FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2025
Kansas State Board of Education approves new KBOR literacy course as a pathway to earning Seal of Literacy
(Topeka, Kan.) – This week, the Kansas State Board of Education approved a new literacy course designed for in-service educators from the Kansas Board of Regents (the Board). This new course, titled Foundations of the Science of Reading: Understanding and Applying Structured Literacy Principles, serves as a qualifying pathway for educators to earn the Seal of Literacy, marking a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to evidence-aligned reading instruction.
Beginning July 1, 2028, Kansas veteran educators serving in specific K-6 positions will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the science of reading to renew their professional licenses and earn the Seal of Literacy. With the approval of the Foundations course, teachers have an additional pathway to deepen their understanding and application of Structured Literacy by enrolling in this course at institutions across the state. Educators who complete the required six credit hours will be eligible to receive the Seal of Literacy designation, which will appear on the educator’s license, marking a professional accomplishment and commitment to high-quality literacy instruction.
“The Board is excited to be able to offer the Foundations of the Science of Reading course to Kansas teachers,” said Kansas Board of Regents President and CEO Blake Flanders. “This course will help teachers implement science-based approaches to literacy instruction, which will in turn benefit students and families.”
Developed in collaboration by literacy experts that teach in Kansas teacher preparation programs, the Kansas State Department of Education and statewide literacy organizations, the Foundations course introduces key components of effective reading instruction, including the systematic, direct and explicit instruction of phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
The course is available at no cost to all licensed K-8 educators and is designed to complement ongoing professional learning efforts.
"The approval of this pathway marks a pivotal moment in Kansas education,” said Kansas Board of Regents Director of Literacy Dr. Cynthia Lane. “By providing educators with a clear, evidence-based pathway to deepen their literacy instruction, we are not only investing in our teachers but also in the future of every student in our state."
For more information visit kansasregents.gov/foundationscourse or contact Matt Keith at (785) 430-4237 or
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About the Kansas Board of Regents
The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board of the state’s six universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, nineteen community colleges, and six technical colleges). In addition, the Board administers the state’s student financial aid, adult education, high school equivalency, and career and technical education programs. Private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions are authorized by the Kansas Board of Regents to operate in Kansas.