Colorado READ Act

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).

Teacher Training Completion Deadline Extended

Colorado school districts, charter schools and boards of cooperative services are required to demonstrate that the kindergarten through third grade teachers they employ have completed evidence-based training in teaching reading. HB21-1129 extends the previously approved deadline of January 31, 2022 to the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. More related information will be released soon.

Important Dates for Teachers

August 1, 2022: evidence-based training in teaching reading must be completed

August 15, 2022: documentation must be submitted to the Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) system

All teachers who teach in kindergarten through grade three, must complete the training by August 1, 2022 to meet the deadline. In subsequent years, teachers hired after July 1, 2022 must enroll in the READ Act teacher training as soon as they receive their district email address. Teachers are expected to complete the training without delays so as to not impact the distribution of READ Act per-pupil dollars to the local education agency.

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

View Information
for Teachers

View K - 3 Teacher
Training Requirements

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

COVID-19 and Preschool Through 3rd Grade Education

CDE's Preschool Through 3rd Grade (P-3) Office gathered resources to help answer questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to our early learners in Preschool Through 3rd Grade. The Opening of School 2020-21 resources were prepared as a supplement to the CDE 20-21 School Year Toolkit. For P-3 Office guidance, click on the green button below. For READ Act-specific guidance, click on the blue button below.

Opening of School 2020-21
Preschool Through 3rd Grade

Opening of School 2020-21
READ Act

News and Events

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 on the READ Act Implementation Evaluation

2020-21 READ Act Reporting Requirements in UIP

All districts must submit the new READ programming and assessment information by April 15, 2021, regardless of UIP flexibility (e.g., biennial flexibility, optional April window). The reporting expectations include reading assessments, core program, supplemental programs, and interventions for each school supporting K-3 students. Furthermore, professional development plan should be reported for schools accepting READ dollars and/or the Early Literacy Grant. Steps to Access the READ Reporting Attachments in the UIP

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.

CLSD Information Page

2021 Review of READ Act-Aligned Professional Development

The READ Act Advisory List of Professional Development Programs provides districts and schools with a choice of professional development to enhance teacher quality and implementation of scientifically based or evidence-based literacy practices. For information about the 2021 Review of Professional Development (including Topic-Specific PD Courses and Early Literacy Grant Implementation Consultants) please visit:

2021 READ Act Review of Professional Development