Frequently Asked Questions About the CDE-Provided Online Training

Overview

The Colorado Department of Education contracted with the Public Consulting Group, Inc. to help build the modules for the online asynchronous training "Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success".

The page contains information on frequently asked questions about the online asynchronous training "Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success" and the Playbook platform. Please email PepperSupport@pcgus.com for additional support on the Playbook platform.

Who is PCG and what is Playbook?

Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG) is a leading public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that partners with health, education, and human services agencies to improve lives. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, PCG has over 2,500 professionals in more than 60 offices worldwide. PCG offers education consulting services and technology solutions that help schools, school districts, and state education agencies/ministries of education to promote student success, improve programs and processes, and optimize financial resources.

Playbook is the new online platform (formerly Pepper) that you will use to access the six modules in this professional learning series. It is recommended that you take the modules in order as the information from one module is often the foundation for the next:

Module 1: Introduction to the Science of Reading
Module 2: Oral Language and Phonology
Module 3: Phonics and Word Study
Module 4: Creating Fluent Readers
Module 5: Developing Vocabulary
Module 6: Increasing Reading Comprehension

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How do I access the online modules?

Once in the Playbook platform, you will be directed to complete a pre-assessment. Once the pre-assessment has been completed and submitted, the course modules will populate under the "My Learning" section to the right of the screen.

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How do I navigate the online modules and how are they organized?

On the home screen within the course, you will be provided with instructions on module navigation and the structure of the modules. If you would like additional support on how to navigate the online modules, you can review the Playbook User Guide.

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Will I have an opportunity to revisit the modules after I have completed them?

Yes, you are able to go back and access the content of all the modules at any time.

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What are the requirements and time commitment?

The six modules are designed to be self-paced and include 45 hours of content. The functionality of the platform will require you to spend time on each page of the module before proceeding to the next activity.

Assessments

You will be automatically enrolled in the appropriate Pre-assessment based on your chosen training. Once you have completed the required Pre-assessment, you will be automatically assigned Modules 1-6.

You will also be required to complete a Post-Assessment at the end of each module. You will have two opportunities to take the module post-assessments with a goal of scoring 80% or higher. Although it is not mandatory to pass the module post-assessments, you are encouraged to review the content before moving on to the next module in order to prepare for the End of Course Assessment.

Upon successful completion of those modules, you will be automatically assigned Module 7, the Final Assessment. Once you complete and pass Module 7, you will be awarded a completion certificate for the entire training.

Please note the following about the End of Course Assessment:

If you have successfully completed the six modules and met the minimum requirements, you will automatically be given access to take the Final Assessment on the dashboard in your learning plan. If you have not met the minimum requirements, you will not receive access. Please return to the modules to spend additional time with the content.
A passing score on the End of Course Assessment is 80% or higher.
You will have three attempts to pass the Final Assessment with at least an 80% passing score. If you do not receive a passing score after three attempts, please fill out this form to request your assessment be reset.

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Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?

Once you have successfully completed all six modules and passed the end of course assessment, you will automatically receive a certificate of completion from the Playbook platform. Your certificate of completion can be accessed in your Playbook dashboard under "Portfolio" or in your account profile (click on dropdown menu arrow next to your name in the toolbar, and then click "Profile") under "Certificates and Transcripts". The certificate of completion should be submitted through the Colorado Online Licensing System to have the READ Act designation attached to your CDE file. You will also need to provide your district with documentation that demonstrates that you have successfully completed the course requirements.

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Is there a timeframe for completing the modules?

"Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success" will be available to all registered participants until they fully complete the course and pass the end of course assessment. When you sign up for the course, you will have access to the course for two years. It is important to note that amendments to the READ Act (SB19-199 and SB22-004) require that K-3 teachers who provide literacy instruction and 4-12 reading interventionists fulfill the READ Act teacher training requirement by August 1, 2025 if they were hired before June 1, 2025. All educators hired after June 1, 2025 have until August 1, 2026 to complete the course.

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What are the district reporting requirements?

Each district that receives per-pupil or early literacy grant funding must annually ensure that all K-3 grade teachers and 4-12 interventionists have completed evidence-based training in teaching reading. Districts, BOCES, and charters that do not meet the requirements will be ineligible for READ Act funds for the 2025-26 school year. In subsequent years, districts will need to ensure that teachers new to teaching K-3^rd grade and new 4-12 interventionists also meet this requirement.

Districts can request the ability to pull reports regarding teacher completion and participation in the online course, "Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success" by contacting Claire Conde at cconde@pcgus.com.

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Who can I contact if I have questions or need help?

For program questions, please contact readacttraining@cde.state.co.us.

For Playbook platform support questions, please contact PepperSupport@pcgus.com.

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