Early Literacy Grant (ELG)

ELG News

2021/2022 Timeline Updated

2021 ELG Implementation Consultant Advisory List Updated

Consultants applied to be considered for inclusion on the ELG Implementation Consultant Advisory List. Applications were due May 14th, 2021 and CDE concluded reviews in July 2021.

Read more about the process and review the current ELG Implementation Consultant Advisory List here.

2021/2022 ELG - Professional Development Grant - Application Window Closed

House Bill 18-1393 amendments to the Colorado READ Act authorized the Early Literacy Grant Annual Professional Development (ELG PD) Program. This grant opportunity is geared to support Colorado educators in the implementation of scientifically- and evidence-based reading programming and strategies for kindergarten through third grade (K-3) students. These funds are specifically intended for early literacy professional development for elementary educators. This grant opportunity is designed to support Colorado educators in implementation of scientifically based reading research programs and strategies for K-3 students.

Applications were due Monday, May 17th, 2021.

Application Resources

ELG - Professional Development Request for Applications (including link to application)
- Updated 4/22/21 to include an additional funding use: training related to assessments
ELG - Professional Development Assurances
ELG - Professional Development Application Information Webinar slides and recording

Comprehensive ELG

Important upcoming actions for current Comprehensive ELG grantees:

Submit continuation budget for the following fiscal year.
Complete contact updates. Contact information confirmation/change request emailed to ELG program contacts.
Submit annual financial report (AFR) via Grant Expenditure Report Submission form. This provides an account of funds expended (and gives us a report of unobligated funds coming into the 21/22 fiscal year) by June 30, 2021 for the 20/21 fiscal year. Reach out to the Office of Grants Fiscal Management with any questions.

History and Purpose

In 2012, the Colorado READ Act established an Early Literacy Grant Program. This is a comprehensive grant program focused on system-wide early literacy efforts. In 2018, House Bill 18-1393, revised the READ Act to expand Early Literacy Grants to include two additional grant programs - Sustainability Grants for those completing a Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant and an Annual Literacy Professional Development Grant.

SB 19-199 amended the Colorado READ Act and incorporated changes to the Early Literacy Grant program requiring an update to the rules. The state board approved the amended rules for the administration of the Early Literacy Grant program during the September board meeting. Updates include increased funding, additional reporting requirements and training for K-3 teachers.

Early Literacy Grant Rules

Comprehensive ELG Program

Established in 2012, the Comprehensive ELG Program is a comprehensive approach to improving early literacy, focused on implementing and sustaining scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction. The program is designed to distribute funds to local education providers, including school districts, BOCES, and district charter schools or Institute Charter Schools, to ensure the essential components of reading instruction are embedded into all elements of the primary, K-3 teaching structures in all schools, including universal and targeted and intensive instructional interventions, to assist all students in achieving reading competency.

Through the Comprehensive ELG Program, the Colorado Department of Education:

Assists grantees in establishing instructional systems based on Scientifically Based Reading Research to improve the quality of reading instruction for all K – 3 students.
Help schools implement a multi-tiered support system to reduce the number of students reading below grade level.
Provides professional development to principals, teachers and intervention teachers on effective instructional practices and the underlying teaching infrastructures to improve reading achievement among K – 3 students.
Assists grantees in administering and interpreting approved interim and diagnostic assessments pursuant to the READ Act.
Supports implementation of school-wide literacy programs as well as programs designed for targeted and intensive instructional interventions.
Assists grantees with testing schedules and interpreting assessment data.