Research shows effective implementation is essential for a local curriculum anchored in a high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) to improve the quality of instruction, the student experience and student outcomes. To support districts in effective curriculum implementation, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) previously released three critical resources: 

• Curriculum Development Process (Phase 4) - guides planning and preparation for implementation, including yearly goal setting, monitoring and reflection; 

• Curriculum Implementation Framework - provides a detailed roadmap of key responsibilities by role group for the three stages of curriculum implementation (launch, early, ongoing); 

• Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Guidance Document - defines curriculum-based professional learning and describes the learning expected to occur across the three stages of implementation with tools specific to each stage. 

In response to feedback from instructional leaders in Kentucky and their request to help clarify how these resources can be used together year-over-year to drive continuous improvement in instruction, the student experience and student outcomes, the KDE has developed the Continuous Improvement Playbook for Curriculum Implementation. This new resource:  

• Provides a sequence of eight action steps to be taken each year;  

• Pairs the eight action steps with associated resources and tools; and  

• Maintains a consistent sequence of steps across the stages of implementation. 

Now Accepting Applications for the RISE Science Leadership Academy 

The Results-driven Initiatives for Science Education (RISE) Science Leadership Academy, hosted by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) science consultants, aims to cultivate a network of teacher leaders who engage in meaningful, curriculum-based professional learning to enhance science instruction across Kentucky. By leveraging high-quality instructional resources (HQIR) and modeling Curriculum-Based Professional Learning (CBPL), RISE will empower educators to implement three-dimensional, inquiry-based science teaching effectively.  

Find out more about the RISE Science Leadership Academy and access the application at KyStandards.org 

The Creating Collaborative Civic Spaces professional learning module series is designed to empower social studies educators in establishing and maintaining effective classroom environments that foster meaningful civil discourse around current, contentious and controversial issues.

These modules provide practical strategies and tools to help teachers create spaces where students can engage thoughtfully, respectfully, and critically with complex topics. Read more about this series and access the modules on KyStandards.org. 

Amplify Desmos Math K-5 Added to Approved K-12 High-Quality Instructional Resources for Mathematics

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) previously released approved lists of K-12 high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) for reading and writing and mathematics, focusing on Tier 1 core comprehensive resources. A core comprehensive instructional resource is one that serves as the primary means of instruction in a content area for a grade level or course. These lists are designed to assist superintendents in navigating the complex marketplace of educational resources. Kentucky law, specifically KRS 160.345, places the authority for developing local curriculum, including the selection of instructional materials, with local superintendents, following appropriate consultation.  

Amplify Desmos Math K-5 has recently been added to the approved list for mathematics. While Amplify Desmos Math K-5 is currently in the “queue” to be reviewed by EdReports, Amplify has demonstrated external validation and an evidence-basis for the resource and has shown at least 80% alignment to the Kentucky Academic Standards for Mathematics through an extensive review conducted by Student Achievement Partners. 

While all materials on the approved lists meet the KDE standards for HQIRs and have been informed by feedback from the Quality Curriculum Taskforce, districts are encouraged to conduct thorough local reviews to ensure that selected materials align with their specific needs and the local instructional vision. Off-list notification is still protected and allowable per KRS 156.445.    

More information about the approved reading/writing and mathematics lists can be found on KDE’s Instructional Resources webpage.