 Welcome to the NEWS for March 28 From dismantling support for 5 million English learners to a controversial overhaul affecting students with disabilities, the Trump administration’s changes raise concerns. Meanwhile, rural Colorado schools face significant budget cuts, and a new survey warns that Medicaid reductions could severely impact school staffing and services. On a brighter note, research shows that integrating science and reading instruction can double learning benefits for students. Apply for the Teach Plus Colorado Teaching Policy Fellowship by May 2 and the CDE’s 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year application closes on April 23. Finally, don’t forget to join us for today’s Legislative Lunch from 12:00–12:30 PM. Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.   Two Colorado SKIES Academy Teachers Selected for Prestigious NASA LiftOff Summer Institute 2025
Norfolk & Wrentham | March 26
Colorado SKIES Academy is proud to announce that two of its outstanding educators, Mary Gispan and Craig Kemper, have been selected to participate in the LiftOff Summer Institute 2025: Flight Path to Innovation.  Elbert County charter school on track to open this fall
Elbert County News | March 25, 2025
Independence Classical Academy, a newly formed K-6 charter school in the Elizabeth area, continues to take steps toward opening this fall. Colorado-based peer-led program cuts teen suicide attempts by 29%
KUNC | March 24
A newly published study found that Sources of Strength, a program that trains student leaders to foster resilience and encourage help-seeking behaviors, helped reduce suicide attempts by 29% among high school students over two years.  Is the DPS board majority about to ram through a contract extension for Supt. Alex Marrero?
Boardhawk | March 21
The Denver school board’s four-member majority appears to be reverting to its old ways and preparing to ram through a premature contract extension for Superintendent Alex Marrero.  It’s Not Easy Being Green: Lessons in Empathy
The 74 | March 25
The Grinch, Shrek, and now Elphaba — the Wicked Witch of the West. Infiltrating pop culture, these greenified social outcasts invite us to reconsider what it means to belong.  Amid Deadly Measles Outbreak, West Virginia Moves to Loosen Vaccine Rules
The 74 | March 21
The West Virginia House Monday rejected its version of a Senate bill that would have loosened school vaccine requirements and expanded exemptions, voting it down 42 to 56. Teaching Science & Reading Together Yields Double Benefits for Learning.
The 74 | March 20
This month marks the five-year anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration that COVID-19 was a pandemic.  
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Teach Plus Colorado Teaching Policy Fellowship
The Teach Plus Colorado Teaching Policy Fellowship empowers educators to shape education policy while remaining in the classroom. This 10-month program, starting in the summer of 2025, includes monthly virtual sessions, working group meetings, and in-person retreats where fellows build advocacy skills, collaborate with leaders, and develop policy recommendations. A $1,500 stipend supports participants as they work to drive equity and opportunity for students. Attend the information session on Tuesday, April 15, from 6-7 PM to learn more and apply by May 2.  Webinar: Trauma-Informed Practices in Arts Education (April 21)
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 from 1:00-2:30 PM. Evidence-Informed Strategies for Math Instruction
CDE’s Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching course is 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.
GET INVOLVED
Apply to Be Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year
The search is on for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year! This prestigious program recognizes an exceptional educator who will serve as an advocate for teachers and students across the state. Any teacher may apply, and applications are due by Wednesday, April 23. Help spread the word and encourage outstanding educators to apply! For more information and to apply, visit the Colorado Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year webpage.  Join a 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. Attend our next Regional Gathering in Parker on April 10
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 Parker on April 10. 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 and find information on how to view the recorded webinar. Free K-12 Math Resources
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has released free K-12 math resources to support educators, families, and out-of-school professionals in improving student math proficiency. Developed with Colorado teachers, higher education institutions, and the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the toolkits provide research-based instructional materials, assessments, and activities. Aligned with House Bill 23-1231, this initiative addresses declining math scores since 2020.
CDE UPDATES
Key Federal Education Updates – March 2025
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) shared a letter from Acting Assistant Secretary Hayley Sanon regarding the recent reduction in force at ED. Additionally, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) on March 14, ensuring funding for the 2025-26 school year through large formula grants like Title I, III, and IDEA, with funds expected to be distributed this summer. ED also announced additional improvements to the FAFSA in a March 17 press release. Meanwhile, a new executive order issued on March 14 directs federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to reduce non-essential functions. However, core programs like the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Grants to States remain protected, with no expected impact on Colorado State Library funding at this time. Annual Promising Partnership Practices—Colorado Book
SACPIE and the CDE are collecting standout partnership practices from schools, districts, early childhood programs, and higher education institutions for the eleventh annual Promising Partnership Practices—Colorado book. This publication highlights innovative ways schools collaborate with families and communities for student success. Schools, parent-teacher groups, and other educational organizations are encouraged to submit their initiatives year-round. The final publication is released each August—submit your practice.  CDE Statement on DHS Directive Change Regarding Sensitive Locations and Protected Areas
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is aware of the recent directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinding previous guidance that designated schools as “sensitive locations” or “protected areas.” This change means that federal immigration authorities are no longer required to obtain prior approval before conducting enforcement activities in these locations. 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. US Department of Education Releases FAQ on February 14 Dear Colleague Letter
On Friday, February 28, the US Department of Education released a new FAQ document providing additional clarification on its February 14 Dear Colleague Letter. The FAQ addresses key questions and concerns, offering further guidance on the policy updates outlined in the original letter.   Eligibility & Upcoming Session In our last Great Schools Colorado Prospect Cohort, we explored eligibility requirements for new, replicating, and expanding schools, along with compliance expectations under federal guidelines. If you missed it, watch the recorded session here. Join us for our next session on April 8, where we’ll dive into the Allowable Use of Funds for the grant. This session will provide an in-depth look at CSP fund allocation, helping charter schools maximize their resources while staying compliant. Register now to secure your spot! 
| 6th February 2025 |
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| Stewards of Children Training |
| In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, we invite you to attend Stewards of Children, a live, virtual training on practical strategies to prevent child sexual abuse. This free, evidence-informed training is offered by Illuminate Colorado and is open to anyone interested in creating safer environments for children. |
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| Building a Caring & Connected School Community |
| Join the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools for a three-part professional learning series dedicated to building a caring school community —including include establishing a caring presence, creating a caring environment, and uplifting student voice. Learn more. |
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| A Day of Connection, Learning & Movement |
Colorado Healthy Schools Collaborative Meeting
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 9am–4pm
A great chance to network, share ideas, and explore strategies that support student and staff well-being. Plus, we’ll get outside for some fresh air and fun with field games. |
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