proficiency in reading needs accelerated interventions as demonstrated by the results of an approved universal screener and reading diagnostic assessment, the local school district shall provide students and families with a reading improvement plan.
To assist districts in effectively developing and implementing Reading Improvement Plans, KDE has developed a Reading Improvement Plan template as an example that incorporates the requirements of KRS 158.305. Districts may modify the template to fit the local context as needed.
This template can be used during the problem-solving process to document intervention plans, progress monitoring data and parent notification. An existing student intervention plan developed, implemented and monitored as part of a multi-tiered system of supports also may meet the requirements of the reading improvement plan if it addresses the components required by Senate Bill 9 (2022) – the Read to Succeed Act.
The template can be found on the KDE Early Literacy Resources webpage.
For more information, please contact Christie Biggerstaff, KDE director of early literacy, or Ashley Hill, KDE assistant director of early literacy.
Reminder: Use the 'Read at Home Plan Family Guide' to Communicate with Families
Per the Read to Succeed Act amendments to KRS 158.305, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, if a student’s rate of progress toward proficiency in reading needs accelerated interventions as demonstrated by the results of an approved universal screener and reading diagnostic assessment, the local school district shall provide families of identified students with a Read At Home Family Guide.
The “Read At Home Plan Family Guide" includes learning experiences families can have with children at home to support their reading skills development. Additionally, the guide includes information about Senate Bill 9 (2022), Reading Improvement Plans and the key role families play in student success. A glossary of literacy terms and general tips for reading at home also are included.
The at-home learning experiences contained in this document are organized into the five essential components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension).
KDE values strong partnerships between schools and families and recognizes strong partnerships are built on clear communication and support. The “Read at Home Plan Family Guide” is created on these values and supports the implementation of the student’s Reading Improvement Plan.
A Spanish version of the "Read at Home Plan Family Guide" also is available.
For more information, please contact Christie Biggerstaff, KDE director of early literacy, or Ashley Hill, KDE assistant director of early literacy.
Early Literacy Newsletter Archive
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