Registration is open for the newest cohort of the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) program.
More than 4,000 educators have participated in the first two cohorts of LETRS. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 33% of Kentucky’s 4th graders tested below basic reading levels in 2019. LETRS aims to help k-5 teachers address reading losses through comprehensive training.
Tara Griffith is a state regional literacy director with the Office of Teaching and Learning. She also completed the LETRS course in the first cohort. Griffith said LETRS reinforces vital information and teaches every participant something new to aid their professional careers.
“It brings back the research and the evidence to really focus in on those practices that we know lead to students becoming proficient readers. Just the engagement and collaboration with other colleagues throughout the state as I’m going through the course, the opportunities to really dig deeper into some of the learning,” said Griffith.
Christie Biggerstaff is the Director of Early Literacy in the Office of Teaching and Learning. She said the course is a time commitment, but so far, reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It is intimidating when you think about having to invest two years of, you know, yourself into this learning. But every single participant that I have talked to- and that has been a lot- have reached out to me via email, or phone call, or survey,” said Biggerstaff. “They have all said it’s been the best professional learning they have ever had in their professional careers.”
Officials said they do not plan to mandate LETRS, but as more teachers participate in early cohorts, they hope a wealth of educators will opt-in.
The registration deadline for the third phase of LETRS, which will run from fall 2024 until spring 2026, is August 30. Educators can register online at education.ky.gov.