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Kentucky

AIM Pathways for Kentucky Educators

The Kentucky Department of Education Office of Teaching and Learning has partnered with AIM Institute for Learning & Research to expand access to evidence-based literacy professional learning for educators.

Through AIM Pathways, eligible Kentucky educators will strengthen their understanding of how students learn to read and apply evidence-based instructional practices in classrooms, schools, and districts.

Under House Bill 253 (2026), all K-5 educators must complete KDE-approved science of reading professional learning by June 30, 2029. AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading and Pathways to Literacy Leadership are KDE-approved professional learning options that meet the requirements of HB 253. These courses are being provided at no cost to educators through state Read to Succeed funds.

Additional, optional AIM Pathways professional learning opportunities are also available at no cost for eligible Kentucky educators. Explore these opportunities below.

AIM Pathways provides sustained, job-embedded learning that includes interactive coursework, practical application, and collaborative Virtual Community of Practice sessions.

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Choose Your AIM Pathways Course

Fall 2026 Cohorts

Registration is expected to open in mid-September 2026.

Pathways to Proficient Reading

Meets requirements of House Bill 253.

Pathways to Proficient Reading is an in-depth science of reading professional learning experience focused on reading development, language comprehension, word recognition, assessment, and effective instructional practices. Participants study the essential components of reading and learn to connect research with classroom practice.

Who should take this course?

  • K-5 classroom teachers
  • Special educators
  • Reading specialists and interventionists
  • Instructional coaches
  • Other K-5 educators responsible for literacy instruction or support

Learning experience: Approximately 55 hours
Virtual Communities of Practice: Six one-hour sessions

Registration Coming Soon

More cohorts will be available in Winter 2027 and Summer 2027.

Pathways to Literacy Leadership

Meets requirements of House Bill 253.

Pathways to Literacy Leadership is designed specifically for school and district leaders who are responsible for supporting educators, evaluating literacy practices, aligning systems, and sustaining instructional improvement. Participants develop an understanding of reading development, evidence-based literacy instruction, assessment, and the organizational conditions that support successful implementation.

Who should take this course?

  • District and school administrators
  • District office staff
  • Literacy coaches
  • Curriculum and instruction leaders
  • Instructional supervisors

Learning experience: Approximately 30 hours
Virtual Communities of Practice: Four 1.5-hour sessions

Registration Coming Soon

More cohorts will be available in Winter 2027 and Summer 2027.

Additional Professional Learning Opportunities

Kentucky educators can also participate in additional AIM Pathways learning opportunities at no cost.

Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary (PPR-S) and Demystifying Dyslexia are optional professional learning opportunities but do not satisfy the HB 253 K-5 professional learning requirement. These courses provide role- and topic-specific learning for educators seeking to strengthen their knowledge and better support the students they serve.

Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary

Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary connects the science of reading with the instructional needs of adolescent learners. Participants examine the components of skilled reading, identify barriers that can affect older students, and explore evidence-based approaches that support literacy development across content areas.

Who should take this course?

  • 6-12th grade classroom teachers
  • Special educators
  • Reading specialists and interventionists
  • Instructional coaches
  • Content-area educators supporting adolescent literacy

Learning experience: Approximately 55 hours
Virtual Communities of Practice: Six one-hour sessions

Registration Coming Soon

More cohorts will be available in Winter 2027 and Summer 2027.

Demystifying Dyslexia

Demystifying Dyslexia examines common characteristics of dyslexia, the research behind reading development and reading difficulty, and the importance of timely, evidence-based instruction and intervention. Participants strengthen their ability to separate misconceptions from evidence and consider how knowledgeable educators and coordinated school systems can better support students and families.

Who should take this module?

  • K-12 classroom teachers
  • School and district leaders
  • Special educators
  • Reading specialists and interventionists
  • School psychologists and other professionals who support students with dyslexia

Learning experience: Approximately 3 hours
Format: Fully asynchronous

Registration Coming Soon

Winter 2027 Learning Opportunities

More AIM Pathways opportunities are coming in Winter 2027. Additional cohorts of the HB 253-aligned Pathways to Proficient Reading (PPR) and Pathways to Literacy Leadership (PLL) courses will be available, along with an additional cohort of the optional Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary (PPR-S) course.

Pathways to Structured Literacy

Strengthen your ability to plan and deliver explicit, systematic, cumulative, and responsive literacy instruction. Pathways to Structured Literacy emphasizes practical application and helps educators make informed instructional decisions based on research, assessment information, and student response.

Who should take this course?

  • Prerequisite: Previously completed Pathways to Proficient Reading or an equivalent IDA-accredited course
    • Classroom teachers
    • Special education teachers
    • Reading specialists
    • Interventionists
    • Instructional coaches
    • Educators providing intensive reading intervention

Learning experience: Approximately 30 hours
Virtual Communities of Practice: Four one-hour sessions

Registration Coming Winter 2027

Pathways to Proficient Writing

Pathways to Proficient Writing examines the knowledge and instructional practices that contribute to successful writing development. Participants explore the relationship between reading and writing and consider how transcription, language, sentence construction, text structure, planning, revision, and other components work together.

Who should take this course?

  • Elementary and secondary classroom teachers
  • Special education teachers
  • Literacy and writing specialists
  • Instructional coaches
  • Educators responsible for writing instruction across content areas

Learning experience: Approximately 30 hours
Virtual Communities of Practice: Four one-hour sessions

Registration Coming Winter 2027

Specialized Reading Knowledge: English Learners

Build a research-informed foundation for understanding how English learners acquire reading skills and how instruction can be adapted to support language development alongside literacy growth. Participants examine evidence-based strategies for supporting multilingual learners, including scaffolding techniques, explicit vocabulary instruction, and culturally responsive practices that strengthen access to grade-level content.

Who should take this course?

  • Classroom teachers supporting multilingual learners
  • English learner teachers and specialists
  • Reading specialists
  • Interventionists
  • Special education teachers
  • Instructional coaches and literacy leaders

Learning experience: Approximately 13 hours
Virtual Communities of Practice: Three one-hour sessions

Registration Coming Winter 2027

Questions about Kentucky’s science of reading professional learning opportunities?
For questions about eligibility, course selection, registration, or Kentucky’s professional learning requirements, contact the Kentucky Department of Education at kdeearlyliteracy@education.ky.gov

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