State-Approved Instructional Programs and Professional Learning
The Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (Colorado READ Act) focuses on early literacy development for all K–3 students. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides districts with the READ Act Advisory List of Instructional Programming, which is rigorously vetted for alignment with the Science of Reading and evidence-based practices in literacy instruction.
Collaborative Classroom is proud to have Being a Reader™ and SIPPS® on the CDE’s READ Act Advisory List of Instructional Programming for core instruction and for intervention, respectively. Also approved is professional learning to support the implementation of these programs.
Core Instruction
Being a Reader, Second Edition
Being a Reader is the only comprehensive reading program that integrates rich literacy experiences with explicit social skills instruction and activities that foster students’ growth as responsible, caring, and collaborative people.
Being a Reader features:
- Integrated teaching of social skills to create a collaborative, respectful, and supportive learning community
- Explicit word recognition instruction that follows a systematic scope and sequence
- Robust reading comprehension and vocabulary instruction
- Diverse, high-quality fiction and nonfiction texts
- Embedded professional learning
- Targeted support for multilingual learners
Aligned Intervention
SIPPS, Fourth Edition
Approved by CDE for the third time, the SIPPS K–12 research-based program provides a structured literacy approach to foundational skills through explicit instructional routines.
For students needing additional practice in developing phonics and decoding skills, SIPPS and Being a Reader offer an aligned scope and sequence, facilitating a seamless transition for students moving between tiers.
SIPPS features:
- A systematic scope and sequence
- A placement assessment for grouping students with similar needs in order to provide targeted small-group instruction
- Mastery tests for ongoing progress monitoring and instructional decision-making
- Age-appropriate texts for all readers, including older students who are reading at a first- or second-grade level
- Intensive multisensory instruction for students in need of additional support, including those with dyslexia
Professional Learning
Flexible Professional Learning Plans to Support Your Implementation
To support your program implementation, we offer a variety of learning pathways that can be facilitated in-person, virtually, or led by lead teachers/coaches at your school or district.
Upcoming Events in Colorado
Brewing Ideas: Coffee, Conversation & Collaboration
Meet Your Partner in Colorado
Paula Kavalec, MEd
Paula Kavalec is your Collaborative Classroom partner.
Paula began her career as a Title One Interventionist and earned her principal licensure and second Master’s degree in educational leadership through the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Prior to joining Collaborative Classroom in 2022, Paula served as assistant principal and principal at Falcon Elementary School, where she led the implementation of Collaborative Classroom programs: Collaborative Literacy, SIPPS, and Caring School Community (Read an Interview with Paula here). At Collaborative Classroom, she is continuing her commitment to ensuring that all students become critical readers, writers, and thinkers through supporting and empowering teachers with the tools for success.
Contact Paula anytime at Pkavalec@collaborativeclassroom.org
