Selecting Scientifically and Evidence-Based Instructional Programs

Instructional Programs and Tools Overview Video - PowerPoint and Presenter Notes (PPT)

Selecting an Instructional Program Video

This short training walks through the use of two tools, The Reading League’s Curriculum Evaluation Tool and CDE’s Core Instructional Programming Rubric, to help guide schools and districts in selecting scientifically and evidence-based instructional programs. 

Selecting an Instructional Program - PowerPoint and Presenter Notes (PPT)

Reading League Curriculum Evaluation Tool

The Reading League’s Curriculum Evaluation Tool identifies green flags for instructional practices that align with the science of reading and red flags for practices that do not. This curriculum evaluation tool features components that align with the Simple View of Reading. Word Recognition and Language Comprehension are broken down into subcomponents. Writing, assessment, and overall design are also evaluated.

CDE K-3 Core Instructional Programming Rubric

The Core Instructional Programming Rubric is used as part of the review process for programs to be placed on the Colorado Department of Education’s READ Act Advisory List. The rubric has two phases. In phase one, reviewers are looking for evidence of research alignment, explicit instruction, sequential instruction, systematic and cumulative instruction, coordinated components and related elements that are optimal for delivering effective instruction. If the program meets the minimum threshold of points, it will move onto phase two where it will be reviewed by reading component for each grade level kindergarten through third grade. A program may appear to meet these phase one requirements but on further more detailed review in phase two, reviewers may find evidence might be contrary to the initial, cursory review. 

Instructional Program Review Rubrics for Grades 4-12

The above rubric is for Colorado school districts to review instructional programs for grades 4-12. Similar to the K-3 rubric, it has two phases. Phase I aligns K-3 with 4-12, highlighting similarities, differences, and increasing complexity. Phase II focuses on literacy components—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—organized into key categories. Each indicator includes guiding questions to aid districts and schools in curriculum adoption and instructional practices. The rubric is aligned with Colorado Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, and Communicating and supports literacy for students on READ plans beyond third grade.

4-12 Literacy Instructional Rubrics Reference List

Additional 4-12 Resources

Instructional Program Review Tool for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) of ALL Students (PDF)

The Instructional Program Review Tool for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) of ALL Students tool helps in identifying instructional programs that are inclusive of culturally and linguistically diverse student groups.

CDE Advisory List of Instructional Programming

The READ Act requires the department to identify evidence-based instructional programs and professional development programs for use by local education agencies. The CDE Advisory List of Instructional Programming includes links to providers and programs that have been approved through the most recent instructional programming review process completed in 2020. As of March 2021, this list has been updated and is now considered complete.