Early Literacy Grant

Early Literacy Grant (ELG) News

2021 ELG Implementation Consultant Advisory List Review - Application Window Closed

Consultants who submitted the ELG Implementation Consultant Letter of Intent by March 31, 2021 were eligible to apply to be considered for inclusion on the ELG Implementation Consultant Advisory List.

Applications were due Friday, May 14th, 2021.

Application Resources

ELG Implementation Consultant Advisory List Review Request for Applications (including link to application)
ELG Implementation Consultant Advisory List Review Assurances

Please email Laura Stelling with any questions.

2021/2022 ELG - Professional Development Grant - Application Window Closed

House Bill 18-1393 amendments to the Colorado READ Act authorized the Early Literacy Grant Annual Professional Development (ELG PD) Program. This grant opportunity is geared to support Colorado educators in the implementation of scientifically- and evidence-based reading programming and strategies for kindergarten through third grade (K-3) students. These funds are specifically intended for early literacy professional development for elementary educators. This grant opportunity is designed to support Colorado educators in implementation of scientifically based reading research programs and strategies for K-3 students.

Applications were due Monday, May 17th, 2021.

Application Resources

ELG - Professional Development Request for Applications (including link to application)
- Updated 4/22/21 to include an additional funding use: training related to assessments
ELG - Professional Development Assurances
ELG - Professional Development Application Information Webinar slides and recording

Please email Laura Stelling with any questions

The Comprehensive ELG 2020 – 2021 timeline can be found here.

Important upcoming dates for current Comprehensive ELG grantees:

April 15th: If applicable, submit remaining budget change requests for the rest of the fiscal year.
April 30th: Submit up-to-date budget spreadsheet (in Excel format), including any approved budget changes.
Date TBD: Submit finalized budget for the following fiscal year.
End of year: With ELG consultant, evaluate data and determine if funding goals were met

History and Purpose

In 2012, the Colorado READ Act established an Early Literacy Grant Program. This is a comprehensive grant program focused on system-wide early literacy efforts. In 2018, House Bill 18-1393, revised the READ Act to expand Early Literacy Grants to include two additional grant programs - Sustainability Grants for those completing a Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant and an Annual Literacy Professional Development Grant.

SB 19-199 amended the Colorado READ Act and incorporated changes to the Early Literacy Grant program requiring an update to the rules. The state board approved the amended rules for the administration of the Early Literacy Grant program during the September board meeting. Updates include increased funding, additional reporting requirements and training for K-3 teachers.

Early Literacy Grant Rules

Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant Program

Established in 2012, the Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant (ELG) Program is a comprehensive approach to improving early literacy, focused on implementing and sustaining scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction. The program is designed to distribute funds to local education providers, including school districts, BOCES, and district charter schools or Institute Charter Schools, to ensure the essential components of reading instruction are embedded into all elements of the primary, K-3 teaching structures in all schools, including universal and targeted and intensive instructional interventions, to assist all students in achieving reading competency.

Through the Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant Program, the Colorado Department of Education:

Assists grantees in establishing instructional systems based on Scientifically Based Reading Research to improve the quality of reading instruction for all K – 3 students.
Help schools implement a multi-tiered support system to reduce the number of students reading below grade level.
Provides professional development to principals, teachers and intervention teachers on effective instructional practices and the underlying teaching infrastructures to improve reading achievement among K – 3 students.
Assists grantees in administering and interpreting approved interim and diagnostic assessments pursuant to the READ Act.
Supports implementation of school-wide literacy programs as well as programs designed for targeted and intensive instructional interventions.
Assists grantees with testing schedules and interpreting assessment data.