2025-2026 READ Act Instructional Programming Review Process

Background:

The Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act) focuses on early literacy development for all students, kindergarten through third grade, and especially for students at risk of not reaching grade level proficiency in reading by the end of third grade. Included in the READ Act is the requirement that the department create an advisory list of evidence-based or scientifically based instructional programming in reading, pursuant to C.R.S. 22-7-1209.

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 in Spanish or English: core, supplemental, and intervention, to be reviewed for inclusion on the Colorado Department of Education READ Act Advisory List.

The 2025-2026 Instructional Programming Review process will begin October 02, 2025.

Review Process Information:

The CDE process for review of instructional programming materials for inclusion on the READ Act Advisory List of Instructional Programming follows these steps:

Part I – Letter of Intent to Apply
Part II – Program Review
- Programs must meet the Part I – Letter of Intent to Apply criteria to receive the Part II – Program Review application from CDE.
Appeal Window
Instructional Programming Advisory List posted on the CDE website

Note: To be included on the Instructional Programming Advisory List programs must be reviewed during this review window.

Part I - Letter of Intent to Apply

In order for a provider to submit materials to the CDE for full review of programs, each vendor must establish that the program submitted meets the eligibility criteria in Part I - Letter of Intent to Apply. Those programs that meet the Part I – Letter of Intent to Apply criteria will be invited to move forward to the Part II - Program Review and will receive the Part II – Program Review application from CDE.

The Part I - Letter of Intent to Apply for inclusion on the provider list for instructional programming will open on October 2, 2025 and close at 4:00 PM MST on October 23, 2025.

Note: If a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request for a program is received by CDE, the CDE Communications Team will reach out to the vendor about the specific CORA request and work with the vendor to ensure that no proprietary information is released. Additional details about CORA can be found at CDE’s Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) Policy.

Instructional Program Review Timeline

October 02, 2025: Vendor Part I - Letter of Intent to Apply Window Opens for Spanish or English Instructional Programs
October 03, 2025 10am: Technical Assistance Webinar, Webinar Registration opens October 2, 2025
This webinar will be recorded and posted on the website.
October 23, 2025, 4 pm MT: Vendor Part I - Letter of Intent to Apply Window Closes
November 14, 2025: Vendors will be notified of Part I Letter of Intent to Apply results; eligible vendors will receive Part II Program Review Application
November 14, 2025: Vendor Part - II Program Review Application Window Opens
December 12, 2025, 4 pm MT: Vendor Part - II Program Review Application Window Closes
January 2-30, 2026: CDE Review of Instructional Program Applications
February 9-23, 2026: Vendor Appeal Submission Window
February 24-March 24, 2026: CDE Review of Appeal Submissions
March 24, 2026: Advisory List of Instructional Programs Posted to CDE Website

*Please note: If unforeseen circumstances arise, the review window may be adjusted.

For questions, please contact READAct@cde.state.co.us.