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Standards Newsletter: Sept 9, 2026

Kentucky Department of Education sent this bulletin at 09/09/2026 07:45 AM EDT

Sept. 9, 2026

New VPA Interactive Resource: Creating Artistic Ideas

A new standards implementation resource for Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is now available for dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. This interactive resource is designed to support high-quality, vibrant student learning experiences aligned to the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Visual and Performing Arts. It includes teacher notes and implementation PowerPoints developed by classroom teachers or discipline experts to provide guidance on the artistic process of creating, which involves conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work. Learn more about Creating Artistic Ideas on KYStandards.org.

World map with speech bubbles promoting Kentucky’s World Language Standards review.

Feedback Sought and Applications Open for Kentucky World Language Standards Review

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is beginning the review process for the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for World Language in accordance with KRS 158.6453. KDE is seeking public feedback on the current standards and applications from K-12 classroom teachers to serve on the World Language Standards and Assessment Review Committee and Advisory Panels.

To provide feedback on the standards, please use the public comment form.

Current K-12 teachers interested in participating in the review committees from fall 2026 through spring 2027 should complete the online application.

The deadline for public feedback and committee applications is Oct. 5. Direct questions about the process to standards@education.ky.gov.

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.

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.

Kentucky Numeracy Counts K-3 HQIR Grant

KDE’s Office of Teaching and Learning has issued a request for application (RFA) for the Kentucky Numeracy Counts K-3 HQIR grant.

Kentucky public school districts, along with the Kentucky School for the Blind and Kentucky School for the Deaf, are eligible to apply. Districts previously awarded other KDE high-quality instructional resource (HQIR) grants for mathematics also may apply for funds.

The RFA is available on the Competitive Grants from KDE webpage.

As specified in KRS 158.843, the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Fund grant shall be used only to purchase approved high-quality research and evidence-based curriculum aligned to kindergarten through grade 3 academic standards in mathematics and for expenditures related to curriculum-based professional learning to implement a new curriculum.

Per KRS 158.8402(5)(b), “Each superintendent or public charter school board of directors shall adopt an evidence-based curriculum along with high-quality instructional resources for mathematics that is determined by the department to be reliable, valid, and aligned to Kentucky academic standards for mathematics required by KRS 158.6453 for kindergarten through grade three (3).”

This grant opportunity will provide $70,000 to each of up to 50 districts to purchase mathematics HQIRs or support curriculum-based professional learning for grades K-3.

KDE hosted a technical assistance webinar on Sept. 3. The recording is available on the Competitive Grants from KDE webpage. The deadline to submit an application is Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. ET.

Supplemental Guidance on District Dyslexia Policies

KDE has developed guidance to support local boards of education as they begin developing dyslexia policies in accordance with House Bill 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.

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.

Kentucky Department of Education
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