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Click here to learn more about KSDE's Seal of Literacy Requirements.
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is implementing the Seal of Literacy requirement to ensure all elementary teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to effectively teach foundational literacy skills. Beginning July 1, 2028, elementary teachers with specific certifications will be required to meet specific science of reading requirements in order to attain relicensure.
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is implementing the Seal of Literacy requirement to ensure all elementary teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to effectively teach foundational literacy skills. Beginning July 1, 2028, elementary teachers with specific certifications will be required to meet specific science of reading requirements in order to attain relicensure.
Who is required to have the seal of literacy?
Who is required to have the seal of literacy?
Beginning July 1, 2028, the following Early Childhood and Elementary (K-5) teachers will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the science of reading:
Early Childhood Teachers
Elementary Reading/English Language Arts Teachers
Elementary History, Government, and Social Studies Teachers
Elementary Special Education Teachers
Elementary School Psychologists
Elementary Reading Specialists
Elementary Administrators
Educators who fulfill this requirement will receive an embossed Seal of Literacy on their State Board of Education-issued license.
When does this go into effect?
When does this go into effect?
After July 1, 2028 any educator renewing their teaching license will need to have the Seal of Literacy to be able to renew.
If an educator does not qualify for the Seal of Literacy, and the educator was required to complete the training or pass an exam, her/his professional license will not be renewed.
A standard substitute license will be issued.
Upon completion of state-approved training or passing a state-approved exam, the educator will re-apply to reinstate her/his professional license.
You will not have to wait until 2028 to receive your seal. The seal of literacy will be added to your license once confirmation of achievement is received by KSDE.
In Auburn-Washburn, we provide district supports for two pathways for the Seal of Literacy: testing or training options.
In Auburn-Washburn, we provide district supports for two pathways for the Seal of Literacy: testing or training options.
Testing Option
In the testing option, teachers may take a state-approved assessment to attain the Seal of Literacy requirement. To complete this requirement, the teacher must take and pass, with a 143 or higher, the ETS Praxis Elementary Education: Teaching Reading (7002).
To support teachers in the testing option, optional assessment review and study sessions will be offered by the district.
The district will pay for one Praxis examination per teacher. The teacher must pay for the exam and submit costs for reimbursement to the Secretary for Curriculum and Professional Learning.
Training Options
In the training option, teachers may complete district- or state-sponsored LETRS training, depending upon the training. This training will be facilitated by LETRS-certified trainers and consists of a combination of in-person training days and online coursework through Lexia. In this option, teachers must commit to one or two years of participation in the LETRS course.
Within the course, there will be two post tests. To attain the Seal of Literacy, teachers must pass each required unit assessment with an 80% or higher. The district will pay for one LETRS course per teacher.
Regardless of the training option, the district will help professionals enroll in the appropriate course aligned with their professional assignment.
Training Plan
Training Plan
Testing Option
Assessment review and study sessions will be offered starting in Fall of 2025. Keep watching this page, e-News, and updates from the PDC for additional updates.
Teachers can take the ETS Praxis Elementary Education: Teaching Reading (7002) test at any time. More information about the assessment can be found at the ETS Praxis website (Elementary Education: Teaching Reading (7002)).
Training Option
LETRS training cohorts will form starting in Fall of 2025. Keep watching this page, e-News, and updates from the PDC for additional updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
KSDE Licensure Webpage
KSDE Licensure Webpage
Additional information can be found at KSDE's Licensure website: Science Of Reading Licensure Requirements.
Support Survey
Support Survey
Help us understand how we might best help you meet this requirement.
Help us understand how we might best help you meet this requirement.
Please complete the survey seeking feedback on which sessions you prefer and are likely to attend.
Lines of Support
Lines of Support
For additional information about the Seal of Literacy, contact Morgan Brown, Director of Elementary Education, at brownmor@usd437.net.
For more information about transcripting and reimbursement of Praxis fees, please contact Amber Pierce, Secretary for Curriculum and Professional Development, at piercamb@usd437.net.
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