Standards Newsletter: May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026

Application open for the RISE Leadership Academy

The Results-Driven Initiatives for Science Education (RISE) Leadership Academy, hosted by Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) science consultants, is designed to develop a network of teacher leaders engaged in meaningful, curriculum-based professional learning (CBPL) to strengthen science instruction across Kentucky. 

Through the use of high-quality instructional resources (HQIR) and modeled CBPL practices, RISE empowers educators to implement effective, three-dimensional, inquiry-based science teaching. Participating teacher leaders and district administrators collaborate through structured in-person and virtual sessions focused on:

• Intellectual preparation (unit and lesson internalization, rehearsal, and student work analysis)
• Effective instructional strategies
• Core elements of CBPL 

This initiative builds teacher leadership capacity while advancing a coherent K–12 vision for science education, aligned to the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. 

Up to six districts that have adopted an HQIR in at least one grade band will be selected to assemble a team of science teacher leaders. While a district may not have adopted an HQIR in all grade bands, each grade band must be willing to pilot two units from an HQIR. Each district team will consist of five members, with one representative from each of the following roles:

• Primary science teacher leader;
• Intermediate science teacher leader;
• Middle science teacher leader;
• High school science teacher leader; and
• District or school level leader.

These educators will collaborate to strengthen science instruction and drive meaningful changes in their district. 

Learn more about the Kentucky Academic Standards and professional learning offerings

KYstandards.org houses the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS), along with key guidance and professional learning (PL) resources to support implementation. Educators can explore content‑specific tools and PL that support meaningful implementation of the KAS. District and school leaders also can access targeted resources to support adoption and implementation of high‑quality instructional resources (HQIRs).

The KYLearningHub course catalog provides further access to professional learning opportunities that support effective standards implementation as well.

District and School Request for Office of Teaching and Learning HQIR Support

The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) has created an intake form for districts and schools to request technical assistance for high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) implementation support. This new HQIR Implementation Support Request Form provides a streamlined process for districts and schools to request targeted support aligned to their specific needs and stage of implementation.

Participants from 25-26 RISE Leadership Academy said:

“Loved the structured professional learning of engaging in unit/lesson internalization, modeling of instructional strategies and promoting vertical alignment of effective instructional practices.” Nicki Caudill, Chief Academic Officer in Paintsville Independent School District

“Teacher leadership is not something I have ever felt that I could do but being a part of the group has given me the opportunity to grow within myself and be more confident in my abilities and I could help someone else in the process.” Kelly Hancock, Middle School Teacher Leader

“I shifted from a more traditional approach to a student-centered, inquiry-based model… where students figure things out rather than being told, and I prioritized hands-on experiences and meaningful discussion over passive learning. I also became more reflective about how lessons feel from the student perspective by consistently thinking in my “student hat.” Shasta Howard, grade 4 Teacher Leader

RISE is a year-long learning experience designed to support and empower selected district team leaders. To ensure the greatest impact, participants are expected to commit and attend all of the following sessions:

Virtual onboarding session: July 22, 10:00-12:00 p.m. ET

In-person sessions: July 28 and 29, 8:30-4:00 p.m. ET

• Virtual sessions:
  • October 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET
  • November 17, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET
  • February 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET
• In-person session: March 8, 8:30-4:00 p.m. ET
• Virtual wrap-up session: April 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET

Note: These dates and times are tentative and subject to change. 

The KDE will cover travel mileage for all participants and provide lodging and meal reimbursements for those traveling over 40 miles to all in person sessions. Additionally, KDE will reimburse districts for substitute costs for the in-person session in March.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of this year’s RISE Leadership Academy. Complete the RISE Leadership Academy application by the end of the day, Monday, June 8. Selected districts will be notified by June 9. 

For any questions contact KDE Science team. 

Missed something in previous newsletters?

Be sure to visit the newsletter archive to catch up on valuable updates and resources. You’ll find information on the Kentucky Academic Standards and related professional learning opportunities available through KYstandards.org and the KYLearningHub, including content‑specific tools, implementation guidance and support for high‑quality instructional resources.

Please email the standards team with any questions.