FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 26, 2024
Literacy Advisory Committee develops framework for establishing Centers of Excellence
(Topeka, Kan.) - The Kansas Blueprint for Literacy Advisory Committee has recommended a framework for the creation of six Centers of Excellence in literacy across the state. Senate Bill 438, which established the Blueprint, charged the committee with developing a plan for these regional centers.
The Centers of Excellence will serve families and educators across the entire state. Through expertise and collaboration with partner organizations, they will provide an accessible network of resources for parents and guardians. They will also give teachers opportunities to expand and practice their skills in teaching reading. In addition, the Centers will contribute to continued advancements in the science of reading.
“The Centers of Excellence will deliver world-class education and educator training in the science of reading,” said Kansas Board of Regents President and CEO Blake Flanders. “I’m thankful to the members of the Literacy Advisory Committee for their hard work and expertise in developing this framework.”
Currently, 40 percent of Kansas students do not read proficiently. The Literacy Blueprint created a statewide vision of strengthened educator preparation in literacy and established a goal of 90 percent of Kansas students reading at or above grade level by 2033. The Centers of Excellence will help ensure a sustainable system of literacy education for educators, leaders and families across Kansas.
“The Centers of Excellence will serve as both a place and a network of resources and partnerships to provide families with easy access to support and educators with professional learning opportunities, including simulation experiences,” said Dr. Cynthia Lane, Kansas Board of Regents Director of Literacy. “The framework developed by the Advisory Committee creates robust guidance for institutions seeking to establish a Center and provides us with the tools to perform a thorough assessment of applications.”
The framework outlines the expectations and requirements established for Centers in SB 438. It describes the standards that prospective centers will need to meet, along with the expectations for partnerships, quality assurance and data review. The proposals submitted under the framework will provide the committee with the necessary information from the field to finalize the plan.
The complete framework is available at kansasregents.org/literacy.
The committee is accepting proposals from the seven public universities and from other interested Educator Preparation Programs that are accredited by the Kansas State Board of Education. Letters of intent to apply should be submitted by October 14, 2024, and all proposals must be submitted by close of business on October 28. The committee will review the applications by November 15 and expects to make recommendations to the Kansas Board of Regents in December, which will approve a final plan to submit to the Kansas Legislature.
For more information, please 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.