READ Act - SB 19-199 Amendment Updates

Overview

The following resources and information are focused on updates to support implementation of changes to the READ Act due to the passage of SB 19-199.

 Background

After six years of implementation of the READ Act, schools and districts were not seeing the dramatic improvements in reading levels envisioned by state leaders.

• Colorado has seen only a 2 percent increase in third graders meeting or exceeding expectations on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success tests in English language arts.
• Statewide data shows only a 1 percent reduction in the number of students identified with a significant reading deficiency (SRD).

Reviewing the implementation of the READ Act, policy makers identified challenges that contributed to its lower-than-desired impact:

• The statute defined clear allowable uses of READ Act per-pupil intervention funds, but it did not provide clarity regarding accountability for the use of funds.
• Reporting requirements for the READ Act make it challenging to identify instructional programming and interventions effective in reducing the number of students identified with SRDs.
• The need for increasing teacher knowledge on evidence-based practices for teaching reading.

View all READ Act Changes (PDF)

SB 19-199 Implementation Support

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) addressing SB 19-199 amendments to the READ Act
• Colorado READ Act (PDF) - revised legislation to include all changes from SB 19-199 amendments
• READ Act Updates SB 19-199
• Recorded SB 19-199 Monthly Webinars
• READ Act/UIP Reporting Requirements
• K-3 Teacher Training Requirement Information and Options