 Welcome to the NEWS for May 17, 2024 Happy National Charter Schools Week! Denver’s own Zak Dominello was named a 2024 Changemaker by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and this year’s Charter Schools Program Impact Report is now available. The 2024 legislative session recently ended, with big implications for school funding. Nationwide. Join us for our final town hall of the year today at 9AM. We'll highlight recent accomplishments and hear an updates on the latest State of Colorado Charter Schools report. Register here. What’s happening in your community? Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday.
Top News
Local Headlines
The 150-year-old Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind hired its first deaf superintendent. Here’s how she wants the school to grow
CPR News | May 13
Tera Spangler became the first deaf superintendent of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind earlier this year. Read more. CROWN Act amendment passes, awaits governor's signature
The Coloradoan | May 10
An amendment was made to the CROWN Act concerning protection against hair-based discrimination, but not before receiving pushback from some legislators. Read more.  Caprock leads Mesa County schools in U.S. News and World Report rankings
The Daily Sentinel | May 10
The U.S. News and World Report has released its annual rankings of high schools, with schools across western Colorado ranking highly among statewide schools. Read more. Peak to Peak senior chosen as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar
Daily Camera | May 9
Siddharth Nareddy, a senior at Lafayette’s Peak to Peak Charter School, is one of two Colorado students named as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Read more.
National Views
Charter schools cultivate knowledge, nurture social capital, and build civil society
Fordham Institute | May 16
As we observe another National Charter School Week, one fact is clear: Families are voting with their feet for charter schools. Read more.  Critics Call ‘Consumer Reports’ of School Curriculum Slow to Adapt to Science of Reading
The 74 | May 14
When Tami Morrison, a teacher and mom from outside Youngstown, Ohio, discovered Superkids, she thought she’d found the perfect way to help young children learn to read. Read more. Practicality, intentionality, and trying new things > complaining
Boardhawk | May 16, 2024
Each May, educators across the country are feeling three ways: 1) Teachers are dope (Happy Teacher Appreciation Week), 2) I’m so happy testing is done. 3) I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. This also happens to be the time of the year when we reflect on all the things that could have been better. Practical things that could have been done to get better results, to prevent that issue from popping up, and to increase student engagement. Instead of harping on the past, I want to push us to take these lessons and think through how we can improve next year. Read more. More Public Charter Schools Are Needed Nationwide (Op-Ed)
The Daily Signal | May 14
Parents, children, and supporters of school choice have cause to celebrate this National Charter Schools Week. Read more.  Retention Is the Missing Ingredient in Special Education Staffing
Education Week | May 13
Special education staffing strategies often focus on recruiting and training new teachers in the specialty, but those efforts alone aren’t enough to address shortages in the high-demand field. Read more. Why did so many Black teachers lose their jobs after the Brown v. Board ruling?
Chalkbeat | May 10
I have no vivid recollections of attending a segregated school, but I am aware that my educational journey commenced in Head Start at what was then Lincoln Consolidated School for Black students. Read more.
Community Announcements
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Charter School Changemakers Raise Their Voices on Capitol Hill
On Wednesday, seven passionate charter school leaders convened on Capitol Hill to participate in a panel discussion focused on advocating for public education. Hosted by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the panel brought together the 2024 Charter School Changemakers, individuals who are making an exceptional difference in their schools and communities, and who go above and beyond to shape students’ lives for the better. These seven individuals are unique in their communities, but together, represent a unified force for creating more high-quality public education options for families. Read more.  Scholarships and Success Coaching for Graduating High School Seniors
Recent high school graduates across the Centennial State will be eligible to receive education and career coaching this month thanks to Opportunity Next Colorado, a new $25 million statewide scholarship and advising program administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Through a new collaboration with coaching nonprofit InsideTrack, participating learners across the state will receive coaching and advising support to help them navigate the complex, often daunting process of planning for a career and life after high school. Learn more. Calling all History & Social Studies Teachers: Join the SSEWA 2024 Summer Institute
Center for Asian Studies of CU Boulder is offering a program to promote its South, Southeast, and West Asia (SSEWA) Outreach Program, which aims to help Colorado teachers enhance their curriculum and instruction about the SSEWA regions. With the Paris Olympics fast approaching, this would be a great opportunity to explore and learn more about colonialism and imperialism through the lens of sports and help educators prepare curriculum plans for the coming academic year. We’ll have speakers on cricket, basketball, physical education policies in former colonies, and indigenous sports and physical activities from South and Southeast Asia. Participants will be provided a $500 stipend for attending and submitting a project after the summer institute. Interested faculty members may sign up here.  Practices Improve Learning Experiences & More for Students with Disabilities
The Networked Improvement Community for Students with Disabilities, a group of 10 public charter school networks, worked to reimagine how they serve students furthest from opportunity. Using the tools of improvement science, educators and content experts developed and refined more than 20 evidence-based practices to improve learning experiences, environments, and outcomes for Black and Latinx students with disabilities experiencing poverty. The practices address common challenges schools face in five areas and offer step-by-step instructions, templates, and case studies. Learn more. CDE Community Learning Meeting | May 23
Recent changes to the Rules for the Administration of the Public School Finance Act (1 CCR 301-39) provide greater flexibility to expand the use of and fundability of alternative instructional models. CDE is facilitating a first learning community meeting on Thursday, May 23 from 9:00am-11:30am. This meeting will be hybrid with options for attendance virtually via Zoom and in-person in Englewood, CO. Register here. Math Instruction Professional Development | June 2024
Elementary, middle school and high school teachers are invited to register for free online professional development in math instruction. The virtual asynchronous sessions will begin in June and will provide participants with practical tools and techniques to engage students, foster deeper understanding and cultivate an engaging learning environment around math. Register here.  Get Your School in its A-GAME
Over the past five years, a bold group of charter school authorizers from across the country have been reflecting on better ways to measure school quality. We have embraced the slogan: Measure What Matters, When It Matters. We now know we can only go so far without YOU at the table. Join these upcoming conversations as we get on our A-GAME together. ADVOCACY & ACTION Governor Signs House Bill 1394 into law
On April 18, Governor Polis signed House Bill 1394 into law. This is the bill that once and for all fully equalizes mill levy funding for CSI and the more than 20,000 students that attend CSI schools. It was a historic day for the Colorado charter school sector. Ever since 2017 when we successfully advocated for the equitable inclusion of district-authorized charters in local mill levy override revenue, we've been fighting alongside CSI to ensure the playing field was level for CSI schools as well. Learn more. Protect Charter School Funding Growth
The sole federal program dedicated to charter school growth has remained flat funded for the past five years—and is now facing a potential cut. Our movement has successfully pushed back before, and we can do it again. The CSP represents just 1% of federal spending on K-12 education, despite being the only public school model growing in enrollment. Polling shows that 75% of parents would choose a public charter school option if available. An increase in charter school funding will ensure that more parents have the option to do so. Take action.  Grace Period Regarding Noncompliance of Digital Accessibility
On April 15, the Colorado legislature introduced HB24-1454: Grace Period Noncompliance Digital Accessibility. If passed, the bill will provide a one-year extension to July 1, 2025 of immunity from liability for failure to comply with the digital accessibility standards for an agency that demonstrates good faith efforts toward compliance or toward resolution of any complaint of noncompliance. Learn more. THIS & THAT Type A Electric Bus for Sale or Lease
Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette has a Type A (small) bus it is looking to re-lease or sell through its partnership with Highland Electric Fleets. This is a 2023 Chevrolet 4500 Chassis Collins Bus with capacity for 18. It is nearly new with only 948 miles on it. Because of its seating capacity, it does require a driver with a Commercial Driver's License. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jennifer Douglas at Peak to Peak Charter School at 303-453-4611 or [email protected]. Government Instrumentality for ERTC in Colorado Charter Schools
In response to ongoing inquiries, the League sought an additional legal opinion on Colorado charter schools' eligibility for the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) program. Conducted by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, this opinion differs from previous ones. While schools are encouraged to consult their attorneys before acting, it's essential to note that the ERTC program is currently on hold at the federal level, pending legislation such as the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. If passed, claims made after January 31, 2024, would not be allowed. This update aims to provide transparency and guidance to our members amid evolving legal and legislative landscapes. Check out the full legal response here. CDE UPDATES Spring Charter Board Fundamentals Seminar: May 17
The Colorado Department of Education Schools of Choice Office offers the Board Fundamentals twice per year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring. This training is designed to provide charter school board members with a clear understanding of charter school board responsibilities. This event also focuses on giving charter school board members with strategies that will strengthen the board and promote strong board governance. In this session, we learn about using Indicators of Distress to evaluate and support our charter schools from Dr. Aimee Evan of Wested. We will also learn about new data dashboards for school leaders and charter boards from Andy Franco and Amy Odell from the Minga Education Group. We will also get an update from the 2024 state legislative session from Dan Schaller from the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Register here.  Nominate an Exceptional Teacher for the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Do you know an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled K-12 teacher? Nominate him or her to apply for the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year award by Wednesday, May 28. The selected teacher will represent the entire profession in the state and automatically become Colorado’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.
Upcoming Events
| 17 May 2024 |
| Town Hall May 2024 |
| Join us at our year-end gathering to celebrate your contributions this school year. We'll honor National Charter Schools Week and delve into Colorado charter school achievements, legislative victories, and the latest State of Colorado Charter Schools report from the CDE. |
| Town Hall |
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| 29 May 2024 |
| Title IX: Board 2024 Regulation Update |
| Join us online or in-person for this free Title IX Regulation update for Boards. |
| Title IX, Hybrid |
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| 11 October 2024 |
| Leadership Summit 2024 |
| Join us at the Colorado League of Charter Schools Leadership Summit on October 11, 2024, where we'll celebrate the theme of Catalysts: Supporting & Celebrating Agents of Change. Your sponsorship empowers leaders from 261 schools, impacting over 135,000 students, as we gather to spark conversations, forge connections, and cultivate skills. This annual summit brings together visionary leaders and decision-makers from across Colorado, serving as catalysts for innovation and progress in public education. With attendees representing over 15% of all public school students and significant financial influence, this event is pivotal in shaping the educational landscape of our state. Be a catalyst for change and join us in shaping the future of education in Colorado! |
| Leadership Summit |
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Health & Wellness
| Improving Charter School Meal Options: Lessons learned from the Field, re. Kitchens and Facilities |
| Are you interested in learning more about charter school meal options? Whether you are a new school or existing school interested in offering a meal program or expanding quality options, this resource is for you. Here is the link to a recorded Webinar. This Webinar is brought to you through a collaboration between the Colorado League of Charter Schools and the CDE. |
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| 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. Learn more. |
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| Recess for Adults |
| You are, let’s say, eight years old, sitting at your school desk. Yes, that desk: the one that confines you in your chair, the one sitting in orderly rows, where you are supposed to do, well, whatever, with self-control and, above all, without causing trouble. Read more. |
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Careers
Recent League Newsletters
| The League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools. |
Vendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories. |
The League's ACT Network mobilizes charter school communities to strengthen and support schools statewide. |
Thank you to our Premium Sponsors |
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