What’s New in Kentucky Public Schools This Year? Key Changes for the 2025–26 School Year

As students head back to class across the state, Kentucky public schools are implementing several important changes for the 2025–26 school year—some you’ll notice right away, and others that may quietly impact how and what students learn. For families and tutors, it’s important to understand these shifts to better support student success from day one.

Academic Performance Goals: A Focus on Foundational Skills

Across Kentucky, school districts are setting higher goals for reading and math proficiency, especially at key grade levels like 3rd grade (reading) and 8th grade (math).

This is part of a broader statewide push to close learning gaps that widened during the pandemic and ensure students are truly prepared for high school and beyond.

Why this matters:

• 3rd grade reading is a key predictor of long-term academic success.

• 8th grade math proficiency helps determine readiness for high school algebra and STEM pathways.

Tutors can play a crucial role by identifying early gaps in reading fluency, number sense, and problem-solving—and helping students reach or exceed grade-level expectations.

Curriculum Changes: Preparing for Future Updates

While there are no sweeping curriculum overhauls this year, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is preparing schools for more aligned, evidence-based instruction over the next few years.

Key updates include:

• Revised Course Codes for 2025–26: These affect Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, visual/performing arts, and world languages.

• Courses Being Phased Out: Some older science and elective courses will be removed or replaced by 2026–27 to reflect modern standards.

• Implementation Tools from KDE: Schools have access to new playbooks and frameworks to help implement curriculum with consistency and quality.

Legislative Changes Affecting Classrooms

Kentucky has introduced several impactful education laws this year that directly influence classroom routines, student supports, and academic expectations. Understanding these changes is essential for families and educators alike.

1. Moment of Silence to Start the Day

• What’s changing: Every day in Kentucky public schools now begins with a 1–2 minute moment of silence, during which students must remain seated and silent. They have the freedom to reflect, meditate, or pray—but staff cannot instruct them on what to do during this time.
  This measure, Senate Bill 19, was passed in early 2025 after the legislature overrode a veto by Gov. Beshear.

2. Cursive Writing Returns

• What’s changing: Starting in 2025–26, elementary schools are required to include cursive writing in their curriculum, with students achieving proficiency by the end of 5th grade. The law also distinguishes cursive from basic handwriting and will eventually link proficiency to high school graduation requirements. This reinstatement is part of Senate Bill 167.
  

3. Limits on Teacher–Student Communication

• What’s changing: Senate Bill 181 prohibits teachers, volunteers, and staff from using non-traceable platforms (like personal texting, social media DMs, or informal apps) to communicate with students. All communication must go through school-approved, traceable channels.
  

4. Ban on Cellphones During Instruction

• What’s changing: Under House Bill 208, students are prohibited from using cellphones during instructional time. While exceptions exist for emergencies or teacher-approved use, school districts must enforce this ban in line with their own policies.

5. Early Literacy Benchmarks Enforced

• What’s changing: House Bill 240 mandates universal literacy screening for kindergarteners and first graders. Students who don’t meet required benchmarks may be retained to ensure they develop critical foundational skills.

6. Enhanced Child Abuse Reporting Tools

• What’s changing: Senate Bill 120 equips educators and school staff with clearer guidance and tools to identify and report suspected child abuse, reinforcing student safety protocols.

Student Health & Nutrition: Statewide Support Expanding

Kentucky schools are continuing to prioritize student wellness through statewide and district-supported programs.

Key programs:

• Free Breakfast in Many Schools: Thanks to USDA-funded initiatives, many schools continue to offer breakfast to all students at no cost.

• Vaccination Clinics: Schools are increasingly hosting on-site vaccination clinics to reduce illness-related absences.

• Mental Health Awareness: More schools are integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) and increasing access to school counselors and mental health services.

What This Means for Parents & Tutors

These statewide changes signal a deeper focus on early literacy, curriculum alignment, and student well-being—all areas where tutoring can provide meaningful support.

How tutors can help:

• Reinforce literacy and numeracy benchmarks for early learners.

• Bridge curriculum gaps where outdated or inconsistent materials are being replaced.

• Help students adapt to new routines like cursive writing or daily moments of reflection.

• Support test readiness for students impacted by new state proficiency expectations.

Key Points to Remember

Looking for support navigating Kentucky’s new school policies and academic expectations? Grace Place Learning Center partners with families and schools to help students stay on track and thrive—whether it's building strong reading skills, mastering math, or preparing for the year ahead.

Let’s work together—reach out today to see how we can help your student succeed!