Reducing Frequency of Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act Independent Evaluations

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.)