Foundations of the Science of Reading: Understanding and Applying Structured Literacy Principles I and II (6 credit hours) provides educators with a deep understanding of the Science of Reading and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the principles of structured literacy in the classroom. Emphasizing evidence-based practices, the course highlights strategies for supporting students with dyslexia, English language learners (ELLs), and students with exceptionalities. Knowledge and application is supported through personalized coaching throughout the course. The course is aligned with Standards 5, 6, and 7 of the Kansas Elementary Education (PK-6) Educator Preparation Program Standards and the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.   

What Can Educators Expect: 

• Synchronous Instruction from an university literacy expert 
• Literacy Coaching (group and/or individual) 
• Opportunity to use what you’re already doing in your classroom to demonstrate application of Structured Literacy Principles 
• Tuition covered by The Kansas Blueprint for Literacy 
• $500 Stipend* 
• Earn KSDE Seal of Literacy* (for additional information from KSDE, please click here) 
• Earn six credit hours for completion of the work* 

*subject to successful completion of coursework and an 85% or higher on the course summative assessment and key performance assessments for each module

Who is This Professional Development For? 

This training is for PreK - 6 educators looking to deepen their understanding and application of Structured Literacy. Educators who do not yet have the Seal of Literacy on their license can use this pathway as a qualifying option to earn it. Educators that have successfully completed, or are enrolled in, LETRS, AIMS Pathways, or Keys to Literacy should not enroll in this professional development opportunity.

Scholarship Eligibility

Kansas practicing and licensed PreK - 6 Elementary, Special Education, ESOL, and Early Childhood Educators are eligible for a $1,800 scholarship to pay for tuition for the Foundations I & II courses. Educators who successfully complete both Foundations courses by achieving a 85% or higher on Key Performance and Summative Assessments, are eligible for a $500 stipend.

Educators that are currently enrolled or have already completed LETRS training are not eligible for the scholarship or stipend at this time. 

Scholarship and Stipend Disbursement

Educators who are believe they are eligible for the scholarship and stipend are encouraged to contact the university or college offering the course for enrollment information. Contact information or enrollment links for each institution can be found below. 

Scholarship money will be paid by the Kansas Board of Regents directly to the institution, upon verification of the educator's eligibility. In addition, the stipend will be paid directly to the educator by the institution, after successful completion of both Foundations I and II. 

Once an educator has successfully completed Foundations I and II, the institution will notify the Kansas State Department of Education's licensure office to issue the seal of literacy. 

The following universities will be enrolling candidates in this professional development for Summer 2025.

The following universities will be enrolling candidates in this professional development for Fall 2025.

The following universities will be enrolling candidates in this professional development for Summer 2026.

Download a flyer with more information on the Foundations courses here: Foundations Course Flyer

Each year, colleges and universities in system update their Systemwide General Education Master Course lists (MCLs). Archived versions of prior years' MCLs are available below.

• AY 2025 Archived Systemwide General Education Master Course List

Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Location: Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas
Directions and Parking: The Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center is located at 17th St. and Jewell Ave. Please reference the Washburn University Campus Map for additional information and parking.

Materials

Full Slide Presentation:

• CCA Alliance Launch: Kansas (pdf)

Attendees should reference the slides below for the table discussions:

• Data + Inquiry (Identifying State Needs) (pdf)
• Collaborating for Corequisite Success: Sharing Models and Metrics (pdf)

The "First 15" initiative is a key component of the Kansas Board of Regents' goal under Pillar One: Family – Access and Affordability. This initiative aims to create opportunities for eligible Kansas high school students to earn at least 15 college credit hours at no cost, providing a valuable head start on their college education.

Currently, a dedicated working group has been established to accomplish the goals of the "First 15" initiative. This workgroup is focused on developing a pathway that makes these courses accessible to eligible high school students.

first 15 working group members

Composition of the Working Group:

• Rusty Monhollon, KBOR Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chair
• Secondary school representative (recommended by KSDE)
• Secondary school representative (recommended by KSDE)
• Community college campus representative (recommended by KCIA))
• Community college campus representative (recommended by KCIA)
• Community college campus representative (recommended by KCIA)
• Technical college campus representative (recommended by KCIA)
• University campus representative (recommended by university provosts)
• University campus representative (recommended by university provosts)
• KBOR Academic Affairs Staff

First 15 working group charge

The working group is charged with:

1. Recommending the five distinct courses that comprise the “First 15.”
2. Providing recommendations for a funding framework that offers students the “First 15” courses at no cost.
3. Recommending a standardized dual/concurrent enrollment framework that applies to all Kansas school districts and dual/concurrent enrollment providers to deliver the “First 15.”
4. Reviewing student enrollment requirements to ensure dual/concurrent enrollment is offered to all students who can benefit from taking dual/concurrent enrollment courses.
5. Ensuring that every high school in Kansas that has students who can benefit from dual/concurrent enrollment courses has access to a provider that can deliver the “First 15” at no cost to the student.
6. Reviewing and suggesting revisions as necessary the Board of Regents’ Dual/Concurrent Enrollment policy to facilitate the implementation of the “First 15” to all Kansas high schools, regardless of size and location.
7. Assessing the costs and benefits of requiring all dual/concurrent enrollment providers to be accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
8. Completing the above tasks no later than May 1, 2025, for the Board’s consideration at its May meeting.

first 15 working group timeline

working group meeting dates