Implementing the KAS for Reading and Writing: A Focus on Writing
The revised KAS for Reading and Writing is effective for the 2026-2027 school year. The standards promote an integrated, text-centered instructional model where reading and writing are taught together to reinforce student growth. Teachers are encouraged to utilize Kentucky Department of Education conferencing guides and KAS rubrics to provide targeted feedback on evidence, claims and reasoning, ensuring rigorous student writing outcomes. Visit KYStandards.org to access resources to get to know the revised standards and to support implementation of text-based writing.
Content Area Teacher Resource Guides
The Teacher Resource Guides help educators quickly access Kentucky Department of Education resources that support high-quality, standards-aligned instruction. Organized by content area, these guides connect teachers to professional learning, instructional supports, standards resources, family engagement tools and other evidence-based materials. Explore the content-specific guides on KYStandards.org to find resources that support teaching and learning in your discipline.
New Resource to Support Effective Intellectual Preparation in PLCs
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has developed a suite of resources to support districts and schools in establishing and strengthening intellectual preparation within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Intellectual preparation is a foundational aspect of curriculum-based professional learning and supports educators in deeply understanding and effectively implementing high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) to improve the student experience and academic outcomes. Visit KYStandards.org to learn more about Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Guidance for Aligning Tier 2 Intervention with Tier 1 Instruction
The Aligning Tier 2 Intervention with Tier 1 Instruction When Using an HQIR guidance document outlines a process for ensuring Tier 2 interventions are directly connected to grade-level classroom instruction delivered through a High-Quality Instructional Resource (HQIR). The document emphasizes providing students with proactive, targeted support that prepares them for success in Tier 1 learning rather than remediating disconnected skills. It recommends collaborative planning between classroom teachers and intervention staff, using assessment data, flexible grouping, ongoing progress monitoring and regular communication to keep intervention aligned with core instruction. Visit the KYStandards.org to learn more about Aligning Tier 2 Intervention with Tier 1 Instruction.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Professional learning (PL) opportunities are available in various formats to support your needs. For those looking to collaborate or lead, school-based PL can be found on KYStandards.org. This site also houses the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS), along with key guidance, content-specific tools and resources to support the implementation of high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs). For independent study, self-paced PL opportunities are available through the KYLearningHub catalog.
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. Teachers make instructional decisions that shape how students experience science. This module helps connect the four instructional shifts to daily practice, offering practical strategies for supporting student sensemaking, three-dimensional learning and meaningful engagement while bringing the KAS for Science to life in the classroom.
Designed for classroom teachers committed to rigorous and coherent science instruction, this professional learning experience turns vision into action. For more information on this module, check out KYStandards.org.
Implementation Resources for Visual and Performing Arts!
Explore implementation support for the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Visual and Performing Arts. On KYStandards.org, teachers can access resources like professional learning modules and a student assignment library to support high-quality, standards-aligned instruction. The new KY Learning Hub also provides centralized, high-quality professional learning opportunities for educators, including the self-paced module, Getting to Know the KAS for Visual and Performing Arts. Check out KYStandards.org to access Visual and Performing Arts resources.
Registration for the Kentucky Reading Academies: Cohort 5 of LETRS Professional Learning OPEN through 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.
Questions about the Kentucky Reading Academies may be directed to KDE Director of Early Literacy Christie Biggerstaff.
Family Resources for Back to School
Start off back to school relationship-building with students and families with these three helpful resources: Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) Family Guides, A Family’s Guide to Understanding Student Assessment and the Read at Home Plan Family Guide. Read the Family Resources for Back to School article on KyStandards.org.
Missed something in previous newsletters?
Visit the newsletter archive to stay up to date on valuable updates and resources on KYStandards.org.
Please email the standards team with any questions.
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