Standards Newsletter: Welcome Back - August 5, 2026

August 5, 2026

Welcome back to a new school year! As educators, school leaders and district teams begin another year of supporting students across Kentucky, we are grateful for your continued commitment to meaningful learning and high-quality instruction.

There is exciting work ahead this year for standards in Kentucky, and we are grateful to have you with us on the journey. A few key efforts on the horizon include implementation support for the revised Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing (effective this school year), revision of the social studies and mathematics standards, development of a new Kentucky-specific social studies high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) and the launch of the review process for the Kentucky Academic Standards for World Language.

Through the Standards Newsletter, we will continue to share timely updates, resources, professional learning opportunities and supports for implementing the Kentucky Academic Standards. Thank you for your partnership and for the work you do each day to ensure all Kentucky students have access to high-quality learning experiences. Welcome back, and best wishes for a strong start to the school year.

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 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 for more information.

Civics Test Reporting-NEW Requirement Reminder

Local boards of education requiring a civics test for graduation must report testing data to the Kentucky Department of Education by September 1 each year, including first-time pass rates and average attempts. Districts using a half-credit civic literacy course instead are exempt from reporting. For more information on Civics Test Reporting, visit KYStandards.org

Stay Connected with OTL Newsletters!

Want the latest updates from the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletters to receive important announcements, guidance and professional learning resources for Kentucky educators.

The OTL offers a variety of newsletters tailored to support your work:

• Standards Newsletter: Updates on Kentucky Academic Standards and implementation support.
• KyMTSS: Resources and updates regarding the Kentucky Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
• Numeracy Counts: Latest news and resources to support implementation of the Numeracy Counts Act.
• Early Literacy: Guidance and resources to support implementation of the Read to Succeed Act.
• English Learner Educator Connect: Tools and resources to support EL program implementation.

Subscribe today: Kentucky Department of Education Newsletter Sign-Up

ICYMI: Missed Our Summer Special Editions?

This summer the Standards Newsletter featured special editions designed for specific audiences, including teachers, instructional coaches and principals. If you missed an issue, take a moment to explore these targeted editions for timely updates, valuable resources and supports to help guide instruction and leadership in the coming school year. View the special editions 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.