July 16, 2025

Standards Newsletter: Instructional Coach Edition

As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, school leaders are beginning to prepare for the year ahead. This edition of the Standards Newsletter is dedicated to giving instructional coaches the resources and information needed to ensure a successful start to the year. Below, you will find key resources for MTSS, high-quality instructional resources (HQIR), curriculum-based professional learning (CBPL), evidence-based instructional practices (EBIP) and the content areas. Take time to explore the resources included and share them with others in your building or district that could benefit, as well.

MTSS Resources

Newly Updated KyMTSS Implementation Guide - The Kentucky Multi-Tiered System of Supports (KyMTSS) Implementation Guide, 2nd Edition, builds upon guidance from the 2021 edition in response to revised Kentucky administrative regulations that require districtwide use of a multi-tiered system of supports for all students in kindergarten through grade 12 (704 KAR 3:095). This implementation guide is designed to provide educators with a common definition and understanding of the essential elements of KyMTSS. 

KyMTSS Self Assessment - While primarily designed for district and school leadership teams responsible for MTSS implementation, The KyMTSS Self-Assessment Tool outlines Kentucky’s six essential elements and helps identify areas for systemwide improvement. Instructional coaches may find the tool’s focus areas useful for supporting alignment across instructional tiers.

KyMTSS Four-Part Video Collection - Each video in the four-part video collection addresses key topics, best practices and practical strategies related to MTSS. Whether you are an individual or part of a team, these videos and accompanying documents provide a comprehensive understanding of the MTSS Framework.

Stay up to date with KyMTSS-specific information and resources. Sign up to receive MTSS Newsletter each month. You may also access past newsletters in the Archive Newsletters. Additional resources available at KyMTSS.org.

Professional Learning Modules

General and content area professional learning modules are located on KyStandards.org. These modules cover the Kentucky Academic Standards, assignment review protocols, evidence-based instructional practices, and specific content areas. Modules include facilitator’s guides, slides and other resources to ensure successful professional learning.

Content Area Implementation Guides 

The purpose of the Standards Implementation Guides is to help schools and districts identify resources available from the Kentucky Department of Education to support standards implementation. Schools and districts may be in various stages of the standards implementation process and the Standards Implementation Guides provide a list of resources by the content area that may be utilized at each stage. See the content specific implementation guides below.  

• General Standards Implementation Guide 
• Reading and Writing Standards Implementation Guide 
• Mathematics Standards Implementation Guide 
• Social Studies Standards Implementation Guide
• Science Standards Implementation Guide

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Standards Quick Links

KYstandards.org

Model Curriculum Framework webpage

Standards Resources webpage

KY Academic Standards webpage

NEW VPA Standards

The Getting to Know the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Visual and Performing Arts 3-Part Module is available now. This module is designed to build knowledge and capacity around the new Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) standards and to capitalize on the opportunity to improve teaching and learning aligned to the KAS for Visual and Performing Arts. Access this asynchronous professional learning module on KyStandards.org.

Don’t miss updates on standards resources, professional learning opportunities and more throughout the year! Visit KyStandards.org and sign up to receive the weekly newsletter.

Ready to Rethink Assessment in Social Studies?

Today’s social studies standards go beyond memorization by asking students to think critically, ask meaningful questions and apply their learning to real-world issues. This shift demands an equally bold reimagining in how we measure learning because meaningful learning deserves meaningful assessment.

Access the Performance Assessments in Social Studies professional learning module series to explore how to design engaging, authentic tasks that reflect the work of civic leaders, economists, geographers and historians. You will learn how to move beyond traditional tests and create opportunities for students to analyze, create and explain as they investigate enduring questions, synthesize ideas across disciplines, and craft compelling, evidence-based conclusions that showcase deep, rigorous social studies learning.

This isn’t just about improving assessments. It’s about supporting student growth, making learning more meaningful, and building classrooms where students take ownership of their learning and develop the skills to engage deeply with the world around them. This learning will support educators in guiding students to think like civic leaders, economists, geographers and historians—empowering them to apply their knowledge in ways that truly matter and inspire change in their communities and beyond.

CONTACT INFORMATION

standards@education.ky.gov