The Kentucky Reading Research Center was recently featured in The Courier-Journal for its role in advancing reading instruction across the state. The August 20 article from education reporter Krista Johnson highlighted the center’s first year of work supporting teachers and schools under Kentucky’s Read to Succeed Act.
Johnson’s story noted that the Center is conducting classroom observations and building a clearinghouse of resources for teachers—two practices not undertaken previously. “This, to me, is a very different sort of partnership,” said Micki Ray Marinelli, the state’s chief academic officer, told The Courier-Journal.
The piece also reported that more than 6,000 Kentucky teachers have completed or are currently enrolled in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. Early evaluations have shown increased teacher confidence as well as statistically significant growth in reading scores for some students taught by LETRS-trained teachers.
Executive Director Terry Scott emphasized the importance of classroom-based research in his interview with Johnson. “We want to talk to teachers and observe teachers to see what they’re doing,” he said, noting that the center’s findings will guide future recommendations to the legislature.
Read the full article here: Kentucky reading scores improving after UofL center takes part in state instruction.