Professional Development & Instruction
Page Navigation
K-3 Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Training Requirement
-
As soon as you've completed your requirement, fill out the K-3 Evidence-Based Reading Training Requirement Google Form.
You will need to upload documentation of completion, so be sure to have it handy.
About the Training Requirements
-
Colorado school districts are required to ensure all K-3 teachers complete evidence-based training in teaching reading as a result of changes to the Colorado READ Act in SB-19-199 (PDF). HB21-1129 extends the previously approved deadline of January 31, 2022 to the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. More related information will be released soon by CDE. In subsequent years, districts will need to ensure that teachers new to teaching K-3rd grade also meet this requirement.
To meet this training requirement, State Board of Education rules require that evidence-based training in teaching reading must:
- Consist of a minimum of 45 hours;
- Address the content of the educator preparation literacy standards referenced in the state board's RULES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF EDUCATOR LICENSE ENDORSEMENTS, 1 CCR 301-101, SECTION 4.02(5) THROUGH 4.02(12) (effective May 30, 2019); and
- Include an end of course assessment that teachers can provide evidence of passing.
State law and State Board of Education rules allow the following options for teachers to meet the training requirement. CDE will provide information for teachers to submit documentation that one of these training options met the hour, content, and assessment requirements. At this time, CDE anticipates that the documentation will be a part of a teachers' license.
*This information comes directly from the CDE Website
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I submit to CDE?
The Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) system has been updated and is able to accept documentation from teachers demonstrating that they have met the READ Act teacher training requirements. The COOL system can be accessed directly on the CDE webpage using this link or on the Educator Talent Licensing webpage linked here.
If a teacher completed the CDE online training “Building a Strong Foundation: Developing Early Literacy Skills” through Pepper, they will want to follow the directions below to link their account in Pepper to their account in COOL, so their certificate of completion will be sent from the Pepper system over to COOL.
- Log in to their COOL account.
- Select “My Profile”.
- Select “Designations” in the Credential section of their profile.
- Select the “Link My Pepper Account” link and follow the instructions.
- The link will take them to Pepper.
- Log in using their Pepper account credentials.
- Upon successful completion of this process, a confirmation statement will appear in the green bar beneath the “Link to Pepper” instructions.
If a teacher is submitting documentation for all other pathway options, they will want to follow the directions below.
- Log in to their COOL account.
- Select “My Profile”.
- Select “Designations” in the Credential section of their profile.
- Select “Add Designation”.
- Click “Yes, Confirm”.
- Click “Yes” under “Do you wish to be evaluated for the READ Act designation”.
- Complete a short application and upload their certificate of completion.
OR
- Log in to their COOL account.
- Select + Designation to add the READ Act designation (under “Actions”)
- Click “Yes, Confirm”.
- Click “Yes” under “Do you wish to be evaluated for the READ Act designation”.
- Complete a short application and upload their certificate of completion.
-
Do I need to submit proof to CDE?
You will submit proof to CDE if you'd like the requirement listed on your license. You did the work, so we highly recommend you submit to CDE. See above for directions on how to do this.
-
Do I need to submit proof to District 6?
Yes! As soon as you've completed the requirement, fill out this form.
-
When does this requirement need to be completed?
HB21-1129 extends the previously approved deadline of January 31, 2022 to the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. More related information will be released soon.
-
How do I meet this requirement?
There are several ways to meet this requirement.
- Seek a Colorado Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist Endorsement.
- This can be done at some accredited universities
- Will count toward Horizontal Advancement
- Passing the Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205 with a passing score of 159
- District 6 will offer study sessions
- Appropriate graduate or undergraduate course or other course (approval from CDE)
- Need to get approval in writing from CDE
- Will count toward Horizontal Advancement
- CDE Course - Self Paced. If you have a solid literacy foundational knowledge, it may not take the full 45 hours.
- No cost to participant
- Do at your own pace
- CDE Renewal Hours upon completion of course (will not count toward Horizontal Advancement)
For a full scope of CDE options, visit the CDE Training Requirements Website.
- Seek a Colorado Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist Endorsement.
-
Is this requirement recurring?
No, this is a one time training requirement.
-
Do I need to take this training?
The rules for the Colorado READ Act define a kindergarten through 3rd grade teacher as a "professional responsible for the literacy instruction of the student(s) and may include the main instructor for a class, an instructional coach, reading interventionist, special education teacher, Title I teacher or other personnel who are identified as effective in the teaching of reading."