Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS®)
LETRS is a comprehensive professional learning experience grounded in
the SoR. The course provides in-depth study of reading development,
language structures, assessment, and evidence-based instructional
practices. Thousands of Kentucky educators have already completed
LETRS as part of the statewide Read to Succeed initiative. Educators
who have successfully completed LETRS® will be considered to have met
the professional learning requirement established by House Bill 253
and will not be required to complete an additional approved Science
of Reading training.
Registration Closed for LETRS Cohort 5
Registration for LETRS Cohort 5 closed on Friday, August 21.
A virtual LETRS Kickoff meeting will occur on September 24, from
4-5 PM EST, for both LETRS for Educators and LETRS for Administrators
participants. Accepted participants will receive a Zoom link from
Christie Biggerstaff inviting them to the meeting.
LETRS® for Educators
Meets requirements of
House Bill 253.
LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) is
a comprehensive professional learning experience grounded in the
Science of Reading. Through approximately 160 hours of professional
learning, including online coursework, reading, application activities,
and eight live virtual professional learning sessions, participants
develop a deep understanding of the research behind reading
acquisition, language development, assessment, and evidence-based
literacy instruction. The course addresses all essential components
of reading, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency,
vocabulary, and comprehension. LETRS bridges research and practice
by helping educators apply scientific findings about how students
learn to read to classroom instruction and intervention. Participants
develop the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective
literacy instruction that supports improved reading outcomes for
all students.
LETRS® for Administrators
Meets requirements of
House Bill 253.
LETRS® for Administrators is a professional learning experience
designed specifically for school and district leaders seeking to
deepen their understanding of the Science of Reading and
evidence-based literacy instruction. Through approximately 40 hours
of professional learning, including online coursework and four live
virtual professional learning sessions, participants explore the
research behind reading development and effective literacy practices.
The course addresses all essential components of reading, including
phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension,
while helping leaders understand what high-quality literacy instruction
looks like in classrooms. LETRS for Administrators equips leaders with
the knowledge and tools necessary to support instructional decision
making, evaluate literacy practices, lead implementation efforts,
and create systems that improve reading outcomes for all students.
LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators
Meets requirements of
House Bill 253.
LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators is a comprehensive professional
learning experience grounded in the Science of Reading and the research
on early language and literacy development. Through approximately
60 hours of professional learning, including online coursework, reading,
application activities, and live virtual professional learning sessions,
participants develop a deep understanding of how young children build
the foundational skills necessary for later reading success. The course
focuses on oral language development, phonological awareness, print
knowledge, alphabet learning, early writing, vocabulary, comprehension,
and language-rich interactions. LETRS for Early Childhood bridges
research and practice by helping educators apply evidence-based
strategies within developmentally appropriate learning environments.
Participants develop the knowledge and skills necessary to create
high-quality early literacy experiences that build strong language
foundations and prepare young learners for successful reading
instruction in kindergarten and beyond.
Kentucky Reading Research Center 2026 LETRS Implementation Study
A new analysis of Kentucky’s Reading Academies shows that Language
Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training is
making a difference. Drawing on data from 574 elementary schools across
135 districts, the study found that schools with LETRS-trained educators
saw meaningful gains in students reaching the Proficient level in
reading on the Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA).
With more than 7,000 educators and administrators participating, the
findings reinforce LETRS as a powerful, no-cost professional learning
opportunity to strengthen literacy outcomes across Kentucky. Read the
full report,
LETRS Implementation in Kentucky: An Analysis of Teacher Training and Student Reading Outcomes.
This
two page infographic
is also available.
Data on Educator Practice and Student Learning Outcomes as a Result of Read to Succeed
In 2023, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) partnered with ICF,
an independent research firm, to conduct an evaluation aimed at
addressing four key research questions. These questions were designed
to help the KDE and other stakeholders understand how Read to Succeed,
specifically Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling
(LETRS) offered through the Kentucky Reading Academies and the
school-based literacy coaching model are shaping educator practices
and student learning outcomes.
The 2025 evaluation, similar to the 2024 report, revealed participants
benefited from new and increased knowledge and implemented new or
modified literacy strategies into their classroom practice. The 2025
data included these practices were implemented through the use of
High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIR) and with the support of
State Literacy Coaching Specialists (SLCS). Promising indicators of
student growth were a result.
For more detailed insights in relation to the specific research
questions, explore the following documents:
2025
2024
Read more about LETRS Participants' Experiences here.
Timeline and Registration Information
The Kentucky Reading Academies will be implemented in phases:
- Cohort/Phase 1 - Fall 2022 – Spring 2024
- Cohort/Phase 2 - Fall 2023 – Spring 2025
- Cohort/Phase 3 - Fall 2024 – Spring 2026
- Cohort/Phase 4 - Fall 2025 – Spring 2027
- Cohort/Phase 5 - Fall 2026 – Spring 2028
The 2-Year LETRS for Educators PL Course of Study
Each cohort group will engage in professional learning over two years
and cover eight professional learning units on topics essential for
literacy instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary,
comprehension, writing and assessment. Each unit will include
asynchronous, self-paced study and six hours of facilitator-led
learning. Participants must commit to completing the full
two-year course
and will devote approximately an hour each week plus six hours for
each unit for live training to complete the program.
The 1-Year LETRS for Administrators PL Course of Study
LETRS for Administrators enables leaders to effectively support
educators as they engage in the LETRS course of study and work to
implement the learnings in their classrooms. LETRS for Administrators
is a professional learning opportunity designed to guide state,
district, and building administrators and instructional leaders in
creating adaptable and suitable literacy initiatives using systems
thinking and implementation science. The program defines the systems
and infrastructures required to successfully implement a sustainable
literacy program aligned to scientifically based research.
LETRS For Administrators Program Overview
A Systematic Approach
We strongly encourage a systemic approach wherein the entire
school/district staff; entire vertical and/or horizontal professional
learning communities; and administrators participate together. We
recognize that participating in this systemic training will take time.
Therefore, we encourage leaders to work thoughtfully to outline the
best plan for their building/district. Yet, we will allow for maximum
flexibility needed for participation: Individual teachers may choose
to participate.
LETRS Participants Video
Educator Testimonials
“This has been the best learning experience I have had in 19 years
of teaching. I wish that I had access to this experience when I first
started teaching. I will be recommending this to all of my teaching
colleagues!”
~Mark Gaskins, Fort Thomas
“LETRS is a rigorous course that has provided me with so much
information about teaching foundational skills. I have been able
to apply my knowledge almost immediately after each self-guided
and live virtual session I have completed.”
~Christy Rhodes, Jefferson County
“The interventionists have been bragging on my tier 3 students and
how much better they are at decoding since using some of the sound
wall components! It is truly making a difference in the reading
confidence and abilities of my students.”
~Neryssa Crisp, Scott County
“LETRS training has been a valuable experience for me as an educational
leader. It has given me a deeper understanding of the essential
knowledge necessary for transformational change with reading
instruction in our primary grades. “
~Kristy Nelson, Livingston County
“I have many credentials to teach a student to read. However, there
have been students for whom I have not made the difference I wanted
to make. I am a quarter of the way through the LETRS training.
This is the training I have been seeking for decades. Every teacher
should have this training. It is, hands down, the best training I
have ever received. It does take time, BUT, this training is well
worth making the time to take. This is the training that will help
us help our students. I am so glad I signed up.”
~Cindy Kennedy, Rockcastle County
Contact the Early Literacy Team
For questions about the Kentucky Reading Academies professional
learning opportunities, please email the Early Literacy team.
kdeearlyliteracy@education.ky.gov