LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Reading scores in Kentucky plummeted after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state’s Department of Education reported fewer than half of third-graders were reading on grade level, hitting record-low scores.

That’s what pushed lawmakers to pass the "Read to Succeed" Act, aimed to get students back on track.

Across the commonwealth, thousands of educators are taking in specialized reading training. It's part of the Kentucky Reading Academies program.

Teachers are using a program called Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). The goal is to understand how children learn to read and why some of them struggle.

“Kentucky's investment in teacher knowledge is and will improve student outcomes," said Christie Biggerstaff, KDE director of early literacy.

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