# Study confirms LETRS training boosts Kentucky student reading  
**Published:** 2026-04-21T14:23:12.000Z  
**Source:** [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/04/new-study-shows-letrs-training-improves-student-reading-outcomes/)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/study-confirms-letrs-training-boosts-kentucky-student-reading

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new analysis of Kentucky's Reading Academies shows that [Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training is making a measurable difference for student literacy success](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/04/new-study-shows-letrs-training-improves-student-reading-outcomes/), according to research conducted by the Kentucky Department of Education.

[The Kentucky Reading Academies have rapidly advanced literacy outcomes since the program's inception three years ago, with increases in educators' evidence-based literacy knowledge, beliefs, and instructional practices, and in their students' reading scores](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/ky_reading_Academies.aspx), according to evaluation findings.

The research is particularly significant for students in upper elementary grades. [Grade 5 students taught by LETRS-trained teachers over consecutive years had significantly higher reading scores than other students, with this trend persisting for special education students in grades 4 and 5](https://www.lexialearning.com/kentucky-letrs).

[In 2023, the Kentucky Department of Education partnered with ICF, an independent research firm, to conduct an evaluation aimed at addressing four key research questions](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/ky_reading_Academies.aspx) about how the professional learning program shapes educator practices and student outcomes.

The findings come as Kentucky continues its push to improve early literacy across the state. [The goal of Senate Bill 9 (2022), the Read to Succeed Act, is to support evidence-based early literacy instruction throughout the commonwealth by investing in teachers to increase student success in reading](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/default.aspx).

[Over 1,800 Kentucky educators and administrators are completing the LETRS professional learning in Cohort 1](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/ky_reading_Academies.aspx), with multiple cohorts running throughout the state. [The Kentucky Reading Academies is a comprehensive, no-cost, professional learning opportunity open to all K-5 public school educators](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/ky_reading_Academies.aspx).

Teachers who have participated in the training have reported significant changes in their classroom instruction. [Through LETRS, teachers gain essential knowledge to master the fundamentals of literacy instruction required to transform student learning and create a more vibrant experience for each and every young reader](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/ky_reading_Academies.aspx).

The program addresses what research shows are critical components of reading instruction. [Lexia LETRS teaches the what, why, and how of the science of reading, covering phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language](https://www.lexialearning.com/letrs).

## Sources

- [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/04/new-study-shows-letrs-training-improves-student-reading-outcomes/)
- [Kentucky Department of Education - Kentucky Reading Academies](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/ky_reading_Academies.aspx)
- [Lexia Learning - Kentucky Reading Academies LETRS](https://www.lexialearning.com/kentucky-letrs)
- [Kentucky Department of Education - Early Literacy](https://www.education.ky.gov/curriculum/EarlyLiteracy/Pages/default.aspx)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Kentucky Teacher, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/04/new-study-shows-letrs-training-improves-student-reading-outcomes/.