Standards Newsletter: Sept 2, 2026

Sept. 2, 2026

Constitution Day

Thursday, Sept. 17, is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This day commemorates the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the U.S. Constitution. In accordance with federal requirements, every educational institution receiving federal funding must provide an educational program for students focused on the U.S. Constitution. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)’s Constitution Day document features resources from a variety of organizations that may support educators in planning their instruction for Constitution Day.

For more information, visit the KDE’s Social Studies Laws and Regulations page.

New: Redesigned HQIR Page on KyStandards.org

In response to feedback from the field, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) has redesigned the HQIR page on kystandards.org. The new homepage provides foundational information around the “what” and “why” of HQIR with links to access all HQIR-related resources and to request implementation support from the OTL. 

The new HQIR Resources Page provides quick access to key resources divided by core aspects of the work:

• HQIR Adoption Resources
• HQIR implementation Resources 
• Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Resources 
• HQIR Implementation Monitoring Resources 

Visit the redesigned pages to find out more about supporting HQIR adoption and implementation in your district and/or school. 

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.

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.

District and School Request for Office of Teaching and Learning HQIR Support

The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) has created an intake form for districts and schools to request technical assistance for high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) implementation support. This new HQIR Implementation Support Request Form provides a streamlined process for districts and schools to request targeted support aligned to their specific needs and stage of implementation. 

Targeted areas for support include:

• Instructional visioning and HQIR adoption; 
• Yearly curriculum implementation planning and monitoring; 
• Curriculum-based professional learning and intellectual preparation (unit/lesson internalization, lesson rehearsal, student work analysis); and/or
• Instructional Practice Guide (IPG) observations and feedback support.

The form will also gather important information about HQIRs currently in use, grade bands impacted, timelines for support and existing partnerships or initiatives. Submissions are reviewed to determine alignment and next steps for providing coordinated, responsive support.

Reminder: Kentucky Mathematics Improvement Plan Requirements for the 2026-2027 School Year 

Per KRS 158.8402, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, within the first 60 calendar days, a mathematics improvement plan, based on data from the diagnostic assessment, shall be developed and implemented by a mathematics improvement team for any student in K-3 identified as needing to make accelerated progress toward proficient performance in mathematics. 

To assist districts in effectively developing and implementing Mathematics Improvement Plans, the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning has developed a Mathematics Improvement Plan Template as an example that incorporates the requirements of KRS 158.8402. Districts may modify the template to fit the local context as needed. This template can be used during the problem-solving process to document intervention plans, progress monitoring data and parent notification. Learn more about the Mathematics Improvement Plan on KDE website. A virtual Office Hour session will be held Sept. 16, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. ET to support effective implementation. Bookmark the virtual session on your calendar today.

2026 Recommended K-12 High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIRs) for Science

High-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) enhance both teacher instruction and student learning by providing proven, standards-aligned materials. To assist districts in their selection process, the Kentucky Department of Education released the 2026 Recommended list for K-12 HQIRs for Science, featuring Tier 1 resources reviewed by an external evaluator. This curated list is designed to support local decision-making, allowing review teams to focus more on their specific district needs. Access the recommended list at KYStandards.org.

Discover Professional Learning Designed for Kentucky Educators

Looking for professional learning that is relevant, accessible and created with Kentucky educators in mind? The Kentucky Learning Hub is a growing space where teachers, school leaders, district staff and education partners can explore professional learning opportunities offered by the Kentucky Department of Education. Whether you are looking for a self-paced course, resources connected to statewide initiatives or support for your role, the Hub is designed to help you find learning that fits your needs. Learn more about the KY Learning Hub 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.