HB 12-1238 Summary: Colorado Early Literacy Act

• Creates the "Colorado READ Act" (Reading to Ensure Academic Development) establishing comprehensive early literacy education requirements for kindergarten through third grade students.

• Requires local education providers to assess students' reading competency using approved interim assessments and create individualized "READ plans" for students identified with significant reading deficiencies; parents must be involved and receive written explanation of the deficiency and intervention strategies.

• Establishes that students with significant reading deficiencies at end of school year prior to fourth grade must have a meeting with parents, teacher, and school personnel to consider retention, with parents having final decision authority on grade advancement (subject to superintendent/principal approval beginning 2016-17 school year).

• Creates Early Literacy Fund funded by 5% of Master Settlement Agreement moneys (capped at $8 million annually) to provide grants, professional development, summer literacy programs, tutoring services, and full-day kindergarten for early literacy interventions.

• Requires State Board to establish minimum reading competency skill levels and approve assessments and instructional programs based on scientific evidence; mandates annual reporting on student reading progress to legislature and public.