Registration for the Kentucky Reading Academies: Cohort 4 of LETRS Professional Learning NOW OPEN
Registration for the fourth Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) cohort of the Kentucky Reading Academies will be open from May 1, 2025, through Aug. 22, 2025.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will continue the 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 6,000 Kentucky educators and administrators have participated or 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. Descriptions of each are following:
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LETRS for Educators Cohort 4: This course is recommended for K-5 teachers, interventionists, reading specialists, instructional coaches and anyone providing reading instruction or intervention supports to early readers.
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LETRS for Administrators Cohort 4: This course is recommended for instructional coaches who have completed LETRS for Educators, district leaders and building administrators.
Interested educators and administrators can register on the Kentucky Reading Academies webpage beginning May 1. Registrants will indicate which course they are enrolling in when completing the registration form.
PLEASE NOTE: Limited licenses are available for Cohort 4. Registration will be first come, first served. Once we reach capacity, registrants will be placed on a waitlist and invited as licenses become available. Registration does not guarantee enrollment into the professional learning.
Also of note: Cohort 3 participants will not need to register for Cohort 4 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.
Register NOW for Kentucky’s Read to Succeed Summer Conference
 The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) Division of Early Literacy invites you to join the 1,400 others who have registered for the second annual Kentucky Reads to Succeed Summer Conference on June 13, 2025, at The Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky and register today.
Keynote speaker and educational consultant to state departments and school districts on explicit instruction and literacy, Dr. Anita Archer has presented in all 50 states, all US territories, and many countries, including Australia and Canada, and has received ten awards honoring her educational contributions. Dr. Archer has served on the faculties of three universities, including the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, and San Diego State University. She is nationally known for her professional learning, and she has co-authored numerous curriculum materials and a best-selling textbook addressing reading and writing.
The conference, which will require registration but will be FREE to Kentucky K-12 public educators, will offer focused learning pathways to meet the needs of teachers and administrators. Attendees will learn from KDE Office of Teaching and Learning consultants and partners about:
- Evidence-based instructional shifts for literacy;
- The benefits of structured literacy;
- Why high-quality instructional resources matter; and
- Available resources for implementing the Read to Succeed Act.
Mark your calendar for this June 13 event!
Resources for Summer Learning
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) supports family engagement all year long. During the school year, the Standards Family Guides are a resource parents and caregivers may use to initiate conversations with their children regarding what they are learning at school.
Learning can continue when school is not in session. The summer months are an opportunity to further encourage families to enjoy literacy and numeracy experiences together in their own homes.
To support educators, parents, families and caregivers in encouraging summer learning, KDE is providing resources through the Summer Support webpages to help keep children’s minds active. Available resources include:
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Literacy Resources - Find free resources available online that provide access to books, audiobooks, read alouds, and other literacy materials.
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Read at Home Plan Family Guide - This document assists teachers in supporting and encouraging families as they engage in their child’s Read at Home Plan. The included printable guide provides information to strengthen families' understanding about what all children need to know and be able to do for skilled reading, as well as activities to help their child become a skilled reader.
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Mathematics Resources - Visit this page to find collections of math games, math discussion starters and more for families to use together.
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Virtual Read Aloud Series - Hear stories read by guests from the KDE, Kentucky high school graduates and authors.
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Summer Food Service Program - Visit the KDE Summer Food Service Program webpage for information on the program and how to become a sponsor.
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School and Public Libraries - Find out how to partner with your school and/or public library to enhance your student’s summer learning.
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Gifted and Talented Resources - Find a list of agencies and organizations that provide resources and services to Primary Talent Pool (PTP) and Gifted and Talented (GT) students, families, and service providers.
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Accelerating Student Learning During the Summer and Academic School Year- This guidance document focuses on evidence-based strategies for accelerating student learning through summer learning programs and during the academic school year. Also included are best practices for developing effective summer programs.
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Council of Chief State School Officers Summer Learning and Enrichment: State Guidance for District and School Leaders - This document provides a framework for planning with vetted resources to assist districts and schools as they make decisions for summer learning and enrichment.
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