HB 26-1352

HB 26-1352, also known as the Reducing Frequency of Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act Independent Evaluations, changes how often independent evaluations are required for the READ Act funding from annually to every two years. Schools will still need to report student data related to the READ Act yearly to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), but now CDE must also produce an annual summary report with its insights on program improvements. The bill reduces state funding for external evaluation in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Since it has been signed, this bill is now law and will affect how schools and the state handle literacy programs and evaluations moving forward.

Official Summary

The act changes the requirement for an independent evaluation of the use of 'Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act' (READ Act) money from an annual requirement to a biennial requirement.     The act adds a requirement that the Colorado department of education post an annual report on its website that summarizes data from local education providers on their reading curricula; programs, services, and supports; and student progress and includes any department input on proposed program changes.     The act reduces the appropriation made in the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year to the department of education from the state education fund for the early literacy program external evaluation by $750,000.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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