Colorado READ Act
The Colorado READ Act funds evidence-based literacy training and support for K-3 educators and interventionists to ensure all students read at grade level by the end of third grade.
Funder: Colorado Department of Education
Due Dates: August 1, 2026: K-3 teacher/interventionist/principal/administrator training completion | August 15, 2026: Documentation submission deadline (teachers/principals) | August 1, 2027: Training deadline for principals/administrators hired after June 1, 2026 | June 30, 2027: Annual district submission for per-pupil funds | August 1, 2026: Annual training completion deadline for districts | August 15, 2026: Annual documentation submission deadline for districts
Funding Amounts: Per-pupil intervention funding (amount varies annually by formula); Early Literacy Grant Program awards; CDE-provided training is free for educators.
Summary: Supports evidence-based literacy instruction and professional development for K-3 teachers, grades 4-12 reading interventionists, and K-3 administrators/principals to ensure Colorado students read at grade level by grade 4.
Key Information: Districts must meet training and documentation requirements by annual deadlines to remain eligible for READ Act per-pupil intervention funds.
Description
The Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act) is a statewide initiative to ensure that all students read at grade level by the end of third grade. The Act provides a structure for evidence-based reading instruction, professional development for educators, and ongoing monitoring and support. It requires all K-3 teachers who provide literacy instruction, grades 4-12 reading interventionists, and K-3 principals/administrators in districts receiving READ Act funding to complete approved training in the science of reading. The Act also provides per-pupil intervention funding and competitive Early Literacy Grants to support districts in implementing effective literacy programs and interventions.
