Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Reading and Writing

What are academic standards?

Adopted in 2019 and scheduled for revision in 2025, the Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing (KAS) represent a comprehensive view of literacy, incorporating reading, composition and language to ensure Kentucky students are fully prepared for a successful transition to post-secondary education, work and the community.

A standard represents a goal or outcome of an educational program. The standards do not dictate the design of a lesson plan or how units should be organized. The standards establish what students should know and be able to do at the conclusion of a course. The instructional program should emphasize the development of students’ abilities to acquire and apply the standards. The curriculum must assure that appropriate accommodations are made for diverse populations of students found within Kentucky schools.

The standards address what is to be learned but do not address how learning experiences are to be designed or what resources should be used.

To learn more about high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs), access the HQIR page.

Knowledge of the Kentucky Academic Standards

Implementation Guide PDF: Review a "catalogue" of Kentucky resources for reading and writing instruction. https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/standards/kyacadstand/Documents/Standards_Implementation_Guidance_Document_Reading_and_Writing.pdf
Getting to Know the KAS Module: Engage in or lead professional learning about the KAS for Reading and Writing.
Standards Family Guides PDF Series: Print or share these grade-level guides with Kentucky families and caregivers.
Interdisciplinary Literacy Practices Videos: Learn about Kentucky's Interdisciplinary Practices. https://kystandards.org/standards-resources/rw-resources/rw-pl-modules/interdisciplinary-literacy-practices-in-action/
Standards at Glance PDF: Access a short overview of the Kentucky standards. https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/standards/kyacadstand/Documents/KAS_for_RW_At_a_Glance.pdf

Translating Standards to High-Quality Instruction

For Teachers:

Breaking Down a Standard PLC Tool: Examine how standards are addressed within your HQIR.
Assignment Library Guidance: Compare weak and strong assignments; make adjustments to meet expected rigor.
Composition in the Classroom PDF: Access strategies and tools for standards-aligned writing instruction.
Writing Program Guidelines Webpage: Access guidance for writing program requirements.
Unit & Lesson Internalization PLC Tool: Internalize units and lessons within instructional resources.

For School & District Leaders:

Reading & Writing Consumer Guide PDF: Use this resource with district committees for HQIR selection and adoption.
Curriculum-Based Professional Learning PDF: Learn about implementing curriculum-based professional learning.
Writing Program Guidelines Webpage: Access guidance for writing program requirements.

Professional Learning Tools: Kentucky’s Markers of High-Quality Literacy Instruction

Research- and Evidence- Based Instruction:

Structured Early Literacy Webpage: Learn principles and practices for structured literacy in grades K-3.
Adolescent Literacy Series: Learn practices for structured literacy in grades 4-12.
Evidence-Based Instructional Practices Series: Learn six essential principles for evidence-based instruction. https://kystandards.org/standards-resources/pl-mods/evidence-based-instructional-practices-ebips/
Academic Vocabulary Series: Learn about teaching domain-specific vocabulary in grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
Text-Based Writing Across Disciplines PDF: Access sample standards-aligned prompts to use across content areas.

Text Quality & Complexity:

Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis Module: Learn the importance of complex text for all learners.
Text Talk Protocol PLC Tool: Collaboratively read a text to prepare for instruction.

Text-Dependent Questions and Tasks:

Text-Dependent Questions Module: Analyze question quality and standards alignment through this interactive module.
Planning for Close Reading Module: Learn practices for teaching close reading skills at all grade levels.
Text-Based Writing Across Disciplines PDF: Access sample standards-aligned prompts to use across content areas.
Assignment Library Guidance: Compare weak and strong assignments; make adjustments to meet expected rigor.

For Families and Caregivers

Standards Family Guides PDF Series: Print or share these grade-level guides with Kentucky families and caregivers.

Course Codes

Course Code Resources PDF Series: Access course code information for grades K-12.
Course Code Database Database: Search course codes & teacher certification requirements for specific courses.

Thank you for your interest in these resources!

Please email the ELA team at ELAteam@education.ky.gov with any feedback or questions.