- Human Resources
- Seal of Literacy
Details of the New Seal of Literacy Requirement
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Beginning July 1, 2028, Kansas veteran educators serving in specific positions will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the Science of Reading to renew their professional license. This knowledge may be demonstrated by completing state-approved training or passing a state-approved literacy exam.
Visit this page often to see the latest information or frequently answered questions. Please email us if you don't find the information you need below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seal of Literacy
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Will the KSDE or the district pay for the training or exam?
- KSDE is seeking a funding source to pay for the Praxis and LETRS. However, at the current time they do not have funds.
- The Blueprint for Literacy is offering limited scholarships to pay for the Foundations of Science of Reading course. Consult with the offering university for this option.
Note: Information is subject to change based on the current information provided by KSDE.
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Who is required to obtain the seal of literacy?
Educators currently serving in the following categories are required to complete the seal of literacy:
- Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade classroom teachers
- Elementary English Language Learner teachers
- Elementary Title 1 reading teachers
- Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade special education teachers, including early childhood special education and high and low incidence
- All gifted teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade
- All school psychologists serving buildings K-12
- Elementary reading specialists
- Elementary administrators
Educators currently serving in the following categories DO NOT need to complete the seal of literacy:
- Elementary specials teachers including art, band, counselors, library media specialists, nurses, music, physical education and strings
- Elementary Title 1 math teachers
- Elementary-certified teachers who currently teach at the middle school level
- Speech language pathologists, occupational therapists or physical therapists
- Elementary-certified administrators who currently serve at the secondary level
- All contents grades 6-12
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I'm a licensed reading specialist. Do I need to add the seal of literacy?
Yes. Anyone with a reading specialist degree is still required to obtain the seal. The Praxis you took for your reading specialist license may not count toward the seal. KSDE will accept ETS Reading Specialist Praxis 5302 for the Seal of Literacy.
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When do I need to have the seal of literacy added to my teaching license?
Anyone whose license is renewed on or after July 1, 2028, will need to have the seal of literacy.
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How can I add the seal of literacy to my license?
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I've already taken LETRS training. Will it count?
Yes, as long as it was LETRS third edition (two-year program) AND you had at least 80% accuracy on all end-of-volume modules. If you have completed this requirement, you should have received an email from TLALicense@ksde.org. Please email us if you did not get the TLA license email.
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Does the six-hour online training on dyslexia count?
No. Kansas State Department of Education requires both the dyslexia training and seal of literacy.
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In the future I may teach in a category that needs the seal. What should I do now?
You are not required to get the Seal of Literacy added to your teaching license unless or until you teach in one of the required categories.
