2021 READ Act Review of Professional Development

Topic-Specific Advisory List of Professional Development

The following professional development programs have been reviewed and approved to meet the criteria for the support of implementation of scientifically and evidence-based instruction and strategies in teaching reading and addressing the needs of students with significant reading deficiencies pursuant to 10 C.R.S. 22-7-1209, the Colorado READ Act. These courses must: 

• Be focused on or aligned with the science of reading, including teaching in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency including oral skills, and reading comprehension; and
• Include rigorous evaluations of learning throughout and at the end of the course that a person taking the course must pass to successfully complete the course. 

The purpose of the READ Act Advisory List of Professional Development Programs is to provide districts and schools with a choice of professional development that adequately enhances teacher quality and implementation of scientifically based or evidence-based literacy practices. 

Below is a list of topic-specific, READ Act-aligned professional development programs that were approved during the Spring of 2021 review process. Vendors who submitted professional development programs that have been reviewed and not approved were notified and provided information regarding the appeal process (CCE 301-92, 11.02).

For questions, please contact READAct@cde.state.co.us.

The advisory list below serves as a starting point for districts in selecting professional development. District professional development needs should be determined using a variety of local data points and be focused on topics relevant to the unique needs of the district. Districts choosing to use READ Act per pupil funds to purchase targeted professional development not on the advisory list will email READActData@cde.state.co.us for information about submitting the request.

View the list of professional development that meets the READ Act K-3 Teacher Training requirement.

Topic-Specific, READ Act-aligned Professional Development Programs