May 21, 2024

Educator LETRS Spotlight

With registration now open for Cohort 3 of the Kentucky Reading Academies LETRS Professional Learning, the Division of Early Literacy is highlighting educators who are currently participating to share the impact the program has had on their teaching and students’ learning. 

Madeline Berry, a fourth grade teacher at Norton Elementary in Jefferson County, is currently participating in the LETRS professional learning opportunity.

"LETRS has given me a deeper understanding of the science of reading, and given me concrete tools to help me implement it in my classroom. I feel like I am now truly able to meet my students' needs, and I feel confident that there is a way to help every struggling reader."

Madeline Berry, 4th Grade Teacher

ICYMI: Registration for the Kentucky Reading Academies: Cohort 3 of LETRS Professional Learning NOW OPEN!

Registration for the third Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) cohort of the Kentucky Reading Academies opened May 1 and will remain open through August 30, 2024.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has an exciting partnership that brings the LETRS professional learning to educators across the Commonwealth, called the Kentucky Reading Academies. This course of study was chosen because of its demonstrated success on a national scale in bringing significant increases in literacy achievement.  

The Kentucky Reading Academies is a comprehensive no-cost professional learning opportunity open to all K-5 public school educators. More than 4,000 Kentucky educators and administrators are currently participating in the LETRS professional learning opportunity.  

Two different courses are being offered through the Kentucky Reading Academies: LETRS for Educators and LETRS for Administrators. Interested educators can join the Kentucky Reading Academies by registering for the course that pertains to their role:  

• LETRS for Educators Cohort 3 Registration: This course is recommended for K-5 teachers, interventionists, reading specialists and anyone providing reading instruction or intervention supports to early readers.
• LETRS for Administrators Cohort 3 Registration: This course is recommended for district leaders, building administrators and instructional coaches.  

Please NOTE: Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 participants will not need to register for Cohort 3, as they are already enrolled in the professional learning.  

Find out more about the Kentucky Reading Academies on the Kentucky Reading Academies webpage.  

For questions about the Kentucky Reading Academies, please email KDE Director of Early Literacy Christie Biggerstaff. 

THERE IS STILL TIME! Register Now and Share the Kentucky Reads to Succeed Summer Conference flyer with your colleagues.

Early Literacy Newsletter Archive

Did you miss last week's Early Literacy Newsletter? You can access all previous editions of the newsletter on the Early Literacy webpage.

Quick Links

KDE Early Literacy 

KyMTSS.org

Reading and Writing Instructional Resources Consumer Guide

Key Actions for Meeting the Needs of ALL K-3 Readers and Writers

Read to Succeed KRS 158.305 Implementation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document

Reading Improvement Plan Template 

“Read At Home Plan Family Guide"

Spanish version of the "Read at Home Plan Family Guide"

Division of Early Literacy Virtual Office Hours

If you’re an administrator who has questions about early literacy or the Read to Succeed Act, join members of the Division of Early Literacy for virtual office hours. Topics of discussion may include, but are not limited to:

• Progress of teachers enrolled in LETRS training;
• Next steps in your journey with LETRS planning and implementation;
• Available early literacy resources; and/or 
• Support around high quality instructional resources.

June 4, 2024, 9:30-11 a.m. ET

Join on your computer or mobile device.

Click here to join the meeting.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about Early Literacy, please email KDE Director of Early Literacy Christie Biggerstaff.