Standards Newsletter: May 27, 2026

May 27, 2026

New Science Professional Learning Module: Vibrant Learning Through the Four Instructional Shifts

The Vibrant Learning Through the Four Instructional Shifts Module helps clarify how the instructional shifts in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science shape student-centered learning, why they matter and how they move classrooms from coverage to coherence. Participants will examine how the shifts strengthen alignment across standards, resources (HQIRs and IPG) and instruction. Designed for teachers, instructional coaches and leaders, this experience turns the vision for rigorous and coherent science instruction into action. For more information on this module, check out KyStandards.org. 

New VPA PL Courses: Responding to the Arts for Music, Theatre, Visual Arts and Media Arts

The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Responding to the Arts: Interactive Resources are now available on the KYLearningHub! These self-paced courses help teachers implement high-quality learning experiences aligned to the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for VPA. Each resource includes detailed teacher notes, embedded companion videos and all necessary materials to successfully implement a learning experience. For more information on how to enroll in these professional learning opportunities, visit KyStandards.org. 

Preparing for the Next School Year: Rediscover the Social Studies Student Assignment Library

The Social Studies Student Assignment Library provides resources for planning standards-aligned learning experiences for the 2026-2027 school year. The library features examples of student assignments, including those strongly aligned to the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Social Studies across all grades, kindergarten through high school. Additionally, it offers Teacher Notes to guide educators in scaffolding student understanding of all four inquiry practices and disciplinary strands referenced in the KAS. Find out more on KyStandards.org.

KDE Seeking Applications for the Science Systems & Coherence Collaborative

Unlock the full potential of high-quality instructional resources (HQIR) by building system coherence. This collaborative, led by the KDE and Leading Educators, helps district leaders build powerful, aligned science systems across curriculum, professional development, leadership and instruction. Strengthen your practices to ensure vibrant, high-quality science education for every student. Read more at KyStandards.org. 

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.

Family Resource: Summer Math Games for Elementary Students

The Kentucky Family Math Games webpage provides resources for educators to share with families to keep students actively doing math through the summer. This collection contains 15 simple, engaging games for parents and caregivers to play at home to build mathematical thinking. Teachers will find easily shareable links for the games, which are organized in grade bands: K-1, 2-3 or 4-5. Each game includes instructions and handouts in both English and Spanish, as well as a digital version for online play. 

Please email KDEmath@education.ky.gov with any questions.

KDE Seeking Districts to Apply for the RISE Leadership Academy

The RISE Leadership Academy is a year-long program dedicated to strengthening science instruction by building a network of teacher leaders who use high-quality instructional resources to support three-dimensional, inquiry-based teaching. Complete the application by the end of the day, Monday, June 8. For more information and access to the application check out Kystandards.org.

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.