Study finds LETRS training boosting reading proficiency among Kentucky students
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — A new study of Kentucky’s Reading Academies found that training teachers in the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling program, known as LETRS, is improving student literacy outcomes across the state.
The analysis, conducted by the Kentucky Reading Research Center, reviewed data from 574 elementary schools in 135 districts. Researchers found that schools with higher numbers of LETRS-trained teachers showed greater gains in the percentage of students reaching proficiency and larger decreases in the number of students performing at the novice level on the Kentucky Summative Assessment.
More than 7,000 educators and administrators have participated in the training, which is offered at no cost through the Kentucky Reading Academies. The program was launched in 2022 following passage of Senate Bill 9, also known as the Read to Succeed Act, with the goal of improving literacy instruction through evidence-based practices.
State education officials said the findings highlight the impact of teacher training on student success.
“The more teachers are trained in this professional learning, the better outcomes our students experience,” Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher said.
The study found that schools with above-average participation in LETRS saw a 4.26% increase in students reaching proficiency, compared to a 2.9% increase in schools with lower participation. Researchers also reported consistent statistical evidence linking teacher training to improved reading outcomes and reductions in lower-performing students.
While administrator training showed some positive trends, the study found it was not a statistically significant factor in improving student performance.
Officials said the results suggest the program’s effectiveness is largely driven by classroom instruction, where teachers apply literacy strategies directly with students.
The Kentucky Department of Education said additional information on future training opportunities will be released as the program continues to expand.
