The Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act, passed in 2012, provides the framework and resources to ensure children read at grade level by fourth grade, preparing them for high school graduation and post-secondary success. This preventative legislation focuses on early literacy through comprehensive programs, resources for teachers and students, early screening to identify reading difficulties, and individualized READ Plans for struggling students. The Act has undergone several updates since its passage to continuously improve reading outcomes across Colorado.

mClass DIBELS and mClass Lectura are now the DPS-supported READ Act Assessments for English and Spanish speakers. STAR Early Literacy, STAR Reader, i-Ready, and Istation (ISIP and Lectura) are also approved for use within DPS.

READ Act: An Overview Ley READ de Colorado: Informacion para Padres

Early literacy — which DPS defines as reading, writing, speaking and listening — is essential to building a strong foundation for success in school and in life. Research shows that students who are reading and writing proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to graduate.

The READ Act requires testing for all K-3 students to track progress toward grade-level reading by third grade. DPS students take these assessments three times yearly: beginning, middle, and end of school year. Students in grades 4-12 with active READ Plans also take their school's chosen READ Act assessment during these same testing periods.

Visit the Literacy Curriculum Transparency Dashboard - This dashboard provides all stakeholders a state, district, school, and grade level view of Core Literacy Instruction, Supplemental Programming, and Intervention Curriculum, in addition to available services and supports, the number of students who have READ plans, and the number of students who have achieved grade-level reading competency.