 Welcome to the NEWS for February 21 A new report highlights the growing “honesty gap” in student achievement data post-NAEP results, while the Trump administration threatens that school diversity initiatives could lead to civil rights investigations and cancels some NAEP tests. Today's virtual legislative lunch kicks off at noon, and our biggest event of the year is just days away! Register now to secure your spot and explore new features like the EdTech Room and Book Nook. Can’t attend the full conference? Meet us for happy hour on Wednesday from 4-6 PM, followed by the 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony. We'll be pausing the NEWS next week as we focus on the conference. See you there! Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.    Update on Pagosa Peak Open School’s ‘Community Playground’ Project
Pagosa Daily | February 19
Pagosa Springs is only six months away from having a brand new community playground, uptown, at its district-authorized charter school. Immigration lawyer Jorge Castañeda on raids, DPS defiance, and the future
Boardhawk | February 17
In this episode we are talking about recent immigration activities in our community and the effect it is having on Denver Public Schools families. We are also welcoming another guest onto the podcast, Jorge Castaneda, a Denver-based immigration attorney.   Interactive: Data From 9,500 Districts Finds Even More Staff and Fewer Students
The 74 | February 20
Public schools added 121,000 employees last year, even as they served 110,000 fewer students. Could Play Boost Students’ Math Performance?
EdSurge | February 19
When he teaches a math class, Tom Fisher wants students to feel confused. At least, he wants them to feel that way occasionally and temporarily.  Standards Gap: Why Many Students Score Proficient on State Tests But Not on NAEP
The 74 | February 14
In three-quarters of the states, there were gaps of at least 15 points on 4th- and 8th-grade exams. In some, they were even greater. After Declaring NAEP Off-Limits, Education Department Cancels Upcoming Test
The 74 | February 20
The U.S. Department of Education has abruptly canceled a national test of 17-year-olds after saying just last week that its recent round of cuts would not impact the National Assessment of Educational Progress. *Featured League Staff or Board Member 
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 Our Annual Conference is Less Than One Week Away—Register Now!  It’s your last chance to join us next week at the Marriott Denver Tech Center for the biggest charter school event of the year. We kick things off Wednesday, Feb. 26, with a happy hour celebration from 4-6 PM followed by our 2025 Hall of Fame award ceremony. It’s free to attend, and we hope you’ll join us! Then, dive into two days of inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and hands-on experiences, including: 📚 Book Nook – Meet local authors and explore must-read books
🎮 EdTech Room – Demo esports and watch a drone soccer tournament
🎤 Keynote Speakers – Be inspired by Maggie Jackson and Dr. Steve Perry
💡 Nearly 100 exhibitors – Network with sponsors, partners, and education leaders Find all the details and sign up for sessions in the app!  Featured Panel: Policy, Practice, and Progress
📅 Thursday, February 27 | 3:00-4:00 PM
📍 Rocky Mountain Ballroom Join us for a powerful discussion on charter schools’ role in shaping U.S. classrooms. Our expert panel will explore how school leaders and policymakers can ensure success for all students, regardless of background. ✨ Single- and multi-day tickets are available—plus special options for authorizers and Great Schools Colorado members! Bring your board, your team, and your passion for education. 
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Earn Continuing Education Credits with Educator Financial Aid Training
Educators can earn six continuing education credits at the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Educator Financial Aid Training. Local Education Providers (grades 9-12) may also qualify for a one-time $500 stipend. Join us in Alamosa next Friday, Feb. 28, from 9 AM - 3 PM.  Webinar: Better FAFSA
Join the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Better FAFSA Lunch & Learn webinar to stay informed on financial aid updates for students. The final session will be held on Wednesday, March 12, from noon to 1 PM. Webinar: Trauma-Informed Practices in Arts Education
Join CDE’s Arts team for a webinar on Trauma-Informed Practices (TIPs) in Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts classrooms. This session will provide strategies to help arts educators foster inclusive, supportive learning environments. Register here for the webinar taking place on April 21, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 PM. Enhance Your Math Instruction with Evidence-Informed Strategies
CDE’s Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching course is now accepting statements of interest for its third cohort. This free, asynchronous course helps K-12 educators strengthen math instruction through key concepts and effective strategies. With 14 modules, facilitation guides for school-wide learning, and optional graduate credit, this course supports professional growth. Complete the interest form for priority registration in 2025.  Leadership Institute Explores Education Systems Transformation
The 8th Annual Education Systems Leadership and Policy Institute will take place July 14–18, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by the Center for Education Policy Analysis (CEPA) at CU Denver, this five-day seminar is designed for current and aspiring leaders in education systems transformation. The Institute offers graduate credit options and features guest instructors from across the nation. Applications are open now, but space is limited. If you are interested, please contact [email protected].
GET INVOLVED
Spotlight Your Outstanding Educators
The Colorado Department of Education’s “Teacher Tuesday” highlights exceptional public school teachers across the state. Each post shares a teacher’s story, accomplishments, and passion for education. Encourage your teachers to be featured by filling out this form.  Join the League's Friday Legislative Lunch
Legislative Lunches are free, and virtual weekly meetings are designed for charter school leaders and board members to stay informed about key legislative updates affecting education and the charter school sector. This cohort provides concise updates on developments at the state capital, helping attendees stay engaged and connected with issues impacting their schools. Join us every Friday from 12:00 - 12:30 PM during the legislative session. Join our Next Regional Gathering
Our Regional Gatherings bring together charter leaders from across the state to connect with peers, engage with League staff, and discuss state-level and policy efforts. Drinks and appetizers are on us. Join one or sign up for multiple to strengthen your connections. Our next Regional Gathering will take place in Durango on March 12. Register today!  Join a Learning Community
Take your professional growth up a notch with our lineup of ten specialized Learning Communities and three training events designed to enhance your skills and strengthen the charter school community. From specialized cohorts for board chairs, marketing professionals, and school founders to impactful training sessions on community engagement, there’s something to benefit everyone. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow.
RESOURCES & GRANTS
Immigration Resources for School Leaders
In response to requests from schools, the League has compiled a list of immigration-related resources to help members navigate regulations, rights, and responsibilities. This curated collection provides guidance and will be updated as new information becomes available. Access the resources here. Free Math Interventions
CDE has released no-cost math interventions to support educators, families, and out-of-school programs statewide. These resources include comprehensive lessons, assessments, and activities designed to strengthen key math skills. Explore the resources here.
CDE UPDATES
 Federal Executive Orders and Education Policy Updates Recent federal executive orders have raised questions about their impact on K-12 education. While these orders direct federal agencies, they do not impose immediate changes on the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) or local schools. A federal court has temporarily blocked the federal funding freeze, and a related memo was rescinded on Jan. 29. CDE is monitoring a new U.S. House bill proposing to abolish the Department of Education and shift funding to states. Colorado’s laws protecting individuals from discrimination in schools remain in place, and CDE will provide updates as more information becomes available. Executive Order: Keeping Education Accessible and Ending COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools” A new Executive Order from Feb. 15, 2025, directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidelines to LEAs, SEAs, and institutions of higher education on “legal obligations with respect to parental authority, religious freedom, disability accommodations, and equal protection under law” related to COVID-19 vaccination. We have not yet received guidance or any other communications from the US Department of Education on this executive order. As a reference point, Colorado does not have any requirements for COVID vaccinations for K-12 students. CCSSO Guidance on 2/14/25 Dear Colleague Letter
CDE received the following message from CCSSO on Feb. 19: On February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) published a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) about Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. The DCL provides guidance about OCR’s current interpretation of Title VI and related federal laws “but does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards” (DCL, page 1, footnote 3). US Department of Education COVID-19 Funding Guidance
CDE received information in a 2/19 update about how states will be required to access reimbursements for CARES, CRRSA, and ARP Act programs through the late liquidation process. We don’t believe that this has any impact on our state’s districts, as your ESSER funds were finalized earlier this school year. CCSSO also confirmed that the 2/19 message did not affect any other ED programs like ESEA, IDEA, and Perkins. CDE remains committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of immigration status, have access to a safe and supportive learning environment. We encourage school leaders to review available federal resources, including the Dear Colleague letter on Resources for Ensuring Equal Access to Education for Immigrant Students (issued January 8, 2025), to help support immigrant students and their families. For more information, please refer to DHS’s official statement on the directive here.   The Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort held its first session on February 11, bringing together charter school developers from nine schools and networks to explore this federally funded initiative. Participants gained insights into program objectives, funding allocation, and the Year 1 competition timeline for Spring 2025 awards, along with guidance on strong authorizing practices and all available grant support. This cohort is part of Great Schools Colorado, a five-year, $68 million program designed to expand access to high-quality charter schools for traditionally underserved students, including students with disabilities, English learners, and other educationally disadvantaged groups. The initiative supports new, replicating, and expanding charter schools that meet rigorous state academic standards. Stay tuned for details on the subgrant application process, with a focus on federal performance measures to promote equitable access and growth. Next Session: March 11 – Learn about Applicant Eligibility for new, replicating, and expanding schools, plus compliance expectations and application tips.
Connect with Us at the Annual Conference
Meet the Great Schools Colorado-CSP Team at the 2025 Charter Schools Annual Conference (Feb. 26-28) for expert-led sessions on grant funding, authorizing strategies, and more.
Stay informed—sign up for the Great Schools Colorado monthly newsletter for the latest updates. Read the February newsletter here. 
| 13th January 2025 |
| Sparks Willson |
| Sparks Willson is a business law firm. For over forty years we have served as outside general counsel for prominent local and national businesses. |
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| Assistant Director for Homeschool Connection Enrichment Program |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: $52,625 - $96,600
Closing date: Feb 21, 2025 12:00 AM
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| Woodrow Wilson Academy, Westminster (11355 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) Thursday: Evergreen (27154 N Turkey Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439) Friday: Lakewood (455 S Youngfield Ct, Lakewood, CO 80228) |
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| Principal 5-8th |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: 100,000
Closing date: Feb 24, 2025 12:00 AM
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| New Vision Charter School, CO |
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