2025-2026 READ Act Instructional Programming Review Process

Background:

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, 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. 

The main purpose of the READ Act Advisory List of Instructional Programming is to provide districts and schools with a choice of instructional programming in Spanish or English that adequately enhances teacher quality and is a major vehicle that schools/districts can utilize to upgrade their capacity as it relates to the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices.

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.

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.

• 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.