Celebrations & Bright Spots
Spotlight: Kentucky Early Literacy Leadership Network Launches Across the State
 Last fall, the Kentucky Early Literacy Leadership Network (KyELLN) launched its inaugural meetings, with district teams gathering across three regional networks in eastern, central, and western Kentucky. These regional meetings aim to empower districts to collaborate on crafting and implementing transformative K-5 literacy strategies grounded in high-quality instructional resources (HQIR).
The KyELLN is committed to building sustainable models for early literacy instruction, strengthening systems and structures at the school and district levels, and supporting leadership in fostering professional learning communities for teachers. Through collaboration, professional development, and a shared vision, the network seeks to enhance the reading and learning experiences for K-5 educators and students, while ensuring greater access to grade-level literacy instruction.
To guide the network's development, an advisory cabinet composed of district leaders is providing valuable insights and recommendations for both the regional network meetings and optional, open sessions available to districts. This collaborative leadership ensures that the network’s activities align with the needs and goals of Kentucky’s educators and students.
Districts participating in the network will receive ongoing support from the Division of Early Literacy and Regional Principal Supports Leaders. This comprehensive approach ensures that educators have the resources, guidance and professional learning opportunities necessary to drive meaningful improvements in early literacy outcomes statewide.
Christie Biggerstaff, Director of Early Literacy says, "I am grateful and encouraged about the work happening in the Kentucky Early Literacy Leadership Network (KyELLN). The district teams are dedicated to ensuring their students have a strong foundation in early literacy, which is a cornerstone for lifelong learning and success. The Division of Early Literacy is thrilled to be partnering with the district teams to support them. The power of these district teams lies in their shared commitment to aligning their early literacy vision and implementation. This unified approach will be a powerful and effective mechanism to ensure all students have the resources and support they need to succeed."
Participating districts include: Ashland Independent, Boyd County, Breathitt County, Bullitt County, Campbellsville Independent, Carroll County, Carter County, Casey County, Christian County, Clinton County, Cumberland County, Daviess County, Frankfort Independent, Glasgow Independent, Hart County, Henry County, Jenkins Independent, Johnson County, Kenton County, Letcher County, Marion County, Marshall County, Menifee County, Monroe County, Morgan County, Oldham County, Owsley County, Paris City Schools, Rowan County, Russell Independent, Spencer County, Union County and Wayne County.
Welcome back and happy new year!
The Division of Early Literacy (DEL) wants to welcome you and your students back to the classroom for the second half of the 2024-2025 school year. We recognize the complexities of teaching are vast and that you teach through many challenges each day. We value your dedication and want to thank you for your commitment to meeting students’ needs.
The DEL team is cheering you on as you continue staying focused on instruction, and for many districts, early implementation of a new high-quality instructional resource for reading and writing. Getting to know a new resource takes time and may feel overwhelming at times. Give yourself grace, and know that your efforts do not go unseen and are a matter of equity for students and teachers. The DEL team encourages you to lean into curriculum-based professional learning, professional learning focused on evidenced-based structured literacy practices and how students learn to read, as well as on-going guidance to support implementation of your HQIR. The DEL regional directors are available to answer your questions through monthly office hours or email. Details about office hours and email addresses are located in the right margin.
Structured Literacy Beyond Early Literacy Instruction: Developing Skilled Middle and High School Readers Webinar Series Session 4 Materials and Recording Available Now!
 Do you know middle and high school teachers supporting students who are not yet skilled readers? If the answer is yes, the Developing Skilled Middle and High School Readers Webinar Series for grade 6-12 teachers and instructional coaches may be of interest.
This series shows how the structured literacy practices that are transforming early literacy instruction in Kentucky - as a result of the Read to Succeed Act (SB 9, 2022) and the Kentucky Reading Academies’ LETRS professional learning - can positively impact middle and high school reading and writing instruction.
Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, learning materials will be posted on the adolescent structured literacy webpage to provide evidence-based strategies and practices for developing skilled middle and high school readers and writers. These include:
- Monthly recordings of webinar sessions (Sessions #1 - 4 available NOW);
- Corresponding participant guides
To help us support literacy development at every grade level, share this information with grade 6-12 teachers and instructional coaches.
Please contact ELAteam@education.ky.gov with questions.
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