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Welcome back!
Join Bill Knous, Director of Charter School Growth at the League, as he reveals strategies for boosting student enrollment and explores expansion opportunities across the state. Get a sneak peek into the upcoming Legislative Session and stay informed on the latest updates. Discover the outstanding nominees for the annual Hall of Fame, explore new job openings at the League, mark your calendar for an upcoming event where students can engage with legislators at the Capitol, and so much more.
If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
Driving Growth & Enrollment One School at a Time
As we delve further into a new calendar year and open enrollment windows continue to open and close for the next school year, it’s my honor to work with charters across the state to not only capitalize on strategies that boost student enrollment but also look more deeply at the opportunities that some of these schools have to expand or replicate.
The reality is that word of mouth is not enough, and schools that invest in ongoing community engagement and marketing tend to see better long-term benefits than those that don’t. In the 2022/23 school year, 126 CO charter schools saw their enrollment increase by at least 1% - this is significant when there is declining enrollment across almost every county in the state. The efforts made today will continue to pay off by generating interest and increasing lottery participation in subsequent years. In addition, focusing on retaining students is just as important as attracting new ones.
From defining or redefining your school’s goals to building an action plan and putting it into motion, enrollment is a responsibility that can and should be shared across teams at every school. There are a number of proven practices, tools, and frameworks that can be tailored to meet you where you are, and ensuring you have the right ownership, roles, and responsibilities clear across your team can help you meet current enrollment goals as well as future growth.
This is the inspiration for the League’s extended workshop series — Leveraging Community Engagement to Drive Continuous Enrollment. Designed for both school leaders and site-based owners of marketing, enrollment, and/or community engagement, the goal is to help charters set a new vision and norm for school recruitment across teams. Each session provides ample work time to begin implementing ideas while developing policies, procedures and strategies that can exist beyond changes in staff.
My experience has shown me that, with the right approach, every charter school is uniquely positioned to meet both its own enrollment goals and overall market demand. Best of all, I’m here to help! There are three sessions left in this six-part series, and you need not have attended any of the first three to gain value. Free to members ($100 for non-members), I personally invite you to join me at the following times:
- Workshop #4: January 17 | 12-2 PM
- Workshop #5: February 26 | 12-2 PM
- Workshop #6: April 6 | 12-2 PM
Plus, don’t miss this year’s Annual Conference, featuring a two-day lineup of enrollment workshops (and SO much more!).
You may also consider joining the CONNECT Cohort (free to member schools) for additional ongoing marketing and engagement learning opportunities.
Our team continues to keep its pulse on current statistics, and according to the National Alliance, charter school numbers continue to grow nationally while district schools remain flat. In Colorado, while our charter school enrollment is at a historic high — 137,000+ students at 260+ schools in 2023 — these numbers are never guaranteed. Evaluating your marketing and communication strategies to ensure full enrollment is a crucial component of healthy, sustainable operations. New numbers will be coming out later this month, and we look forward to sharing them with you in our February edition of MOVE.
Bill Knous, Director of Charter School Growth
Colorado League of Charter Schools
The Colorado General Assembly’s 2024 Legislative Session Opened This Week
The 2024 Colorado Legislative session has now begun and the Governor gave his State of the State address yesterday. Our first Legislative Update newsletter of the year has a preview of what’s to come. Immerse yourself in the crucial discussions, debates, and decisions that will play a defining role in shaping the future of education in our community. Together, let's champion educational opportunity and innovation for every Colorado student. Read the full Legislative Update and join the League in exploring our key priorities and collective efforts or login to our website and add the Legislative Update to your e-newsletter list.
Spotlighting Excellence: The Colorado League of Charter Schools' Annual Hall of Fame Celebration
The Colorado League of Charter Schools' annual Hall of Fame is a joyous celebration honoring members, leaders, and supporters who have significantly contributed to the charter school movement. Annually, we invite nominations from our community, and a dedicated committee thoroughly reviews the submissions. Nominations open through January 13, 2024 (tomorrow).
The finalists are announced in early February, and the winners are revealed during a special Hall of Fame ceremony on Monday, February 26, at 6:30 PM (Free). We are delighted to highlight these remarkable individuals who have already distinguished themselves as outstanding contributors to the charter community across Colorado.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming ceremony, we're excited to share the current list of nominations with you. Stay tuned for the announcement of this year's finalists and deserving winners at the special ceremony during our annual conference.
Empowering Voices: Colorado's Annual Charter School Advocacy Day 2024
Students and leaders from around the state are getting ready for our annual Charter School Advocacy Day on February 1, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM in downtown Denver. We're thrilled to welcome over 200 charter students, teachers, and leaders from across the state for a unique opportunity to delve into advocacy and leadership. We are excited to have our participants discover the legislative process, gain effective advocacy tips, stay updated on current education bills affecting charter schools, and engage directly with elected officials at the Capitol.
The morning will be dedicated to preparing for our Capitol visit through training, role-playing, and practical exercises. After training and coaching, we'll enjoy lunch and head to the Capitol to meet with legislators and staff, sharing insights about our public charter schools and advocating for their policymaking support. Our collective strength is pivotal, and these student advocates are creating an impact through their message to legislators about the vital role of public charter schools in the state.
Expanding Impact: Strengthening Policy Advocacy at the League
As the League has grown in strength and stature, one thing that's become clear is that we're increasingly called upon to develop and weigh in on complex policy topics with increased frequency. Having more capacity on the team in this particular area will enable us to grow our strength and influence even further. The Advocacy Team will now be at six full-time staff, the largest it’s ever been for the League.
And the League’s efforts don’t stop at full-time, dedicated positions either. The League and its sister organization CLCS Action spend more than twice the total of the membership dues on advocacy efforts to support, advance, and defend the issues that we all care so deeply about. Please help us in spreading the word through the link to our website below.
| VP of Policy Job Posting |
It’s Past Time for DPS Board to Move on Redistricting
By Boardhawk columnist Alexis Menocal Harrigan
The new year brings retrospection. What have we done well, where did we fall short, and how can we be a little better in the year ahead?
The Denver Public Schools board has given us plenty of opportunities to highlight where it fell short in 2023, and for many of us, the high point of the year was the election of three new board members. What can the board do to be a little better in the year ahead?
Allow me to make a case for redistricting.
Redistricting isn’t simply about moving some lines on a map, it is a cornerstone of equal representation under the law.
Denver’s communities of color have long been concentrated into culturally rich pockets of our city. Denverites have tremendous pride in the cultural character of their respective geographic ‘hoods. You can spot a longtime Denverite who knew the city pre-21st century gentrification if they proudly claim to be an Eastsider, Northsider, or Westsider. Read more.
Celebrate National School Choice Week: January 21-27
In 2023, a record 20 states said “yes” to expanding school choice, implementing or are getting ready to implement programs that will likely enroll millions of students. Charters play a critical role in this ecosystem, and it's up to us as educators, staff, and supporters to share the power of allowing caregivers to choose the school that best suits their student’s individual learning styles.
Join the celebration, raise awareness, and enhance your connection with your community! These Digital Backpacks for parents, schools and organizations make it easy with activity ideas, resources, social tools, videos and more. Pick one or pick them all, and use hashtag #SchoolChoiceWeek to be recognized.
You are also welcome to participate in these local events:
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Denver Capitol Celebration
Tuesday, January 23 | 1-2PM | Colorado State Capitol -
Denver School Fair
Saturday, January 20 | 11AM-2PM | Auraria Higher Education Center -
Colorado Springs School Fair
Saturday, January 27, 2024 | 10AM-2PM | Great Wolf Lodge
We look forward to seeing your photos and enjoying the collective enthusiasm for this special week! Learn more.
Community Announcements
Learning Opportunities
Last Call: Nominate Outstanding Leaders for the 2024 Hall of Fame by end-of day TOMORROW!
Don't miss the chance to nominate outstanding school leaders for The Colorado League of Charter Schools' 2024 Hall of Fame. Nominations close on tomorrow, January 13, 2024. Join us in celebrating and honoring those who contribute significantly to the charter community. Your nominations play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community within the charter school movement. Nominate someone today!
Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado survey launches Wednesday, Jan. 24
Codes for the statewide, biennial TLCC survey will begin arriving by email next week for survey coordinators to distribute. The anonymous survey will be available for all educators, special service providers, school leaders, and education support professionals to provide feedback from Wednesday, Jan. 24, until Friday, Feb. 23. Schools and districts must have 50% participation and five responses to receive results. The survey results can be used for continuous improvement, strategic planning, research and policy. Take the survey and track participation on the TLCC website.
CC-LIVE Partners with Top Schools: Mountain Middle School Achieves 2023 Distinction Rating!
CC-LIVE is partnering with top accredited schools in Colorado! Mountain Middle School Announces the State’s Top 2023 Accreditation Rating of Performance with Distinction. Mrs. Tabola enjoys every moment of working with the 8th graders at Mountain Middle School. Thanks to the warmth from the students and the administration we feel through the screen we are not surprised they have received this honor and we want to say, Congratulations! A well-deserved recognition of your dedication to your students.
Elevating Educational Quality: Member Council's Impact and the MQSS Program
The Member Council, crucial in advising on matters benefiting both the League and the community, introduced the Member Quality Standards & Supports (MQSS) program last year. Addressing the need for high-quality education, the program targets schools with lower academic performance through SPF ratings, set for release this week. MQSS aims to boost charter sector quality with stronger standards and intentional support. Despite less than 10% of League members falling into the bottom two performance categories, the program highlights the League's commitment to elevating the charter sector and improving education quality statewide. For inquiries, contact the Member Council, Dawna Taylor (VP of School Services), or Dan Schaller (President). Your engagement is vital as we strive for statewide educational improvement.
Save the Date: Call for Proposals at the National Charter School Conference 2024
Mark your calendars for the upcoming NCSC24 Call for Proposals, opening on Tuesday, January 16! Submit a proposal to present a breakout session at the upcoming conference this June. To help you get started, the NAPCS is hosting an informational session on launch day, January 16, 4-5 p.m. ET. Join them to learn more about submitting a proposal, session formats, content focus topics, opportunities to collaborate, and ask any questions you may have.
League Flash Poll: Take a Couple Minutes to Help Us with PERA
PERA is looking to expand the pool of qualifying employees to include substitute teachers hired by third-party contractors, even if they remain employed by the contractor rather than the school. The League is actively pushing back on this issue and needs your help to assess the potential impact on our schools. Please take a quick 8-question survey to share your insights on current practices at your school and how this shift could affect you. We'll keep you updated on developments as we continue to oppose this initiative.
INCubatoredu Webinar Series by Uncharted Learning
Uncharted Learning invites you to a transformative webinar series featuring alumni panels sharing their experiences with high school entrepreneurship through INCubatoredu. Over the next two months, join three dynamic sessions to hear directly from students whose lives were shaped by this program. Discover how INCubatoredu prepared them for college success and propelled them into thriving careers. Engage in interactive discussions, pose your burning questions during Q&A sessions, and be inspired by real-world success stories. Save the dates, register now, and unlock the entrepreneurial journey with Uncharted Learning!
- Wed. 1/31, 10am MT: https://bit.ly/46AEszt
Professional Learning & Exploration Program with Educational Tours
Join fellow district leaders from around the country in Japan and South Korea during July ‘24 to build global competency, explore educational innovation, connect with community and take part in professional networking in an international setting. Scholarships are available - applications are due by January 19, 2024. Apply here. For more information reach out to Heather Keeton.
TAPP Seeks Partners to Expand in Colorado
TAPP Online is a five-year study that aims to identify the most effective way to prepare school specialists to implement the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) intervention in rural communities, while creating family-school partnerships to improve student success.
Funding Opportunities
Accelerated Exam Fee Program Now Open
The Accelerated College Opportunity Exam Fee Grant Program provides funds to high schools to pay all or a portion of AP and IB exam fees on behalf of eligible students. Applications are due TODAY Friday, Jan. 12. For more information contact Marina Estrada Kokotovic at [email protected] or 303-866-6267.
Morelli Scholarship: Empowering Dyslexic Students in STEM Education
The Morelli Scholarship application opens on January 1, 2024, encouraging potential applicants to seize this opportunity. Geared towards students with dyslexia pursuing STEM degrees in the Fall of 2024, the scholarship prioritizes those excelling in STEM subjects despite challenges in English. Many scholars engage in our free Mentorship Program during their freshman year. Visit their website for more Foundation details and to access the application. Access the list of questions on our website before the application launch, allowing interested students to work on their submissions during the holiday season.
Cahn Fellowship
Cahn Fellowship provides advanced leadership development and recognition in large metropolitan areas to strong, talented school leaders to improve public education. The best schools are led by strong principals. Cahn Fellowship selects high-potential principals to participate in programs that maximize their talents and enhance their skills. These programs aim to have a dramatic impact on the performance of the school, the outcomes for the students, and the satisfaction and commitment of the principals themselves. Learn More.
Free crisis services available through Colorado Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services: Free, confidential support 24/7. Call 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Walk-ins welcome for all Colorado residents, regardless of ability to pay. Visit the website for mental health, substance use, or emotional concerns.
CDE Updates
The Family Health Line is now 2-1-1
The Family Health Line phone number, 303-692-2229, has been fully transitioned to 2-1-1 and is no longer active. If this phone number is listed on any school or district website, please remove it and direct visitors to 2-1-1 Colorado. For more information contact Kasey Harlos at [email protected].
Prevention and Promotion Science professional development opportunity
This spring the Colorado State University Prevention Research Center, in partnership with CDE, will offer one-day, in-person regional training sessions on prevention science to support evidence-based prevention programs, practices and policies in schools. Afterward, participants can join remote learning communities to share their successes and challenges. The training dates and locations will be determined with interested district and school staff. Email Aubrie Radford at [email protected] if you’re interested in participating. For more information contact Chauncey Stephens at [email protected] or 720-355-3026.
Exceptional Children’s Educational Act High-Cost Reimbursement applications
Applications and instructions are available for reimbursement of special ed high-cost student expenditures for the 2022-23 fiscal year. In Administrative Unit and Out of District applications are due Friday, March 1.
Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee openings
CSEAC has openings for new members who are interested in the quality of education received by children and youth with disabilities. CSEAC is a state-level committee mandated by federal and state law that includes parents of individuals with disabilities, educational service providers, administrators and representatives from a variety of related agencies. The committee is statewide and representative of diverse disabilities. Click here to view the application and current list of vacancies on the CSEAC website.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Awards nominations and applications open
PAEMST Awards are the highest honors the U.S. government bestows upon kindergarten through sixth grade teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science. Principals, teachers, parents, students and members of the general public may nominate exceptional Colorado STEM teachers who teach grades K-6 for the 2023-24 award year. Eligible teachers may also apply directly on the PAEMST website.
League News & Events
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Top News
Local
DPS deserves kudos for handling of migrant student influx
Boardhawk | January 10, 2024
Over the past couple of years, I’ve frequently used this space to level-pointed and wholly justified criticism of the Denver Board of Education and the leadership of Denver Public Schools. Read more.
Charter school to replace tiny Jeffco K-8 slated for closure in remote Coal Creek Canyon
Chalkbeat | January 10, 2024
The Jeffco school board on Wednesday approved a new charter school to open in Coal Creek Canyon and replace a district-run school that will close at the end of this school year. Read more.
For Colorado’s class of 2023, the graduation rate was up and the dropout rate was down
Chalkbeat | January 9, 2024
Colorado’s graduation rate ticked slightly up for the class of 2023, continuing a long-running trend of rising graduation rates except for a brief dip during the pandemic. Read more.
PERSPECTIVE: The agenda Colorado needs in 2024
The Denver Gazette | January 7, 2024
Building a better Colorado in 2024 requires placing the policy priorities on the needs of taxpayers, parents, and local communities, with the goal of reigniting the state’s economy and keeping government in check. Read more.
National
Emergency-Hired Teachers Do Just as Well as Those Who Go Through Normal Training
The 74 | January 10, 2024
When K-12 schools closed their doors for in-person instruction in spring 2020, it had a variety of negative effects on students and teachers. It also shut off the training opportunities for future educators. Read more.
Exclusive Data: Thousands of Schools at Risk of Closing Due to Enrollment Loss
The 74 | January 9, 2024
Days before Christmas, the school board in Jackson, Mississippi, voted to close 11 schools and merge two more — a drastic move that parents in the district had long feared. Some on the list have lost 30% or more of their students since 2018. Read more.
When Getting Good Grades and Working at Grade Level Are Not the Same Thing
The 74 | January 8, 2024
Teachers no longer lead parent conferences at Arundel Elementary School. Read more.
Migrant families and schools brace for wave of shelter evictions
Chalkbeat | January 8, 2024
Thousands of migrant families with school-aged children will begin having their time in city shelters run out starting Tuesday as the first 60-day eviction notices, which the city began passing out in October, start to expire. Read more.
The ‘Godfather’ of Top Charter Schools: A Tribute to the Late Linda Brown
The 74 | January 7, 2024
The woman who was arguably one of the most influential U.S. educators in decades died on Christmas day in her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the age of 81, with her fingernails freshly painted bright red — as always. Read more.
How pandemic-era emergency teaching licenses diversified the teaching profession
Fordham Institute | January 4, 2024
The Covid-19 pandemic created innumerable disruptions to the education system. Among them were challenges faced by teacher candidates trying to complete licensure requirements. Read more.
Policymakers must remember that micromanaging schools is typically a suboptimal strategy
Fordham Institute | January 4, 2024
Powerful incentives compel policymakers to micromanage public organizations by imposing stifling directives, rules, and procedures, sometimes rendering those organizations rigid and ineffective. Read more.
#901: Charter schools just keep winning, with Debbie Veney
Fordham Institute | January 1, 2024
On this week’s Education Gadfly Show podcast, Debbie Veney, a senior vice president at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, joins Mike to discuss the growth in the charter sector since 2019. Listen to the full podcast here.
Health & Wellness
Empowering Educators: Navigating Comprehensive Sexual Health Education with Trauma-Informed Practices, and Holistic Approaches
This series of two webinars is designed for educators who are teaching or will be teaching or supporting Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in their school or district. In these interactive webinars, we will explore best practices when teaching comprehensive sex education and skills-based health education. Session one will dive into trauma-informed education, healing centered engagement, along with relevant Colorado legislation. These interactive and engaging sessions are brought to you by the Trailhead Institute and Thrive Consulting in partnership with SHAPE Colorado.
When: January 24, 2024, 4:15-5:30pm & February 7, 2024, 4:15-5:30 pm
Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9303604431
Invitation to Quarterly Lunch + Learn: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in
Join the Colorado Project AWARE team and Envision:You for our upcoming Quarterly Lunch + Learn on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The event, conducted via Zoom, will focus on the topic "What Do LGBTQ+ Youth Need from The Trusted Adults in Their Lives?" More detailed information, including the flyer, is linked here and attached to this email. This webinar-style learning opportunity is open to all Colorado school communities, and we encourage you to share it within your networks. To attend, please register for the Lunch + Learn. For any inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected]. Visit our webpage to learn more about Colorado Project AWARE. Wishing you wellness, The Colorado Project AWARE Team.
Educator residency improves teacher diversity, well-being
PEBC's pilot program, supported by a $1.5 million, 2-year grant from Kaiser Permanente, aims to rebuild the educator workforce in Colorado by recruiting teachers from historically underserved populations. The Teacher Residency program, aligned with the Thriving Schools initiative, focuses on integrating social and emotional well-being into classrooms to address burnout and retention challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, during the 2022-2023 school year, 9% of teaching positions in Colorado remained unfilled. Since the grant, the program has seen a 32% increase in participants from historically underrepresented groups, with retention rates 25% higher than the national average for program graduates. Learn more about the impactful PEBC Teacher Residency program.
Prioritizing Well-Being Among School and District Staff, Educators, and Administrators
Health and well-being are fundamental to our success in educating youth, engaging families, collaborating with colleagues, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Register for a four-part, learning series that prioritizes staff well-being with Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools on January 25, February 22, March 14, and April 11 at 4 p.m. ET and 1 p.m. PT. All school and district staff, regardless of position or title — including cafeteria workers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, teachers, and administrators — are encouraged to attend this no-cost webinar series.
The Colorado Health Foundation
Feb. 15, 2024 Grant Deadline
- Building a Pipeline of Primary Care Providers to Serve Diverse Communities
- Capital Infrastructure - Increasing Access to Care for Coloradans of Color
- Equitable Community-Designed Outdoor Spaces
- Supporting Coloradans in Recovery through Nonclinical Programs
- Supporting Holistic, Culturally Responsive and Youth- Driven Physical Well-being
Health Equity
Check out the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC)’s 90-minute recording of Equitable Language and Why it Matters. School Health Professionals play a vital role in student health! Enroll in the Health Equity Online Module, a 2.5-hour, self-paced online course from the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center. The course is free and meant for those who are serious about walking their health equity talk but aren’t quite sure how to get started.
Jobs
| Charter School Job listings |
Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (December 6, 2023)
- NEWS (January 5, 2023)
- MOVE (December 8, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (January 10, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (December 7, 2023)
Upcoming TrainingsThe League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools. |
Our MarketplaceVendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories. |
Health & WellnessThe Healthy Schools Hub: Join the League at a new One-Stop Location for Health & Wellness Resources. |
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