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K-3 Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Training Requirements
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About the 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). Following a six-month extension approved by the State Board of Education, all K - 3 teachers must complete the teacher training by Jan. 31, 2022. 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.
*** CDE is currently working on a system for teachers to submit documentation of meeting the training requirement.
We anticipate having more information about the process in late spring 2021. As more information becomes available, this webpage will be updated. ***
Teacher Training Frequently Asked Questions
Training Requirement Options
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."
- Teachers who have a Colorado Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist endorsement meet the training requirement.
Explore Reading Endorsements
- Teachers who have completed one of the approved evidence-based training options but lack proof of an end of course assessment may take and pass an alternative assessment authorized by the State Board.
- The Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205 exam with the passing score of 159 was approved by the state board in April 2020.
Explore Alternative Board Approved Assessments
- Teachers may submit evidence of successfully completing an undergraduate or graduate course in teaching reading for the CDE to review to determine whether it meets the statutory requirements.
- Educator Preparation Program staff may submit a course in teaching reading for the CDE to review to determine whether it meets the statutory requirements.
Teachers:
Explore University Course
Ed Prep Program Staff:
Ed Prep Program Course Application
- Teachers may submit evidence of successfully completing a course in teaching reading appropriate for license renewal for the CDE to review to determine whether it meets the statutory requirements.
Explore Course Appropriate for License Renewal
Option 5 - CDE-Provided Training
- Teachers will have the option to successfully complete a CDE-provided training (online course or face-to-face) at no cost to the teacher.
- Teachers will have the option to successfully complete a district- or BOCES-provided training approved by the CDE and can check with their district or BOCES whether this option will be available to them.
Explore District and BOCES Training
- Teachers can successfully complete a training program included on the CDE Advisory List of Professional Development that has been designed to meet this requirement.
Explore CDE Advisory List Training
Training Options for Districts and BOCES to Help Teachers Meet the Requirement
CDE-Provided Training:
- CDE will be providing no-cost training via an online course or in-person training organized in cooperation with districts and BOCES.
- Online Course Training Information
- View Face-to-Face Training information
District- or BOCES-Provided Training:
- Districts or BOCES may select a training program from the CDE Advisory List of Professional Development that has been approved to meet this requirement.
- Districts or BOCES may submit a training to the CDE for review and approval to meet this requirement.
- Application resources for Districts and BOCES to submit a training for review and approval.
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