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Advisory List of Instructional Programming
Approved Programs
The READ Act mandates that all local education providers enrolling students in grades K-3 offer instructional programming and services that are evidence-based and scientifically proven. These programs must focus on developing reading competency, specifically in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency (including oral skills), and reading comprehension (C.R.S. 22-7-1204). Additionally, the Department of Education must identify evidence-based instructional and professional development programs for local education agencies to use READ Act funds for purchasing programs. When utilizing READ Act funds, local education providers may choose programs from the advisory list prepared by the department according to section 22-7-1209 (C.R.S 22-7-1206 (4)(d)).
The READ Act requires the department to identify evidence-based instructional programs and professional development programs for use by local education agencies.
This page includes links to providers and programs that have been identified and approved for the use of READ Act per pupil funds through the READ Act Instructional Programming Review Process.
Districts choosing to use READ Act per pupil funds to purchase these instructional programs and professional development related to these programs will submit the request through the annual READ Budget Submission.
Instructional programming reviews are conducted every two years. The next instructional programming review is anticipated to take place during the 2027-2028 school year.
The Advisory List of Instructional Programming was updated on April 3, 2026.
Advisory List of Approved Programs
The lists below are not exhaustive lists of scientifically based and evidence based reading programs. Districts may use other funding streams to purchase scientifically based and evidence based reading programs that have not been included on the READ Act Advisory List of Instructional Programming.
All programs are listed by publisher and product name. The recommended/approved grade levels and areas of reading are noted. Programs on this list may contain additional areas of reading instruction that are not a focus of the program or not recommended/approved.
*Programs marked with an asterisk must be teacher directed in combination with the online component for approval in the budget planning survey.
Download 2026 READ Act Instructional Programming Advisory List Information Spreadsheet (XLXS)
Core Programming
Core Instruction is instruction provided to all students, and is typically guided by a comprehensive core reading program. Part of core instruction is typically provided to the class as a whole, and part is provided during the small group, differentiated instruction period. Although instruction is differentiated by student need during the small group period, materials and lesson procedures from the core program can frequently be used to provide reteaching, or additional teaching to students according to their needs.
Supplemental Programming
Supplemental Instruction is instruction that goes beyond that provided by the comprehensive core program because the core program does not provide enough instruction or practice in a key area to meet the needs of the students in a particular classroom or school. For example, teachers in a school may observe that their comprehensive core program does not provide enough instruction in vocabulary or phonics to adequately meet the needs of the majority of their students. Selection and implementation of a supplemental program in these areas can strengthen the initial instruction and practice provided to all students.
Intervention Programing
Intervention is the practice of providing scientifically-based, high-quality instruction and progress monitoring to students who are below proficient in reading. Intervention is provided with intensity that is matched to student needs. This involves more time daily, above and beyond 90+ minutes of universal (Tier 1 or core) instruction, which is focused on the specific needs of the student as identified by a diagnostic measure. Instruction can be intensified in three ways: (1) more time, (2) more targeted instruction, and (3) smaller group size.
Spanish Instructional Programs with Aligned English Instructional Programs
- Approved Spanish Core Programs
- Approved Spanish Supplemental Programs
- Approved Spanish Intervention Programs
- Spanish and English Decodable Text Resources
Approved Spanish Core Programs
Approved Spanish Supplemental Programs
Approved Spanish Intervention Programs
Spanish and English Decodable Text Resources
Selecting Scientifically and Evidence-Based Instructional Programs
This page includes information and resources for selecting scientifically and evidence-based instructional materials.
Selecting Scientifically and Evidence-Based Instructional Programs
Instructional Program Review Tool for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for All Students
The Instructional Program Review Tool for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) of ALL Students tool helps in identifying instructional programs that are inclusive of culturally and linguistically diverse student groups.
Instructional Program Review Tool for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) of ALL Students (PDF)
Allowable Resources
Additional resources may be eligible for purchase with READ Act funds. Districts may request to purchase resources using READ Act funds through the annual:
Decodable Text Resources
Multiple vendors offer decodable text sets. Districts seeking to purchase decodable text sets to supplement instruction may consider those listed below.
The Reading League Decodable Text Resources (Spanish and English)
Questions & Rubric Requests
Completed rubrics for any reviewed program will be made available upon request. Please contact READAct@cde.state.co.us with all rubric requests and questions related to instructional program review.