Issue Briefs Subject(s): Education & School Finance (Pre & K-12) Published: September 19, 2019 Agency: Legislative Council Staff Reading competency is pivotal to the academic development of Colorado’s students. State law targets the early elementary grades as the essential time and location for developing the reading skills necessary for successful academic achievement in later grades. This issue brief provides an overview of the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act, and discusses recent changes to state funding for READ Act implementation. Download Document