The Colorado Reading To Ensure Academic Development Act (Colorado READ Act) was implemented in the Colorado public school system as of the 2013-14 school year. The READ Act was passed by the Colorado Legislature during the 2012 legislative session, repealing the Colorado Basic Literacy Act (CBLA) as of July 1, 2013.

Many elements of the CBLA, such as a focus in K-3 literacy, assessment, and individual plans for students reading below grade level are included in the READ Act. In addition, the READ Act focuses on students identified as having a significant reading deficiency, delineates requirements for parent communication, and provides funding to support intervention.

The READ Act requires that all Colorado schools use a state-approved interim assessment to determine whether a student has a significant reading deficiency in grades K-3.  PALS is included on Colorado’s list of READ Act Approved Diagnostic Assessments and Approved Interim Assessments.