Kansas blueprint for literacy proposes seven regional reading centers; $10 million appropriated

Dr. Lane (presenter) told the Committee on Education that the Kansas Board of Regents' Blueprint for Literacy recommends seven regional reading centers to provide ongoing professional learning in structured literacy, diagnostic and formative assessments, and family supports, and that the initiative is backed by a $10,000,000 FY2025 appropriation now included in the Board of Regents' FY2026 budget submission.

The plan, Dr. Lane said, aims to train 100% of the elementary teaching workforce in structured literacy by 2030 and to raise student outcomes so that 90% of Kansas students score at Level 2 or higher on the state reading assessment, with 50% at Levels 3 and 4. "Reading is the most important skill we develop as a human being," Dr. Lane said, describing the centers as a higher-education–led partner to K‑12 that will provide teacher training, coaching, and family-facing evaluations and plans.

Why it matters: Committee members said they support the shift to structured literacy and LETRS-aligned training but repeatedly pressed for more detail on implementation, accountability and timelines. Lawmakers and Regents staff discussed how the centers will operate across large catchment areas, how universities will rework teacher-preparation curricula, and how the advisory committee will vet and approve university plans before any grant awards are made.

Key details from the plan and hearing

- Funding and budget: Dylan Deer (staff member) said the $10,000,000 appropriation was made last year for FY2025 "as a single item appropriation inside of a policy bill" and that the governor's recommendation for related expenditures was included in the FY2026 Board of…