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Welcome to the February MOVE!
The countdown to the annual conference has begun! Did you secure your spot? If so, we’d love to know a bit about your thoughts heading into it and don’t forget to download our event app, Engagefully.
Learn more about the 2021 house bill that requires charters to comply with new online accessibility requirements by July 1. Plus, our friends at Boardhawk reflect on supporting families through the UPK process.
In the news, two-thirds of teachers censor themselves even when they don't have to, and mental health tops reasons why parents consider changing schools. In Colorado, Colorado Skies Academy and their authorizer’s renewal, Wyatt Academy’s board decides not to close, and DSST hires a new leader.
If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
In Memory of Keith King, a ‘Titan’ of School Choice
By Terrance Carroll
Colorado lost one of the giants of education reform this month, former state Rep. Keith King. Keith passed away due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 75, and in addition to his work as an education leader, he was known as a successful businessman, a former legislator and a dear friend to many.
I had the good fortune to serve with Keith in the state House, and while we sat on different sides of the aisle, we always sought common ground where possible and remained friends first. That may be hard to believe in the hyper-partisan world we live in today, but Keith and I were able to disagree without being disagreeable, in part because of the way we were connected through our faith.
Keith’s education reform work was more than an interest or hobby. He recognized the potential of education and was convinced we could do better for our students and their families. He knew that a high-quality education gave individuals the ability to lift themselves out of challenging circumstances and help them become even more productive members of society.
Keith’s commitment to education was borne out of his first-hand experiences. He served on the Cheyenne Mountain School Board from 1991 to 1995, and after the Charter Schools Act passed in 1993, which opened the door to tuition-free public charter schools, he served as president of the Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy starting in 1995. Those real-world experiences in education helped motivate him to make an even bigger impact on behalf of Colorado students.
It wasn’t long after his work with the Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy that Keith was elected to the state House. As you might imagine, education was also a priority for him there, and he helped pass legislation to strengthen charter school structures and operations further. Keith would later help found Colorado Early Colleges, which has grown to become the state's largest network of charter schools. He also advanced the cause of charter schools by serving on the Colorado League of Charter Schools board.
Keith’s impact was unmistakable. Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and issued a statement that said in part, “I was devastated to learn about the passing of Keith King. He dedicated his life to public service, whether it was his time in Colorado’s General Assembly, serving on Colorado Springs City Council, or helping more students access quality education through the creation of Colorado Early College.”
I will miss my friend Keith dearly, and I will miss the era of functional politics that he represented. But most of all, my heart is with Keith’s wife of 51 years, Sandi, and his two sons, Brandon and Jeremy. While I cannot pretend to know the pain they are experiencing, I know that over time their pain will turn to pride as they see the impact that Keith made in Colorado that will benefit generations to come.
Terrance Carroll is a lawyer, minister, and former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives.
Let the Countdown Begin for the 2024 Annual Charter School Conference
Immerse yourself in a dynamic and enriching experience at our upcoming Annual Charter School Conference on Tuesday, February 27, and Wednesday, February 28.
Here’s a run down if you’re coming to the conference — and if you haven’t decided yet, please join us. You can register here!
Monday afternoon, February 26, join us for a VIP Happy Hour from 4 PM - 6 PM, followed by celebrating Charter Champions and Hall of Fame recipients, honoring their dedication to transforming lives through quality education. Be sure to register for the free pre-event on Monday, February 26, to kickstart this transformative experience.
Tuesday, we start with workshop sessions and then go into our first keynote speaker, Steve Pemberton, and his address on the Lighthouse Effect. Then we’ll head into additional workshop sessions — over 55 total sessions across the two days — lunch and more workshops from a wide variety of strands. Check out the workshops here
Wednesday, we kick it back into high gear with workshops after breakfast and then our second keynote with Pat Yongpradit speaking on effective leadership strategies and unlocking the full potential of AI. Then we’ll head off to more workshops, more food, more workshops, and end the day with our celebration of Membership at the Member Forum. President Dan Schaller gives the "State of Charters In 2024" address; we review the Hall of Fame winners and hear from special guests and our 2024 board candidates. Check out the full general sessions lineup.
Throughout the experience, use the App to learn more about all our content and entertainment, including our sponsors and exhibitors who make this event possible. Explore the complete schedule.
Do you need help to attend the event? Reach out directly to [email protected], and we’ll help you purchase a ticket. For questions about sponsorships, please email [email protected], and if you have a general event question, please email [email protected]. See you soon!
Is your website and technology compliant with HB21-1110? Here are the basics.
In 2021, Colorado became the first state to require both state and local governments to meet web accessibility standards. Passed during the regular legislative session, HB21-1110 makes it a state civil rights violation for a government agency to exclude people with disabilities from receiving services or benefits because of lack of accessibility. The League sought legal input, and it was confirmed that Colorado charters are required to abide by this new law.
Does this apply to us? Schools that are already compliant have nothing to do in this instance, and many third-party providers and platform developers have already crossed this bridge. However, if you are unaware of these standards or are not sure where your technology stands in terms of accessibility, now is the time to look into evaluation, assessment, and possible fixes.
The experts on applicability indicate the bill does require compliance by charter schools, as of July 1, 2024, with tech accessibility standards ‘published by the World Wide Web Consortium web accessibility initiative, the international accessibility guidelines working group, or any successor group or organization as determined by the state office of information technology, says the expert (see additional background information from the state OIT in the second half of this article).
According to AccessiBe, "In brief, the law takes some protections that are already included in the federal ADA act and encodes them in state law."
Some new consequences: Being out of compliance with state web accessibility standards could now be subject to injunctive relief, meaning a court order, monetary damages, or a fine of $3,500. SB23-244, passed during the 2023 legislative session, helps to clear up ambiguity within HB21-1110 by clarifying statutory language to ensure the provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Read more on what technology this applies to and 10 Steps toward meeting the standards. Check out our Policy One-Pager for HB21-1110 is on our Policy One-Pagers webpage.
Celebrating Impactful Voices: Students & Chaperones Shine at 2024 Advocacy Day
We extend sincere gratitude to the students and chaperones from across the state who actively participated in this year's Advocacy Day on behalf of the Colorado League of Charter Schools and the CO charter school community. Their passionate representation significantly influenced the event, and their contributions were invaluable.
Morning training sessions provided students with the necessary tools and knowledge for engaging with representatives, and we were impressed by their preparedness and confidence during impactful conversations. Their dedication to making a difference and serving as exemplary ambassadors for our charter school community is commendable.
The efforts on Advocacy Day will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing discussions about the importance of charter schools and their positive impact on students' lives. Check out pictures captured throughout the day. The active involvement of these dedicated voices made a difference on Advocacy Day, and students, your voices were heard!
Supporting families through the Universal PreK process
Reprinted from Boardhawk | February 12, 2024
In the wake of the groundbreaking but rocky rollout of universal preschool (UPK) in Colorado last year, the focus at the school level has shifted towards ensuring that parents receive the support they need during the enrollment process.
Recognizing the pivotal role parents play in a child’s educational journey, KIPP Colorado Public Schools is working to facilitate a smoother experience for families this year.
Some of the biggest challenges coming out of last year were navigating two portals and having to rely heavily on local UPK contacts who were troubleshooting myriad technical and logistical problems in real-time. Schools were unable to see on their end which families matched, which were waitlisted, and if their applications were even accepted.
The lack of information available led to spotty communication with families, which left everyone frustrated. But this year things are different, at least in Denver Public Schools. Read more.
Community Announcements
Learning Opportunities
Attending the Annual Conference? Get the app today!
Check your email today for your login details to our conference app — Engagefully. It's a soft launch, so some data is still on the move, but we wanted you in early. Take advantage of updating info, scheduling meetings and workshops you plan to attend, and crafting your custom schedule. Click here to download the app. Need a walkthrough? Follow the steps with CLCS RD Mobile App Onboarding for guidance. Questions? Reach us at [email protected]. Urgency? Direct to [email protected].
AC24 SPONSORS: Prepare for our upcoming event by joining the App Onboarding Webinar on February 20, 2024, at 1 PM. This session will guide sponsors and exhibitors in using the App efficiently, covering the exhibitor portal and lead retrieval. If you miss the live webinar, a recording will be available. Find additional assistance for the exhibitor portal by checking out the CLCS RD Mobile App Exhibitors resource.
Mark Your Calendar: Charter Development Summit Webinar #3 on Charter School-Community Engagement – March 6th, 2024
Don't forget about the upcoming Charter Development Summit Webinar #3 on March 6th, 2024, from 12 PM to 1 PM. Join on Zoom for an insightful session focusing on Charter School-Community Engagement, featuring speakers like Mehran Ahmed from AXL, Bobby Young, and Jenny Finlay from Compass Community Collaborative. Learn innovative ways to engage with families, districts, and communities. This session is tailored for new/replicating/expanding charter schools, but everyone is welcome to participate. Register for the webinar here and be part of this fantastic session!
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.
Education Travel: Creating Impact through Opportunity
EF Tours, the only educational travel partner local to Colorado, loves charter schools. They regularly provide charter students with travel opportunities that enhance education, foster empathy, and challenge bias. The impact of their tours expands far beyond the experience itself. Visit us in Evergreen at this year's annual conference!
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.
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
Informational CMAS Science & AEC Performance Framework Results Now Live
The 2023 informational performance framework reports containing 2023 CMAS Science for all districts and attendance/truancy results for Alternative Education Campuses have been provided to district accountability contacts via Syncplicity. For questions related to Syncplicity, training or support, email [email protected].
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 Friday, Feb. 23
The free, statewide, biennial TLCC survey is available now. Because schools and districts need 50% participation to receive results, help ensure your school staff has the opportunity to participate. School support staff can be extra hard to reach, so be sure to leverage classroom relationships, lunch breaks and building team meetings to ensure codes are distributed to everyone. If you need information on who received survey codes in your building, contact [email protected].
Prevention 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
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Top News
Local
School complaints top list of January reports to Safe2Tell for first time
CPR News | February 14, 2024
For the first time in the two-decade history of Colorado’s Safe2Tell program, school complaints topped the list of reports made in January. The state attorney general’s office said school complaints are part of a complex category that includes issues within the school itself. They most often involve things like school security and conflicts between staff, students, and the wider community. Read more.
Cherry Creek schools will end charter school pact with Colorado Skies Academy
Sentinel | February 13, 2024
Declining enrollment rates and budget deficits are among the reasons why the Cherry Creek school board voted Monday to cancel the district’s charter school pact with Colorado Skies Academy Charter School. Without any public discussion, the board unanimously voted against renewing the charter agreement. Read more.
In split vote, Wyatt Academy’s charter board rejects plan to close the school this year
Chalkbeat | February 13, 2024
Following the presentation of a plan by Wyatt Academy’s principal to keep the school open, the Denver charter school’s board of directors rejected a proposal Tuesday to close it. Five of Wyatt’s nine board members voted to close the school, and four voted to keep it open. Although a majority voted for closure, the proposal needed a 60% approval rate to pass, board President Katie Brown said during the early-morning meeting. As such, the proposal failed. Read more.
As book bans increase nationwide, Colorado lawmakers consider a bill to curb such challenges
Chalkbeat | February 12, 2024
Some Colorado lawmakers want to make it harder to pull books from the shelves of public libraries and school libraries, especially when the challenges come from people who live outside the community. Read more.
Long-time charter educator to become new leader of DSST schools
Chalkbeat | February 9, 2024
Nella García Urban, a Texas charter school educator, was named Friday as the next CEO of DSST Public Schools. She said Friday she is driven to lead and was excited when she got to visit DSST schools and learn about the network’s mission. “I’m very much called to the space,” García Urban said. “Every experience I’ve had thus far has left a real mark on me.” Read more.
National
New Study: Two-Thirds of Teachers Censor Themselves Even When They Don't Have To
The 74 | February 15, 2024
Two-thirds of U.S. teachers have limited discussions of political and social issues in their classrooms, even in places where there is no law or policy prohibiting instruction on race, gender identity, sexual orientation or other hot-button topics, according to a new survey conducted by the RAND Corp. Read more.
Report: Kids’ Mental Health Tops Reasons Why Parents Consider Changing Schools
The 74 | February 15, 2024
Nearly half of families considering new school options — especially parents of middle schoolers — say the main reason they’d make a switch is their children’s mental health, a new report shows. Read more.
Why the Rush toward Generative AI Literacy in K-12 Schools May Be Premature
The 74 | February 13, 2024
The emergence of generative artificial intelligence is driving a movement to rapidly embed genAI literacy — the understanding and skills required to responsibly and effectively utilize these technologies — into the fabric of K-12 education. While this work is well-intentioned, aiming to prepare children for a tech-centric future, the challenge lies in discerning the appropriate timing, speed and manner of integrating genAI literacy, and ultimately, the technology itself into K-12. Read more.
States bet big on career education, but struggle to show it works
Hechinger Report | February 9, 2024
When Kim Rider and her team contact a former student, they aren’t just checking in — they’re also gathering data. Rider oversees career and technical education in Allen Parish, a region of rural Louisiana known for pine forests and the state’s largest casino. The 4,000-student school district offers classes in agriculture and health sciences, courses in coding and welding, and internships at the local hospital and the district offices. Read more.
Health & Wellness
Professional Development
Playgrounds as a Hub for Active, Healthy Schools
Feb. 21, 2024 | 2-3:15 PM EST
There are a wide array of physical, cognitive, and psychological benefits that can be derived from active play. School playgrounds are an ideal setting to promote active play and can be capitalized upon as a hub for comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAP). The purpose of this webinar is to introduce the latest research and strategies that can be used to maximize the use of playgrounds to promote an active school culture. Register with code: GAMETIME
Changing the Narrative to Capture the Strength and Resilience of Indigenous Youth in Rural America
February 22, 2024 | 11AM-12PM
Hosted By: Mountain Plains MHTTC
Registration Deadline: February 22, 2024
Register here.
Prioritizing Well-Being Among School and District Staff, Educators & Administrators
February 22, March 14 & April 11 | 2 PM MT
Health and well-being are fundamental to our success in educating youth, engaging families, collaborating with colleagues, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 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. Register here.
Dying to be thin: What School Based Behavioral Health professionals need to know about eating disorder
February 28 | 12PM - 1:45 PM
Hosted By: Mountain Plains MHTTC
Registration Deadline: February 28, 2024
Register here.
The Impact of Stress on Learning and Behavior
April 15-16 | 8AM - 4:30PM MT
Hosted By: Mountain Plains MHTTC
Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024
Register here.
Free Health Equity Training
On-Demand
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!
Register here.
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.
Register here.
Funding Opportunities
Community Resilience Initiatives Funding Opportunities
Closes March 15, 2024
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.
EPA Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution
Closes: March 19, 2024
Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R-OAR-APS-24-02. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity and Q&A documents. For more information: https://www.epa.gov/iaq-scho
2024-2027 Colorado Student Wellness Grant
Closes: March 20, 2024
This grant program exists to support evidence-based practices and the implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model (WSCC) as a strategy to improve the health and well-being of children and youth in Colorado to:
- Increase coordination of policies, practices, and programs to support students' physical, mental, emotional, and social needs.
- Expand local student wellness policies (C.R.S. 22-32-136 (5.5))
- Connect school health and wellness efforts to comprehensive health education standards and skills.
- Identify and address barriers related to learning and health.
Applications for the Colorado Student Wellness Grant must be submitted through GAINS. More information about GAINS is available on CDE’s website. If you have any questions, please email Liz at [email protected].
Resources
Study: Overscheduling Harms Students' Well-being
A recent data analysis by economists from the University of Georgia and the Federal Reserve Board highlights the psychological costs of overscheduling for students, particularly during high-school years. The study reveals that excessive homework and extracurricular activities can harm mental well-being, making students more anxious, depressed or angry. Read more in The Hechinger Report.
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.
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.
Free Crisis Service
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.
Jobs
| Charter School Job listings |
Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (February 15, 2023)
- NEWS (February 9, 2023)
- MOVE (January 12, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (February 7, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (January 25, 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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