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Welcome to the NEWS for February 2, 2024
We made it to February, which means the Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference is just around the corner! This year, we’re focused on re:visioning education, featuring two keynote speakers, one panel discussion, over 50 workshops and plenty of opportunities for networking. Don’t miss this highly anticipated event. Secure your spot today!
Meanwhile, it’s been a busy week for headlines. See why French American School of Denver and Downtown Denver Expeditionary School are definitely cool, and Ascent Classical Academy may have changed management but with minimal impact on employment. Some Denver schools are trading class time for planning time, while others face a shortage of staff and funding following an influx of migrant students. Plus, why schools won’t recover from the COVID absenteeism crisis until at least 2030 and how gutting accountability hides the truth and hurts learning.
If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
News & Commentary
Top News
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Local Headlines
Additional staff needed to support influx of migrant students in Denver Public Schools
Fox 31 | January 31, 2024
Over 3,000 new students have enrolled in Denver Public Schools classrooms since the start of the school year. That’s an average of about 100 new students a week district-wide. “We have never welcomed new arrivals at this rate,” said Adrienne Endres, executive director of multilingual education for DPS. Read more.
From Ednium: Be a person of value
Boardhawk | January 31, 2024
I was awarded the Dream Investor award at the Ednium Homegrown Awards this past December. The winner is someone who “has invested their time, energy and efforts into helping people within the community to dream bigger.” When I think about community impact, it is about the connections you make, it’s about knowing the community and understanding its problems enough to make real change. Read more.
Bilingual students miss out on advanced classes and gifted education. This teacher fights for change.
Pueblo Chieftain | January 30, 2024
Colorado public schools counted a total of 881,464 students in October 2023 — that's the lowest total headcount recorded by the Colorado Department of Education since 2013. Read more.
Hundreds of families attended the School Choice event in Colorado Springs
KOAA News5 | January 28, 2024
Where your child goes to school is an important choice but it can be a difficult one. That's why the group Parents Challenge held a one stop shop for all things education. Read more.
Migrant influx leaves Denver Public Schools short $17.5 million in funding as students keep enrolling
Denver Post | January 28, 2024
Hundreds of migrant children, many fresh from crossing the southern border, have registered to attend Denver schools since last summer, numbers that grow week after week, boosting enrollment in Colorado’s largest school district and — at least temporarily — reversing a years-long decline in students. Read more.
Gutting accountability hides the truth, doesn’t improve learning
Boardhawk | January 26, 2024
During a two-plus hour debate earlier this month about the conditions under which a struggling charter school would be allowed to keep operating, the Denver school board, and one member in particular, demonstrated how on target Finn’s assertions about the erosion of accountability are. Read more.
Schools must use a student’s preferred name under this proposed bill
Fox31 | January 25, 2024
A new proposed bill is being debated at the Colorado Capitol, and it would require schools to use a student’s preferred name in the classroom. If they don’t, it could be considered discrimination. Read more.
French Immersion School in Denver teaches students to become well-rounded citizens
9 News | December 15, 2023
One of the primary goals at the French American School of Denver (FASD) is supporting their students to become global citizens. Read more.
National Views
New FAFSA delay is a ‘gut punch.’ What can Colorado families do now?
Chalkbeat | January 31, 2024
Colorado students who plan to go to college this fall are facing yet another financial aid delay. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education announced it wouldn’t be able to send Institutional Student Information Records in batches to colleges and universities until “the first half of March,” adding more frustrations to a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid process that started three months behind. Read more.
Lawmakers Duel With Tech Execs on Social Media Harms to Youth Mental Health
The 74 | January 31, 2024
During a hostile Senate hearing Wednesday that sometimes devolved into bickering, lawmakers from across the political spectrum accused social media companies of failing to protect young people online and pushed rules that would hold Big Tech accountable for youth suicides and child sexual exploitation. Read more.
Report: Schools Won’t Recover from COVID Absenteeism Crisis Until at Least 2030
The 74 | January 31, 2024
The rate of students chronically missing school got so bad during the pandemic that it will likely be 2030 before classrooms return to pre-COVID norms, a new report says. Read more.
Cash incentives to curb chronic absenteeism are worth a try
Thomas Fordham Institute | January 29, 2024
Last year, 27 percent of Ohio students were chronically absent, meaning they missed more than 10 percent of the school year for any reason. In districts such as Columbus and Cleveland, more than half of students were chronically absent. That’s an enormous problem, as absenteeism negatively impacts student achievement. Read more.
Drawing on Video Games, Educators Land on Unlikely Idea: ‘Playful Assessment’
The 74 | January 30, 2024
Anyone who has played video games knows that they do one thing well: Keep score. At any given moment, players know what level they’re on, how many points or kills or badges they’ve earned and how far they must go to win. Oh, and they’re fun. Read more.
Community Announcements
Making Sense of 2024: A Presentation for High School Students
The current political context is daunting and discouraging for everyone, but perhaps most of all for young Americans. What is happening in our country’s politics, how did we get here, and what is our role within it? Drawing on history, political science, original research, and popular culture, Stephen Hawkins, Global Director of Research for More in Common, seeks to answer these questions in a way that is grounded, yet inspiring, all in a 35-minute presentation. Developed for students in grades 9-12, the presentation is 35 minutes followed by Q&A. For more information, contact [email protected].
Expanding Quality & Access to your Mission: Charter Replication, Expansion & Growth in Colorado [Webinar Replay]
Special thanks to Bill Knous, Colorado League of Charter Schools Director of Charter School Development, Paige Jovanovic, Denver Public Schools Director of Authorizing and Accountability, and Nicole Wetzel, Global Village Academy North School Leader, for sharing their knowledge about charter expansion and replication efforts. If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording here. Register for the third webinar on March 6 here.
New Collaborative to Funds Charter Research
MIT Blueprint Labs recently launched a Charter School Research Collaborative to make charter research more actionable, rigorous, and efficient. The Collaborative will fund research proposals on long-term student outcomes, non-test score measures of school quality, the determinants of school quality, charter governance practices, and more (the full research agenda is here).
The first request for proposals is now open, and Blueprint seeks proposals of various sizes, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 based on research scope and stage. Apply here by April 17, 2024.
Blueprint is also hosting a virtual matchmaking session for charter school researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to meet and begin to develop new research partnerships. The session is February 6, 2024 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET. Sign up or learn more about finding a new research partner here. You may reach out to Talia Gerstle with any questions.
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.
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.
Funding Opportunities
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.
CDE Updates
Attend an Educator Financial Aid Training in Denver [Feb. 9]
The second Denver metro region educator financial aid training will be on Friday, Feb. 9, at the University of Colorado Denver Student Commons Building. Use the registration form to join upcoming trainings and check future dates. These one-day, in-person trainings are designed for K-12 school counselors, advisors, educators and those involved with the FAFSA/CASFA processes at their school, organization or agency. Topics include updates and changes on the FAFSA, an overview of CASFA, Individual Career and Academic Plans, the FAFSA Completion Portal, My Colorado Journey and more. Eligible participants who complete this training will receive a $500 stipend as part of House Bill 22-1366 Improving Students’ Postsecondary Options.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Speaker Series [Feb. 22]
Register to hear Jessica Martinez, former English language learner director of the year, speak about Strategic Goal Setting for Multilinguals at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22. Martinez will discuss how to plan with the end in mind, develop a vision, set goals and leverage collaborations using WIDA ACCESS data. Attendees will explore the common thread between Seal of Biliteracy, bilingual pathways and goal setting with CLDE directors, administration, teachers and students. Learn more.
Complete the TLCC Survey by Feb. 23
The CDE and the Colorado Education Association encourage all school leaders and support professionals to participate in the statewide Teaching Learning Conditions Colorado (TLCC) survey. This confidential and anonymous survey is available at www.TLCCsurvey.org until 5:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 23. Individuals who work in schools can get their site survey codes from their CEA representative or school leader.
Prevention & Promotion Science Professional Development
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.
League News & Events
An Empowering Advocacy Day: A Gratitude Recap for Our Charter Students
A heartfelt thank you to all the schools and students who actively participated and made impactful contributions during Advocacy Day. The morning training sessions provided advocates with the tools and knowledge for meaningful conversations with representatives. Their preparedness and confidence were truly inspiring as we headed to the Capitol for these enlightening discussions. We deeply appreciate your commitment to making a difference and serving as exemplary ambassadors for charter schools. Your efforts significantly contribute to ongoing discussions about the importance of charter schools and their positive impact on students' lives. Check out the link for snapshots of the day and tag us in your photos on social media. Thank you for being integral to Advocacy Day!
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Health & Wellness
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 roles, where you are supposed to do, well, whatever, with self-control and, above all, without causing trouble. Getting things done, under the teacher’s gaze. The bell rings. You are overcome with adrenaline-fueled excitement. It’s recess. Let’s go out to the playground. Doing something else. Read more.
Community Resilience Initiatives: New Funding Opportunities Available
In alignment with The Colorado Trust’s 2024-26 Strategic Plan, the Community Resilience Initiatives are three-year investments demonstrating the foundation’s belief in and commitment to the strengths, abilities and resiliency of Colorado communities. These seven grantmaking initiatives address the strategic plan’s three focus areas of food, housing, and mental and behavioral health, all of which emerged during the planning process as top priorities in communities across Colorado. This funding aims to bolster entities working to respond effectively to disruptions in communities resulting from economic downturns, social turbulence, public health crises, or a lack of coherent or effective public policy.
The Community Resilience Initiatives include seven competitive funding opportunities, each described in more detail at the links below. Each respective page provides information on the initiative’s goal, and links to the request for proposals, application template, pre-application webinar registration, and more. All pre-application webinars will be recorded and posted to these website pages after the live versions. The window for submitting a grant application for any of these initiatives is Feb. 15 – March 15, 2024.
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 and in partnership with SHAPE Colorado. When: February 7, 2024, 4:15-5:30 PM. Where: Zoom.
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
Free Health Equity Training
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.
Free Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Walk-ins are welcome for all Colorado residents, regardless of ability to pay. Visit the website for mental health, substance use, or emotional concerns.
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Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (January 17, 2024)
- NEWS (January 26, 2024)
- MOVE (January 12, 2024)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (January 24, 2024)
- CONNECT COHORT (January 25, 2024)
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