K-3 Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Training Requirements

Colorado school districts are required to ensure all K - 3 teachers complete evidence-based training in teaching reading as a result of changes to the Colorado READ Act in SB 19-199 (PDF). HB21-1129 extends the previously approved deadline of January 31, 2022, to the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Districts, BOCES, and charters that do not meet the requirements will be ineligible for READ Act funds for the 2022-23 school year. In subsequent years, districts will need to ensure that teachers new to teaching K – 3rd grade also meet this requirement.

To meet this training requirement, State Board of Education rules require that the evidence-based training in teaching reading must:

• Consist of a minimum of 45 hours;
• Address the content of the educator preparation literacy standards referenced in the state board's Rules for the Administration of Educator License Endorsements, 1 CCR 301-101, section 4.02(5) through 4.02(12) (effective May 30, 2019); and
• Include an end of course assessment that teachers can provide evidence of passing.

State law and State Board of Education rules allow the following options for teachers to meet the training requirement. CDE will provide information for teachers to submit documentation that one of these training options met the hour, content and assessment requirements. At this time, CDE anticipates that the documentation will be a part of a teachers' license.

Teachers need to only complete one of these options to meet the training requirement.

Teachers need to meet this training requirement only once. The rules for the Colorado READ Act define a kindergarten through 3rd grade teacher as a "professional responsible for the literacy instruction of the student(s) and may include the main instructor for a class, an instructional coach, reading interventionist, special education teacher, Title I teacher or other personnel who are identified as effective in the teaching of reading."