Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Training FAQs

Overview

Our staff has received numerous inquiries regarding the evidence-based training in teaching reading requirements in the READ Act. In response, we have created the K-3 Teacher and 4-12 interventionist Evidence-Based Training in Teaching Reading Training FAQ webpage to provide timely information on the most frequently asked questions. Please submit additional questions to the READ Act Teacher Training Team at [email protected].

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Who must complete the evidence-based training in teaching reading?

Amendments to the READ Act (SB19-199 and SB22-004) require that K-3 teachers who provide literacy instruction, 4-12 reading interventionists, and school administrators (including principals) must complete training to meet the requirements of the READ Act. 

Definitions: 

• Reading Interventionist: An individual employed to teach students and whose primary job duties include providing reading intervention to students on READ Act Plans during regular school hours to supplement core academic instruction and who is employed in any of grades K-12.
• Teacher: The professional responsible for the literacy instruction of the student(s) and may include the main instructor for a class, an instructional coach, Reading Interventionist (in grades K-3), special education teacher, Title I teacher or other personnel who are identified as effective in the teaching of reading and who has been employed to teach kindergarten or any of grades one through three.

If the General Ed. ELA teacher in grades 4-12 provides reading intervention to students on a READ plan, will they need to take the training? 

If it is determined by the district that the ELA teacher in grades 4-12 is the person who is responsible for providing reading intervention to students on a READ plan, then the ELA teacher will need to take the READ Act teacher training.

Are 4th and 5th grade teachers required to take the READ Act teacher training?

If it is determined by the district that the 4th and 5th grade teacher is responsible for providing reading intervention to students on a READ plan, then these teachers will need to take the READ Act teacher training.

Are substitute teachers required to meet the READ Act teacher training requirements?

If a sub is hired for a long-term position (more than 2 weeks) working with K-3rd grade students or as a 4-12 reading interventionist, then this sub will need to complete the READ Act teacher training requirements. This sub can sign up for one of the free CDE-provided training options as soon as they are hired.

Are paraprofessionals required to take the READ Act teacher training?

No. Paraprofessionals are not required to complete the READ Act teacher training. ​

What are the deadlines for K-3 teachers who provide literacy instruction and 4-12 reading interventionists to complete the evidence-based training in teaching reading?

K-3 teachers who provide literacy instruction:

• August 1, 2025: evidence-based training in teaching reading must be completed
• August 15, 2025: documentation should be submitted to the Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) system (licensed teachers only; non-licensed teachers must reach out to their district to learn how to submit their documentation.)

4-12 reading interventionists:

• August 1, 2025: evidence-based training in teaching reading must be completed
• August 15, 2025: documentation should be submitted to the Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) system (licensed teachers only; non-licensed teachers must reach out to their district to learn how to submit their documentation.)

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How do I submit documentation of completion to receive the READ Act designation? 

Visit the READ Act Designation page for more information on this topic. 

Can any teacher that completes the READ Act teacher training go ahead and upload their documentation into COOL?  

Yes, any licensed teacher that has completed the READ Act teacher training requirements, can upload their documentation to COOL and have the READ Act designation added to their license. 

Do teachers without a license submit their documentation of meeting the READ Act teacher training requirement to COOL?

Only licensed teachers submit their READ Act teacher training documentation to COOL.

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The process for reporting this information is currently being developed. The process for tracking completion of the CDE-provided training is also currently being developed.

When the processes for reporting/tracking teacher completion of the required training are finalized, they will be shared with districts on our website, during webinars, and on our listserv.

Can districts access reports from the Colorado Online Licensing system (COOL) that include information on which staff members have met the READ Act teacher training requirement? 

Districts will be able to access reports from the Colorado Online Licensing system (COOL) that include information on which staff members have met the READ Act teacher training requirements. 

The READ Act report:  

• Based on the HR collection and includes the names of any educator in the district that has obtained the READ Act teacher training designation
• ​This report also includes the designation code and pathway option the teacher selected to meet the READ Act teacher training requirements

Individual educator search in COOL:

• Districts can do an individual educator search in COOL  
• Individual educator reports show whether the educator has or has not obtained the READ Act teacher training designation
• This report does not include a designation code or the pathway selected by the teacher to meet the READ Act teacher training requirement. 

(Scroll down to the green box on this page titled READ Act Teaching Reading Professional Development District Requirement for more information.)

How will CDE communicate READ Act teacher training reporting requirements to districts?

CDE will be offering multiple informational webinars to support districts. Upcoming webinar information can be found on the READ Act Informational Webinars webpage.

It will be the responsibility of the district to communicate and share reporting requirements with their own HR departments. 

Is the expectation that districts share information about the READ Act teacher training with teachers or should teachers attend these webinars? 

Teachers are more than welcome to attend the READ Act teacher training informational webinars; however, it is the responsibility of the district to inform teachers about the READ Act teacher training requirement. This would include but is not limited to pathway options available, deadlines, submitting documentation to COOL, and district systems for collecting documentation of meeting the requirements. 

Are charter schools required to meet the READ Act teacher training requirements?

•  A charter school may opt out of the READ Act teacher training requirements. If a charter school opts out of the READ Act teacher training, the school will not be eligible for per-pupil intervention money or literacy grant money.
• Districts are responsible for excluding opted-out charter schools in their READ Act budget submissions and ensuring READ act funds are not used for any opted-out charter schools.
• No local education provider may opt out of mandatory components which include:
  • Using a state board-approved assessment
  • Creating READ plans for students with significant reading deficiencies
  • Submitting program and assessment information

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