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The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is announcing the expansion of the Division of Early Literacy. After three years serving as a State Literacy Coaching Specialist (SLCS) in the Office of Teaching and Learning, Brittany Holloway Jones has been named State Regional Literacy Director. In her new role, Jones will serve the Louisville region, including Jefferson County Public Schools, continuing her support for early literacy initiatives.
Prior to joining the Division of Early Literacy, Jones was a school-based literacy coach, interventionist, and special education teacher, where she supported diverse learners and collaborated with educators to implement evidence-based practices to improve literacy outcomes for all students. As an SLCS, Jones partnered with a school to successfully implement high-quality instructional resources (HQIR) through the intellectual preparation cycle, strengthened instructional practices through targeted coaching, and helped to establish sustainable literacy frameworks.
As a State Regional Literacy Director, Jones will continue to support the statewide implementation of the Read to Succeed Act and Kentucky’s literacy coaching model. She will leverage her expertise to partner with teachers and school leaders to ensure high-quality teaching and learning through cohesive, building-level systems.
Jones is dedicated to ensuring every student becomes a confident, capable reader as a foundation for future success. She shares her dedication by saying, “The ability to be a skilled reader is a right guaranteed to all. I aim for educators and school leaders to have the expertise, knowledge, and skills to do just that. There must be an unwavering commitment to systematic, evidence-based practices and excellence in our work if we want all children to learn to read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade.”
Her leadership reflects the Division of Early Literacy's commitment to equipping educators with the knowledge and tools needed to improve literacy outcomes for students across Kentucky.
Now Available: House Bill 253 (2026) Science of Reading Professional Learning Webpage
The KDE has launched a new Early Literacy webpage providing guidance on House Bill (HB) 253 (2026) and approved Science of Reading (SoR) professional learning opportunities. The law requires that, by June 30, 2029, all K-5 educators must complete KDE-approved SoR professional learning and establishes expectations for literacy instruction that reflect the extensive body of research on how students learn to read. Visit the Science of Reading Professional Learning page to learn the goal of the bill, review the list of expanded access to high-quality professional learning and more.
Now Available: Supplemental Guidance on District Dyslexia Policies
The Kentucky Department of Education has developed guidance to support local boards of education as they begin developing dyslexia policies in accordance with House Bill (HB) 253 (2026). The supplement includes:
- statutory and regulatory requirements that must be included in the district dyslexia policy;
- model policy considerations for screening/intervention and family engagement; and
- additional resources.
Review the supplemental Guidance on District Dyslexia Policies.
Before You Begin 2026-2027: Check for Updated Reading and Writing Resources
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning has revised several key resources that support adoption and implementation of an HQIR for reading and writing to align with the new KAS. These resources include:
Changes support usability while also addressing focuses such as the bundling of standards, establishing the role of texts in instruction and building background knowledge to support comprehension. All revised resources now have “Revised May 2026” as a footnote to indicate the current version is being used.
Additionally, these structured literacy resources have been updated to reflect alignment with the new Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing:
Less than Two Months & Limited Space Remaining: Register for LETRS Cohort 5 by Aug. 21
Interested educators and administrators can visit the Kentucky Reading Academies webpage to learn more about LETRS for Educators and LETRS for Administrators, review enrollment information and complete the registration form.
Please note: Limited licenses are available for Cohort 5, and registration will be first come, first served.
Also of note: Cohort 4 participants will not need to register for Cohort 5, as they are already enrolled.
Questions about the Kentucky Reading Academies may be directed to KDE Director of Early Literacy Christie Biggerstaff.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about Early Literacy, please email KDE Director of Early Literacy Christie Biggerstaff
For additional questions contact our Regional Literacy Directors:
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