2207-R-1.00 Statement of Basis and Purpose.

The statutory basis for these Rules adopted October 5, 2000, is found in 22-2-106(1)(a) and (c), State Board Duties; 22-2-107(1)(c), State Board Powers; and 22-7-506, the Read to Achieve Grant Program, C.R.S.

The Read to Achieve Grant Program, 22-7-506, C.R.S., requires the State Board of Education to promulgate rules which include, but are not limited to: application procedures by which a school may apply for grant funds through this program, criteria for selecting those schools that shall receive grants, the criteria for determining the amount to be granted to the selected schools, and procedures for reviewing the success of the intensive literacy programs operated by schools that receive grants. 2207-R-2.00 Definitions.

2.01 (1) Read to Achieve Grant Program.

A grant program created in the Department of Education pursuant to 22-7-506, C.R.S., allowing any public school to apply for grants to fund intensive, research-based reading programs for second and third grade pupils and pupils between third and fourth grades whose literacy and reading comprehension skills are below the level established by the State Board of Education for pupils at each grade level.

2.01 (2) Read to Achieve Board.

An advisory board to the State Board of Education created pursuant to 22-7-506 (2)(a) and (3)(a), C.R.S. The advisory board's membership and terms of office are defined in 22-7-506 (2)(a), C.R.S. The Read to Achieve Board's major duties include the solicitation and review of applications for grants under this program and recommending to the State Board of Education those public schools that should receive grants under this program and the duration and amount of each grant pursuant to these Rules.

2.01 (3) State Board of Education.

An elected board established pursuant to Section 1, Article IX of the State Constitution.

2.01 (4) Public School.

A school that receives a majority of its funding from moneys raised by a general state, county, or district tax and whose property is owned and operated by a political subdivision of the state.

2.01 (5) Levels of Literacy and Reading Comprehension Skills.

The proficiency levels established pursuant to 2.01 (6), 2.02 (1), (2) and (3) of these Rules and the Rules for the Administration of the Colorado Basic Literacy Act, adopted in May of 1997 by the State Board of Education in compliance with 22-7-501 - 505, C.R.S.

2.01 (6) Colorado Department of Education (CDE) - Request for Proposal (RFP) Development Process The processes and procedures developed by CDE to ensure that all RFP's are consistent with the appropriate funding source, adhere to appropriate statutory requirements, and support the organizational commitment of CDE.

2207-R-2.02 Implementation Procedures.

2.02 (1) Application Procedures.

CDE will be the responsible agency for implementing the Read to Achieve Grant Program. CDE will develop a request for proposal (RFP), pursuant to CDE's RFP process and pursuant to the requirements and timelines found in 22-7-506, C.R.S.

2.02 (2) Criteria and Levels of Reading and Literacy Comprehension Skills.

The RFP to be developed by CDE must support and be congruent with the Rules for the Administration of the Colorado Basic Literacy Act adopted by the State Board of Education in May of 1997. The RFP shall set high, but attainable levels of literacy and reading comprehension skills for each eligible grade using the following assessments which are a part of the Rules for the Administration of the Colorado Basic Literacy Act. Both eligibility for initial funding and continued funding status will be based on levels of reading and comprehension skills on the following assessments:

2.02 (2)(a) Individual Literacy Plan (ILP) status as defined in the RFP developed pursuant to 2.02

1. (1) of these Rules.

2.02 (2)(b) Third grade Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) results as defined in the RFP developed pursuant to 2.02 (1) of these Rules.

2.02 (2)(c) An individual reading assessment defined in the RFP developed pursuant to 2.02 (1) of these Rules.

2.02 (3) Year Two and Three Funding.

Year two and three funding shall be contingent upon assessment results demonstrating that at least twenty-five percent of the pupils enrolled in the intensive reading program for the full twelve months within the prior twelve month period improved their reading skills to at least grade level or achieved proficiency on the assessments defined in 2.02 (2) of these Rules.

2.02 (4) Evaluation of Program.

The Colorado Department of Education will contract with an independent evaluator to conduct an annual evaluation of the program. Results will be disseminated to the State Board of Education, the Read to Achieve Board, the Governor, and all Colorado school districts and BOCES as well as other interested parties.