Kentucky Approved New Reading Training for K-5 Teachers
Teachers across the state must complete mandatory science of reading professional learning by 2029.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Primary Education
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The Kentucky Department of Education has selected the AIM Institute as an approved provider for new science of reading courses. This initiative supports educators in meeting requirements set by state law for K-5 instruction.
Why it matters
House Bill 253 mandates that K-5 educators complete approved science of reading training to improve literacy instruction statewide. This update helps Kentucky schools standardize teaching methods through professional learning pathways funded by Read to Succeed.
The approved pathways include the 55-hour Pathways to Proficient Reading course and the 30-hour Pathways to Literacy Leadership course. Eligible educators can access training at no cost through the Read to Succeed program.
The players
Kentucky Department of Education
The state agency responsible for overseeing public school standards, academic curriculum requirements, and educator certification.
AIM Institute
An educational organization specializing in providing evidence-based literacy training and professional learning programs for school faculty.
The details
The program requires educators to register for specific cohorts through the official AIM Pathways for Kentucky Educators webpage. Registration closes at 5 p.m. ET on the Friday two weeks prior to the start of each cohort. Educators must select from one of the three approved professional learning pathways to satisfy the state mandate.
Timeline
Registration for initial training cohorts opened on September 29, 2026.
Additional training courses are expected to launch in Winter 2027.
K-5 educators must finish their required training by June 30, 2029.
The Home Front
This mandate follows the implementation of House Bill 253, which requires systemic shifts in how literacy is taught across Kentucky classrooms. It aligns with broader state efforts to align teacher professional development with evidence-based reading instruction.
Parents should check with their local school district or teacher to confirm how this new professional development will impact current reading curriculum and support services. Families can track the 2029 completion deadline to monitor the timeline for updated literacy instruction in their school.
The takeaway
Kentucky has established a clear roadmap for K-5 literacy training that educators must complete over the next few years. Interested community members should keep the June 30, 2029 deadline in mind as a benchmark for when these new instructional standards will be fully implemented in classrooms.
Further reading
For more on standards affecting local classrooms, visit Primary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kentucky Teacher.
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