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Welcome to the NEWS for March 1, 2024
Thank you to all who attended the 2024 Annual Charter School Conference, contributing to its success! Your participation is crucial to the thriving charter school community. For a comprehensive recap of the event, please visit the League Events section below.
Explore the latest education news as Colorado lawmakers reject a bill on book bans, Adams 12 considers alternative teacher pay structures, and a proposed bill addresses shortened school days for students with disabilities. Delve into the debate on 'equitable' grading policies with insights from the Fordham Institute and discover how students are leveraging AI for innovative projects.
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
From Ednium: Lead authentically as yourself
Boardhawk | February 29, 2024
The weeks leading up to first grade at Johnson Elementary School in southwest Denver were anxiety ridden for my six-year-old self. Read more.
‘More kids, more joy:’ What happened when two small Denver elementary schools merged
Chalkbeat | February 27, 2024
In art class on a recent Friday, Cheltenham Elementary students made puppets out of paper bags. In instrumental music, they plinked out patterns — “ta, ti-ti, ta-ta” — on wooden xylophones. In dance class, they took turns doing a step-touch to a version of the disco hit “Stayin’ Alive.” Read more.
Jeffco parents are trying to keep a school in their community. They need half a million dollars.
Chalkbeat | February 26, 2024
Writing grant requests, requesting donations from local businesses, and even starting a GoFundMe page. Read more.
Is 24 preschoolers in a classroom too many? Colorado will soon decide.
Chalkbeat | February 22, 2024
As Colorado leaders prepare for the second year of the state’s popular new universal preschool program, they’re grappling with a hotly debated question. Read more.
National Views
CharterFolk Contributor Allen Anderson – The Intersection of Politics and Education: A Charter Authorization Story
CharterFolk | February 29, 2024
Today we are pleased to share a contributor column from Allen Anderson, Pahara Fellow and former Board Chair at The Village Academy for Speech and Debate. Read more.
Lost Learning = Lost Earning, an Equation that Could Cost the U.S. $31 Trillion
The 74 | February 29, 2024
American students are lagging behind their international peers in the aftermath of the pandemic, according to a new analysis unveiled by Stanford University economist Eric Hanushek. Read more.
This National CTE Month, Celebrating Multiple Pathways to Student Success
The 74 | February 27, 2024
February is National Career and Technical Education Month, an opportunity to consider how CTE helps young people flourish and reach their potential. Two facts should guide this reflection. Read more.
Concerned about teacher shortage, New York officials consider expanding ways to get certified
Chalkbeat | February 27, 2024
As New York grapples with a teacher shortage, state education officials are debating additional paths to becoming certified — including options beyond obtaining a master’s degree. Read more.
How an Indiana bill to recognize great civics education became a bill to allow chaplains in school
Chalkbeat | February 26, 2024
Lawmakers have altered bills originally designed to recognize Indiana schools and students for civic education to instead cover chaplains in schools, internet safety, and student discipline. Read more.
Interactive: See How Student Achievement Gaps Are Growing in Your State
The 74 | February 26, 2024
Aldeman: The easing of No Child Left Behind in 2012 set off a decline that is still being felt. Maybe it's time to bring back accountability. Interact here.
Community Announcements
CONNECT Pre-Conference Sessions: Navigating Tech Accessibility & Enrollment Strategies
The CONNECT Pre-Conference Sessions featured two insightful events. Firstly, on Monday, Feb. 26, Karen Pellegrin, Senior Manager of Technology Accessibility, led a session at Marriott Denver Tech Center, addressing the new requirements of HB21-1110 effective July 1. Attendees gained valuable insights into the affected technologies, including websites, and learned strategies for ongoing compliance. Secondly, the session on Closing the Numbers Gap: Refining Strategies Between Open Enrollment Rounds, took place on the same day at DTC Marriott, both in-person and virtually. Facilitated by Vanessa Barry, Founder of Mariposa Consulting Group, and former COO for KIPP Texas Public Schools, attendees engaged in a two-hour, three-part exercise to diagnose enrollment needs, identify improvement pathways, and create action plans based on school data. Following, Lyman Millard from Bloomwell Group provided insights into effective online advertising strategies for meeting enrollment goals. The recording for both of these events can be found here.
Flagstaff Academy Charter School Honored with Peoples Choice Award by Longmont Chamber of Commerce
Flagstaff Academy Charter School is proud to announce that it has been honored with the People's Choice Award by the Longmont Chamber of Commerce. Read the full press release 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.
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
Engage, Learn, Connect with CDE
On March 6th, join the Charter Development Summit Webinar #3 on Community Engagement from 12pm-1pm on Zoom. Gain insights from charter school leaders, including Bobby Young, Jenny Findlay, Ahmed Mehran, and Kate Mullins. Register today! Looking ahead to April 4th, an in-person Charter Development Summit at the Daniel’s Fund Offices in Denver, CO, from 9am-3pm, will cover essential topics for new, replicating, and expanding charter schools, focusing on Community Engagement, Governance, Finance, and Inclusive School Culture. Secure your spot now! Additionally, mark your calendars for March 7th for the Rural Non-Metro Charter School Support Seminar from 9:00 am-12:30 pm. Get crucial guidance and updates on rural school initiatives from experts like Michelle Murphy and Dan Morris. Register for these enriching sessions today!
Math instruction professional development
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. For more information contact Rachel Moore at [email protected].
TLCC Survey Extended to March 8
The Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado survey window has been extended to Friday, March 8, to give schools and districts additional time to reach the 50% participation threshold. Results are expected to be released in April, first to districts, then publicly at www.tlccsurvey.org. The survey is available in Spanish. Packets of codes are being mailed to sites that have not begun the survey. For more information contact Lisa Steffen at [email protected] or 720-498-3020.
Colorado Educator Loan Forgiveness Program opens March 15
Colorado educators can apply for student loan forgiveness beginning Friday, March 15. The program is designed for Colorado educators who are later in their career. Disbursement of payments will begin in July. This program is limited and not all who apply can be awarded. First preference will be given to applicants in approved rural schools/districts, followed by applicants in content-shortage area in non-rural schools/districts. Learn more about program qualifications on the Colorado Department of Higher Education website. For more information contact April Gonzalez at [email protected].
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].
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 TODAY Friday, March 1.
League News & Events
Highlights and Gratitude: Recap of the Successful 2024 Annual Charter School Conference
Reflecting on the resounding success of the 2024 Annual Charter School Conference, we extend heartfelt gratitude for your enthusiastic participation. The day was marked by honoring Charter Champions and Hall of Fame Winners, a poignant celebration of exceptional contributions within the charter school community. Steve Pemberton's keynote on 'The Lighthouse Effect' left us inspired, showcasing triumphs within the charter school community.
The day unfolded with thought-provoking workshops, exploring topics from leadership science to Gen Z understanding. Apanel discussion on cultivating civility provided insights into navigating challenging times. The conference concluded with Pat Yongpradit's keynote on AI's transformative impact in education and League President Dan Schaller's address on the state of charter schools in Colorado.
Your participation, dedication, and feedback in the post-conference survey are invaluable for enhancing future events. Thank you for contributing to the thriving charter school community. We anticipate the positive impact of the knowledge and connections gained during these enriching days.
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Health & Wellness
Professional Development
Prioritizing Well-Being Among School and District Staff, Educators & Administrators
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.
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: 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.
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 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.
Jobs
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Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (February 15, 2024)
- NEWS (February 23, 2024)
- MOVE (February 16, 2024)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (February 7, 2024)
- CONNECT COHORT (February 22, 2024)
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