Kentucky

The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.

Updated 2025

Local control?

Yes

Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?

Yes, see Read to Succeed Act (2022).

You will not see “science of reading” used in KY. We reference the research directly or refer to the evidence-basis and often use “how the brain learns to read and why some students struggle”

Does your state have an approved curriculum list?

Yes, along with pointing to the Curriculum Development Process, there is a HQIR approved list for Reading and Writing.

2025 Approved K-12 High-Quality Instructional Resources for Reading and Writing

Each approved list includes all resources that meet the required criteria. The lists are updated as green-rated resources are added to EdReports.org. Historically approved resources will not be removed, but rather, the KDE will add newly reviewed resources that meet the criteria and earn a green rating. Local HQIR coordinators will be notified when resources are added to the lists, and communications will be shared via KDE media outlets.  

While all vendors on the approved list meet the KDE standards for high-quality instructional resources, districts and schools should carefully review materials to determine which HQIR best meets the local instructional vision and the needs of the teachers and students in the district.

Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?

Yes, we used the Reading and Writing  Instructional Resource Consumer Guide as well as the following page detailing the KDE’s definition of high-quality instructional resources and instructional alignment rubrics: High-Quality Instructional Resources – KYstandards.

Please describe any other instructional-materials work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable

See above.

Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?

Yes, per the Read to Succeed Act (2022), and as evidenced here: Early Literacy Screening Assessments – Kentucky Department of Education.

Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable

See above.

Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?

Yes, the Kentucky Multi-Tiered System of Supports (KyMTSS) Implementation Guide, 2nd Edition, builds upon guidance from the 2021 edition in response to revised Kentucky administrative regulations that require district-wide use of a multi-tiered system of supports for all students in kindergarten through grade 12 (704 KAR 3:095). This implementation guide is designed to provide educators with a common definition and understanding of the essential elements of Kentucky’s framework for a multi-tiered system of supports (KyMTSS). The information in this guide reflects current research and evidence-based practices and is intended to support districts and schools in implementation, improvement and sustainability of an integrated multi tiered system of supports.

Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development

Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?

Please see above related to the Kentucky Reading Academies.

Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable

Kentucky Comprehensive Literacy (KyCL25) – Kentucky Department of Education

On September 3, 2024, the United States Department of Education (USDE) awarded the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) a 5-year, $54,985,544.00, Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant to advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading and writing, with an emphasis on disadvantaged children, including children living in poverty, English learners and children with disabilities.

The CLSD discretionary grant program, renamed Kentucky Comprehensive Literacy 2025 (KyCL25), will provide competitive funding to districts to strengthen high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) and curriculum based professional learning (CBPL) for all levels.  KyCL25 will focus on increasing student literacy achievement through four project goals.

Read To Achieve (RTA) – Kentucky Department of Education

​The Kentucky Read to Achieve: Reading Diagnostic and Intervention Grant provides schools with competitive funds to support teachers in implementing a reading intervention program and evidence-based instructional strategies that address the various needs of primary students (K-3) reading at low levels and needing accelerated learning. Schools awarded the RTA grant must ensure implementation of a reading intervention program for students in tiers two and three of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports​ as well as a KDE approved comprehensive reading program at tier one.

Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?

Yes, per the Standards Review Process Timeline – Kentucky Department of Education, standards writers convened in early 2025 to revise the Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing (2019) based on public comment and in accordance with current research and evidence. The revised standards are projected to be incorporated into law per KRS 158.6453 in 2026.

Please describe any other standards work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable

See above. Implementation resources for the revised Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing (2025) will be released with the revised standards in 2026. The resources explicitly identify and explain how the standards align with the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy practices.

Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?

Yes, please see the following: 

Standards Family Guides & Resources – KYstandards.

Do you have policy or guidance regarding how to leverage evidence-based practices to support secondary students?

Yes.

Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?

Please see Read to Succeed Act (2022). Teacher certification is included. Programmatic language is also included.

Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?

Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading

Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.

Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work: 

The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.