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Join us today for our Town Hall starting at 9 AM. Register here!
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
DPS superintendent wants to close Academy 360 charter school. But the school board has questions
Chalkeat | November 15, 2023
The Denver superintendent has recommended closing another charter school for low test scores — a once-rare option that he used last school year as well. Read more.
Colorado state budget concerns cast shadow over special session on property taxes
Colorado Sun | November 17, 2023
Gov. Jared Polis calls his proposed spending plan for next year a return to a “normal Colorado budget.” On Thursday, lawmakers on the state’s powerful Joint Budget Committee got a taste of what that actually means. Read more.
Schoales: Six likely areas for change with new DPS board
Boardhawk | November 15, 2023
Voters sent a clear message to Denver Public Schools last week that they are done with the dysfunction of the school board and want the board to focus on safety and success for students. Read more.
Colorado lawmakers will consider program to ease summer childhood hunger
Chalkbeat | November 14, 2023
Low-income families in Colorado could receive $120 per child to help pay for groceries next summer if state lawmakers agree to tap a federal program aimed at reducing childhood hunger when school is out. Read more.
Denver Public Schools bars administrator over McAuliffe from district facilities amid investigation
Chalkbeat | November 14, 2023
As part of the ongoing fallout from an investigation into the use of a seclusion room at Denver’s McAuliffe International School, the school district has barred an administrator responsible for overseeing the school from all district facilities and information systems. Read more.
Parents and teachers at McAuliffe protest DPS threat to dismantle innovation status
Baordhawk | November 14, 2023
More than 200 parents, teachers and students staged a loud protest outside of McAuliffe International School early Tuesday amid fears that the district and outgoing school board will revoke McAuliffe’s reform-minded innovation status and fire several educators at Thursday’s board meeting. Read more.
1 in 4 Colorado 11th-graders skipped their state’s standardized test − geography and income help explain why
The Conversation | November 14, 2023
About one in four 11th-graders in Colorado exercised their right to skip the state’s official science test each year between 2016 and 2019. Read more.
JeffCo Schools hacker demands money, threatens to release stolen data
Denver Gazette | November 10, 2023
The hacker group SingularityMD threatened to upload sensitive employee and student information to the dark web if JeffCo Public Schools didn’t pay a $15,000 ransom in cryptocurrency, The Denver Gazette has learned. Read more.
Colorado school board races mostly a mixed bag, but teachers union says voters rejected extremism
CPR | November 8, 2023
School board candidates backed by teachers’ unions and other public education supporters won a solid majority of their races across Colorado, after waging a fierce battle to keep conservative and religious-backed candidates at bay. Read more.
Boulder voters approve Safe Zones initiative to enforce camping bans around schools
CPR | November 8, 2023
Boulder voters have approved a change to city rules that instructs authorities to prioritize enforcement of a camping ban around schools and surrounding sidewalks. Read more.
MAP: A closer look at the math proficiency of Colorado’s low-income students
The Colorado Sun
This interactive map provides a detailed examination of the mathematical proficiency levels among low-income students in Colorado, offering a closer and nuanced perspective on their academic performance. Check it out.
National
Fall College Data Shows Big Gains — And Jarring Freshmen Declines
The 74 | November 16, 2023
Despite undergraduate enrollment gains for the first time since the pandemic began, a new report shows jarring declines among traditional freshmen. Read more.
Rise Program Opportunity
NAPCS | November 16, 2023
Rise for the World extends its warm regards, aiming to highlight an opportunity in collaboration with Schmidt Futures for charter high school students. The Rise program offers motivated students the chance to avail of need-based scholarships, closing the financial gap for college while providing an exclusive fellowship for learning and personal growth. Read more.
CharterFolk Contributor Alan Gottlieb – School Choice and the Montana Paradox
CharterFolk | November 16, 2023
Montanans proudly describe themselves as an independent bunch, marching to their own beat and placing the highest value on individual freedom. Read more.
Khan Academy Plans to Shake Up Writing Instruction With AI Tool
EdWeek | November 15, 2023
The nonprofit Khan Academy is making strategic decisions to shore up its position at the forefront of the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Read more [paywall].
Black and Latino students lack access to certified teachers and advanced classes, US data shows
AP News | November 15, 2023
America’s Black and Latino students are at a disadvantage in nearly every measure of educational opportunity, with less access to advanced classes, counselors and even certified teachers, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Education Department. Read more.
How a disgraced method of diagnosing learning disabilities persists in our nation’s schools
Hechinger Report | November 15, 2023
It pains Tim Odegard that four decades after a misguided approach to diagnosing dyslexia kept him from getting help in school, thousands of children across the U.S. are needlessly suffering for the same reason. Read more.
Alaska Leads States in First-Ever Rankings of Charter Performance on NAEP
The 74 | November 14, 2023
In an unusual, first-of-its-kind ranking of 35 states and the District of Columbia, charter schools in Alaska turned in the highest scores in reading and math, with students there learning the equivalent of about a year’s more material than their peers in other charter schools. Read more.
U.S. Parents Think Reading Instruction Is Going OK—Until They See National Test Results
EdWeek | November 14, 2023
About half of all parents say that their children have struggled to learn how to read at some point in their education. Read more [paywall].
Schools ‘Can’t Sit Out’ AI, Top U.S. Education Department Official Argues
EdWeek | November 14, 2023
School districts that choose not to engage with artificial intelligence will leave their students unprepared for a future in which the technology is expected to dominate, a key U.S. Department of Education official said at a Nov. 14 event in Washington about AI. Read more [paywall].
Community Announcements
Learning Opportunities
New TEACH Colorado PSA
The U.S. Department of Education, TEACH.org and One Million Teachers of Color launched a new public service announcement to celebrate teachers and show the impressive skills, expertise and leadership teachers use to prepare students for success in our fast-changing world. Watch and share the PSA.
For more information contact Kate Hudnut at [email protected] or 970-485-2781.
Mark Your Calendar for the 2023 Virtual Fiduciary Training Bootcamp
Save the date for the 2023 Virtual Fiduciary Training Bootcamp on December 6th, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, hosted by HUB Retirement and Private Wealth. This Ted Talks-style event will cover essential topics such as "What It Means To Be A Group Health Plan Fiduciary," insights from a DOL-EBSA Investigator, tips on avoiding fiduciary lawsuits from an ERISA Attorney, and more. Our experts will delve into best practices in fee benchmarking, investment reviews, and the significance of Financial Wellness Programs for employee well-being. Learn about the convergence of Healthcare and Retirement, the evolution of Retirement Plan Lawsuits, and gain a comprehensive overview of HUB Business Services, including expertise in business risk, employee benefits, personal lines, and compensation & benefits guidance/analysis. Invitations are on the way—don't miss this valuable opportunity to stay informed about Health and Retirement Plans. More information coming soon.
Bring your School’s Math Vision to Life at DDES: Nov. 28 & 29
Join us at Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) to learn about our journey to create a student-centered, joyful, and rigorous math culture. Participants will learn about how we used EL’s 10 Steps to Success to change the math culture at our school and our continued work to provide high-quality math instruction that is inclusive of all students and stakeholders. Learn more.
Technical Advisory Panel (TAP): Rural Representative Membership Opportunity
CDE seeks one rural representative to serve on the TAP for Longitudinal Growth, an advisory body to CDE regarding the Colorado Growth Model and the Educational Accountability Act. Applicants must represent a rural community and demonstrate expertise with educational assessment, growth (including the Colorado growth model), research, and accountability. Apply by Dec. 4.
TAPP Seeks Partners to Expand in Colorado
TAPP Online is a five-year study that aims to identify the most effective way to prepare school specialists to implement the Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP) intervention in rural communities, while creating family-school partnerships to improve student success. To get started, please contact Laura Escobedo or Kate Watson.
Volunteers Needed for CCSP Start-Up Grant Competition
The Schools of Choice (SOC) Unit at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is conducting the 2023 Colorado Charter School Program (CCSP) Start-up Grant Competition and is in need of a number of substantial volunteers with experience in charter schools to read and review grant applications. This program provides grant funds and technical assistance for up to 4-years to new and expanding charter schools across all of Colorado. Learn more.
Enrichment
Youth Guidance Evolve: A Tier 2 SEL Initiative
Youth Guidance's Evolve program is a Tier 2 Educator SEL initiative, merging the best elements of BAM & WOW programs. It empowers school staff with training and resources for trauma-informed support, fostering a nurturing, culturally sensitive environment. The Evolve Model fills a crucial gap, blending therapeutic principles for youth development in a co-ed setting with engaging, trusted leadership. Accessible through "Evolve Central," it offers professional development, unlimited curriculum access, and a vibrant online community. Thrive in a supportive school ecosystem with Evolve. Learn more.
Funding Opportunities
Accelerated Exam Fee Program now open
The Accelerated College Opportunity Exam Fee Grant Program provides funds to high schools to pay all or a portion of AP and IB exam fees on behalf of eligible students. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 12.
For more information contact Marina Estrada Kokotovic at [email protected] or 303-866-6267.
Applications Open for FY24 CSP Grants
The U.S. Department of Education has published the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Fiscal Year 2024 Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grants to Charter Management Organizations for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO Grants) competition. Applications are due January 5, 2024. The NIA can be accessed in the Federal Register here. The competition website can be accessed here.
Notify of FY24-25 BEST Grant Round by Nov. 30
The deadline for all applicants to notify CDE of their intent to apply for a BEST grant in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024-25 grant round is Nov. 30. The intent to apply form, as well as the full grant round announcement, can be found on our website. Click Here for Additional Information.
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.
2023-24 Local Food Program Grantees
The list of School Food Authorities participating in the 2023-24 pilot year of the Local Food Program is available on the Reimbursement and Funding Nutrition webpage. Approximately $500,000 was awarded to the sponsors for the purchase of Colorado grown, raised, processed and value-added products. The goal of this program is to help bolster farm to school activities and support Colorado producers, farmers and ranchers.
Free crisis services available through Colorado Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists. Help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 844-493-TALK(8255), or texting TALK to 38255. Colorado residents can also seek services in-person at walk-in centers, regardless of ability to pay. To get help with a mental health, substance use or emotional concern—for you, or for someone you know visit the Colorado Crisis Services website.
CDE Updates
Announcing the Draft of Updated School Finance Rules: Embracing Educational Evolution Responsibly
After a thorough discussion with our State Board, the CDE is excited to share the attached draft of the updated School Finance rules, representing two and a half years of collaborative work. These revisions aim to provide greater flexibility for alternative instructional models, such as blended learning, while ensuring clarity, consistency, and responsible use of taxpayer funds. Notable changes include defining "Instructional Time" for funding purposes, requiring a comprehensive course catalog for alternative instruction, and prohibiting parent-led instruction for funding. Further details will be presented at the December board meeting. Join the CDE webinar on November 27th for more insights, and feel free to provide feedback through the provided Google form. The formal rulemaking process will take place from December to March.
Important Update on 2024 Framework Targets and Measures
Wishing you the best as you sprint towards maximizing instruction before the holiday break! A quick update on the 2024 framework targets and new measures: the state board has decided to maintain consistency in the 2024 Target Methodology, reintroduce Science Achievement, delay the On Track Growth indicator, and defer PWR Higher Bar measures for further study. Your valuable feedback and the Technical Advisory Panel's expert recommendations played a crucial role in these decisions. Look out for more updates in December, including finalizations of 2023 plan types and accreditation contracts.
The Office of Online & Blended Learning is hiring!
The position will support our office with data analysis and reporting in relation to online school & programs and blended learning practices in Colorado and will also serve as the office lead in the development, planning, and facilitation of professional learning opportunities, resource development for online schools/programs & blended learning, and educational technology trends and practices. You can find more information about the opportunity here about the Online & Blended Learning Data Analysis and Professional Learning Senior Consultant position here. If you know of any great candidates for the position, please share the announcement. The posting is scheduled to close on November 23rd. For more information, please reach out to Renee Martinez, Supervisor, CDE Office of Blended and Online Learning, [email protected].
Lessons available about the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado
The Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education and the Office of Standards and Instructional Support, in collaboration with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Colorado educators, have developed lessons for kindergarten and first grade to support teaching about the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado. To access Nuchiu Strong: A Colorado Resource Guide, visit the CLDE’s American Indian Education homepage. For more information, contact Georgina Owen at [email protected].
Data privacy guidelines updated for Student End of Year
Data Privacy Guidelines for education statistics based upon the Student End of Year collection have been published. This includes graduation/completion rates, dropout rates, and mobility/stability rates. For questions about the updated data privacy guidelines contact Reagan Ward at [email protected].
Celebrate Family and School Partnership in Education Month
November is Family and School Partnership in Education Month, and the State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education and CDE are launching a social media campaign promote the importance of family, school and community partnerships. Throughout the month, we encourage schools, families, students and our community partners to share examples of how they collaborate. Use #PartnerInEd #FSCPMonth2023 and connect with CDE social media to help spread the word. Follow this link for the FSCP Month Communications Toolkit. For more information, contact Darcy Hutchins at [email protected].
League News & Events
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Health & Wellness
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
Health Equity
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.
Jobs
| Careers |
Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (November 1, 2023)
- NEWS (November 3, 2023)
- MOVE (November 10, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (October 30, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (October 27, 2023)
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