FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 30, 2024
Blueprint for Literacy Advisory Committee to review proposals, recommend plan for Centers of Excellence
(Topeka, Kan.) – The Kansas Blueprint for Literacy Advisory Committee has received seven proposals for the establishment of Centers of Excellence in literacy across the state. These proposals aim to strengthen literacy education by providing educators with training in the Science of Reading.
The Centers of Excellence are being established to foster a supportive network of resources and partnerships for educators and families and will work collaboratively to achieve the goals of Senate Bill 438.
“The Centers of Excellence will be a game changer for Kansas teachers and students,” said Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Director of Literacy Dr. Cynthia Lane. “I look forward to working with the committee to evaluate the proposals and submit our recommendations to the Regents.”
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.
Proposals have been submitted by Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas, Washburn University and Wichita State University. Each institution’s proposal provides insight into their unique vision to address literacy challenges through high-quality training, research and partnerships.
The Kansas Blueprint for Literacy Advisory Committee will be reviewing proposals on October 31, 2024, at the Curtis State Office Building in Topeka. Presentations will begin at 9:00 a.m. A complete agenda is available on the KBOR website.
Following the presentations, the Advisory Committee will review all submitted proposal materials and presentations by November 15, and provide recommendations to the Board in December. A final plan will then be proposed to the Kansas Legislature, marking a significant step forward in Kansas’ commitment to improving literacy education for all.
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.