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Allison Roth, an educator with three decades of experience, has devoted her career to the principle that literacy is critical for all children. Throughout her 30 years in the field, Roth has championed the belief that providing students with the tools to access knowledge empowers them to become agents of positive change within their families and communities. This passion for literacy served as the foundation for her extensive work in Kentucky public schools and her recent leadership roles at the state level. “Literacy has the power to be an equalizer; armed with the ability to access information, students’ eyes are opened to the existence of possibilities they may have never known. Literacy is a fundamental right for all children.”
In 2022, Roth furthered her commitment to evidence-based instruction by participating in Phase 1 of the Kentucky Reading Academies. During this period, she completed rigorous training in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). This transformative professional development provided her with a profound understanding of how children acquire language and learn to read, equipping her with the specialized strategies necessary to ensure success for every student. Roth maintains that the insights gained through structured literacy are essential for breaking down barriers and ensuring long-term academic achievement. “The training I received through LETRS equipped me with tools and strategies to make EVERY child a successful reader and writer. The information I acquired will transfer to reading success, and subsequent life success, for all students.”
For the past three years, Roth served the Kentucky Department of Education as a State Literacy Coaching Specialist (SLCS) for the northern region. In this capacity, she collaborated with K-3 teachers and local administrators to implement critical instructional shifts aligned with literacy best practices. Her professional journey also includes 21 years of direct experience in Kentucky public schools, including roles in the Fort Thomas, Beechwood, and Bellevue Independent school districts. Notably, she utilized her background in French to establish the first K-6 elementary foreign language program at Beechwood, reflecting her long-standing interest in early language acquisition.
Roth’s academic background and professional certifications underscore her expertise in the field of education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Centre College and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University. Additionally, she is a National Board Certified Teacher, certified as a Middle Childhood Generalist. These qualifications, combined with her decades of practical experience, have prepared her for her current endeavor as a State Regional Literacy Director.
Looking forward, Roth is eager to continue her partnership with schools in northern Kentucky. She remains deeply committed to making a lasting impact on students and schools by fostering a love for reading and ensuring that literacy opens new worlds of possibility for every child in the Commonwealth. “I am hopeful and excited for the work ahead as a State Regional Literacy Director. Making an impact on students and schools, as literacy opens their eyes to the world around them, is a thrilling endeavor! I can’t wait to partner with schools in northern Kentucky as we embark on that journey.”
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: 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.
ICYMI: 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.
Quick Check: Are You Using the Latest Version?
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:
July is Here and August is Right Around the Corner: 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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