Text-Based Writing Across Disciplines on the KY Learning Hub
The Text-Based Writing Across Disciplines course on the KYLearningHub helps educators understand how text-based writing strengthens reading, deepens content knowledge and supports learning across all content areas. Participants can earn two (2) hours of professional learning credit, if approved by their local district. Read more about Text-Based Writing Across the Disciplines at KYStandards.org.
New Webpages Available to Support House Bill 253 (2026)
Science of Reading Professional Learning
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.
State Approved Reading Intervention List
To support implementation of House Bill 253 (2026), the KDE has published the HB 253 (2026) State Approved Reading Intervention List. The resource includes an approved list of scientifically researched, evidence-based K-12 reading intervention programs that align with structured literacy and do not utilize three-cueing instructional practices.
While the approved list is designed to support local selection of high-quality interventions, the accompanying guidance emphasizes an equally important principle: Instructional coherence. Districts are encouraged to first consider Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions that are embedded within or aligned to their adopted Tier 1 high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs). Students benefit most when intervention reinforces the same content, routines and instructional approaches they experience during core instruction, which creates a cohesive system that accelerates learning rather than fragments it.
District and school leaders are encouraged to visit the HB 253 (2026) State Approved Reading Intervention List page to explore both the approved intervention list and the guidance for selecting interventions that strengthen, not replace, an aligned, coherent literacy system.
NEW RESOURCE: House Bill 253 (2026) Science of Reading Professional Learning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has developed a Frequently Asked Questions guidance document for House Bill (HB) 253 (2026) and the Science of Reading (SoR) professional learning requirements. By June 30, 2029, the law requires all K-5 educators must complete KDE-approved SoR professional learning and follow established 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 about the goal of the bill, review the list of expanded access to high-quality professional learning and access the FAQ.
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.
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.
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