Colorado READ Act
The Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act), passed by the Colorado legislature in 2012, focuses on early literacy development for all students and especially for students at risk of not reading at grade level by the end of the third grade. The READ Act focuses on literacy development for students in kindergarten through third grade. Students are tested for reading competency, and an individual plan of intervention, called a READ plan, is developed for those who are determined to be at significant risk. In 2019, the legislature strengthened the READ Act, adding new emphasis on the importance of instruction that is scientifically proven to be effective in teaching students to read.
For successful implementation of the READ Act, it is important to understand and consider the following about early literacy:
ELEMENTAL BUILDING BLOCKS
Reading is an elemental building block to receive a quality education, and every child should read at grade level by the end of third grade.
PREVENTION IS KEY
The Colorado READ Act is a legislative priority that focuses on early literacy development for all students, especially for students at risk of not reading at grade level by the end of third grade. Specific funding is allocated to help students who are struggling the most.
TEACHER KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ARE CRITICAL
Teacher knowledge and practice are critical. Educators must have a deep understanding of the science of reading to help every child become a lifelong reader. In 2019, the legislature amended the READ Act to require all K-3 teachers to receive training in evidence-based reading instruction. An additional amendment included a requirement for similar training for K-3 administrators and 4th-12th grade reading interventionists.
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY
It takes collaborative partnerships between schools, educators, communities and families to improve literacy for all students.