Colorado READ Act

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Resource Highlight: Sound Wall and Spelling Resources

This page includes a video on how and why to set up a sound wall in the classroom, printable sound wall cards (basic, advanced, and placemat sized), the most frequent spelling for each phoneme resource, and common spelling rules.

Teacher Reading to Students

K – 3 Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Training Requirements

Colorado school districts are required to ensure all K - 3 teachers complete evidence-based training in teaching reading as a result of changes to the Colorado READ Act in SB 19-199 (PDF).

Learn about the hour, content and assessment requirements to complete this training and the various training options that are available for K-3 teachers.

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for Districts

View K - 3 Teacher
Training Requirements

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of Completion

Preschool through 3rd grade literacy team office hours

About the Colorado READ Act

The Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (Colorado READ Act) was passed by the Colorado legislature in 2012, giving the state the guiding philosophy, structure and resources to get children reading at grade level by the time they enter the fourth grade.

Learn more about the READ Act with this overview.

Stay Informed

Please sign up for the READ Act communication list in order to stay informed of changes and updates related to SB19-199, READ Act Implementation Measures. CDE will announce ways to participate and provide your feedback throughout the implementation process.

Sign up for the READ Act communication list

News and Events

CDE Accepting Feedback on Rule Amendments to the READ Act

Rules for the Administration of the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act) - CCR 301-92. Public comment is being accepted for the proposed changes for the rules for the Colorado READ Act (1 CCR 301-92) which were noticed in July of 2022. The rulemaking hearing is scheduled for the State Board of Education meeting in September 2022 to incorporate statutory changes to the READ Act as a result of changes to the assessment advisory list, and because of the passage of SB22-004. Public comment can be provided by emailing state.board@state.co.us. Please find the proposed draft rules here.

2022 READ Act Assessment Review

The READ Act requires the department to create an advisory list of assessments for local education agencies to choose from to administer to students in grades K-3 to meet the requirements of the READ Act. The review is a two part process for vendors to submit interim, diagnostic and summative assessments to be reviewed for inclusion on the READ Act Advisory List of Assessments. For more information please visit 2022 READ Act Advisory List of Assessments Review Process.

2021-2022 READ Act Instructional Program Review

The READ Act requires the department to create an advisory list of evidence-based or scientifically-based instructional programming in reading for use by local education agencies. During each review cycle, new providers have the opportunity to be added to the advisory list. The review is a two part process for vendors to submit instructional programs, core, supplemental and intervention, to be reviewed for inclusion on the Colorado Department of Education READ Act Advisory List. For more information please visit 2021-2022 READ Act Instructional Programming Review Process.

Advisory List of Instructional Programming

2022 READing Conference

The 8th Annual Colorado Department of Education virtual READing Conference is brought to you by the Preschool through 3rd Grade Office and the Exceptional Student Services Unit. For more information, please visit READing Conference 2022.

2023 READing Conference - Request for Feedback

The 9th Annual Colorado Department of Education READing Conference is in development, and we would like your feedback. For more information, please visit CDE READing Conference 2023: Request for Feedback.

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READ Act Evaluation Year One Report

During the 2019 legislative session the Colorado READ Act was amended to require the Department to contract with an independent evaluator to provide independent evaluations of the use of per-pupil intervention money and money received through the Early Literacy Grant program by local education providers and to determine whether the student outcomes achieved are meeting the intent of the law.
West Ed, as the independent evaluator will present summary results to the field on the independent evaluation. CDE Staff will also provide a brief update on state and district implementation of provisions of Senate Bill 19-199. Information and links to the reports will be made available after this meeting.

For more information please visit READ Act Implementation Evaluation.

Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant (CLSD)

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Colorado a $16 million grant to implement the Colorado Comprehensive Literacy Project, which aims to advance literacy skills for children from birth to grade 12 with special emphasis on children living in poverty, English learners and children with disabilities.