 Welcome to the NEWS for January 24 Board member Dale Chu weighs in on the next Secretary of Education and teachers join forces to understand dyscalculia. Plus, nine education storylines to watch as Trump returns to the White House and a look at the growing number of public school employees nationwide. Stay informed at the state capital with today’s virtual legislative lunch at noon and then take a moment to login and register for your workshops at the 2025 Annual Conference. With three general sessions, an esports Learning Hub, drone soccer demos, curated Book Nook and more, we’ve got all the inspiration, motivation and education you need Feb. 26-28 at the Marriott DTC. Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS. 
| 23rd January 2025 |
| Penny Schwinn: The next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education* |
Fordham Institute
The education world was greeted with encouraging news over the weekend when President Trump announced that former Tennessee education commissioner Penny Schwinn would serve as the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. |
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| 22nd January 2025 |
| Colorado’s graduation rate rose, and its dropout rate fell in 2024 |
Chalkbeat
Colorado’s class of 2024 had a higher graduation rate and a lower dropout rate than the previous class — a trajectory that the state education commissioner called “promising progress.” |
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| 21st January 2025 |
| Districts share plans in case immigration officials show up at schools |
Chalkbeat
As reports spread Tuesday that schools are no longer off-limits for immigration enforcement action, school leaders in the Denver metro area had just shared plans for how to respond if immigration agents show up at schools. |
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| 21st January 2025 |
| At this Denver school, social and emotional learning aren’t an afterthought, they’re central to student success |
CPR
At just 15 years old, Jason has insight now into how his mind works that most teenagers don’t. He can name how he’s feeling and knows what to do when his emotions get too big. It wasn’t always this way. |
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| 21st January 2025 |
| Public Schools Added 121,000 Employees Last Year, Even as They Served 110,000 Fewer Students |
The 74
According to new data released in December from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools added 121,000 employees last year even as they served 110,000 fewer students. |
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 Summit joins other Colorado school districts in reaffirming immigrant protection policies as the Trump administration makes major changes
SummitDaily | January 23
After President Donald Trump’s victory in the November 2024 election, school districts across Colorado began reviewing protections for immigrant students since Trump has called for mass deportations while on the campaign trail. Summit School District was no exception.  Colorado governor Jared Polis' stance on federal immigration cooperation draws criticism from GOP
Denver Gazette | January 22
Three Republican members of Colorado's congressional delegation are calling on Gov. Jared Polis to match his rhetoric with actions when it comes to state cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Douglas County School District to update its restraint, seclusion policy
DC News Press | January 22
The Douglas County School Board is set to limit the use of restraint and seclusion and eliminate dedicated seclusion rooms in the district.  School choice window, Youngquist flap, DPS migrant protections
Boardhawk | January 22
In this episode, Alan Gottlieb and Alexis Menocal Harrigan discuss what they’ll be watching as the Denver Public Schools choice window opens. Honoring the Dreamer
Boardhawk | January 20
Another year of pausing to reflect on, remember, and recommit ourselves to the dreamer’s dream. Born January of 1929, if he were with us today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be 96 years young.  Denver superintendent: ICE officials not allowed on campuses
Denver Gazette | January 20
A top Denver school official has reiterated a district policy that does not permit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on campus as the Trump administration prepares to crackdown on illegal immigration. SWOS board meeting details experiences students can participate in this intensive session
The Journal | January 18
At their first meeting of 2025, the Southwest Open School board discussed interim Director Joe Kelly’s start in the position, unique educational experiences for SWOS students this intensive session and grants.  Mountain Middle School wins John Irwin award for third consecutive time
DH News | January 16
Earlier this week, Mountain Middle School announced that the Colorado Department of Education had awarded it the John Irwin School of Excellence Award for the third year in a row.  Teachers Join Forces to Understand Dyscalculia, a Math-Related Learning Disorder
The 74 | January 22
With little research or consensus on the topic — unlike its reading counterpart, dyslexia — educators are striving to identify and help kids with it.  Reading Champion Penny Schwinn Expected to Keep Ed. Dept. Focused on Achievement
The 74 | January 21
When Penny Schwinn resigned as Tennessee’s education chief in 2023, she acknowledged that culture war battles over race and gender had interfered with efforts to catch students up after the pandemic. CharterFolk Contributor Lyman Millard – Where Have All the Kids Gone? And What Do We Do About It?
CharterFolk | January 21
If you ask most Charter Folk working in school enrollment, they’ll tell you it has gotten a lot harder these past few years.  Trump executive orders on immigrants, transgender rights could echo in American schools
Chalkbeat | January 20
As President Donald Trump took office for a second time, he almost immediately used his executive power to roll back rights for transgender people and immigrants — actions likely to reverberate in American schools. 9 Education Storylines to Watch as Trump Returns to the White House
The 74 | January 17
Education experts tend to agree on two things: Donald Trump has an aggressive schools agenda — focused on choice and handing more control over to the states.   Keynotes, Local Authors, eSports and More Join the Camaraderie Feb. 26-28 at the Marriott DTC  With nearly 50 workshops across 13 tracks, plus keynote speakers Maggie Jackson and Dr. Steve Perry, there is inspiration and education for every aspect of your charter school! New this year are interactive attractions, including drone soccer demos and tournaments, local author meet-and-greets, and an esports hub with live demos. We’ve also built in plenty of networking opportunities, including our annual Hall of Fame awards, two happy hours, and an exhibit hall featuring nearly 100 participants dedicated to enriching and empowering the charter school sector. Single and multi-day tickets are available, plus special options for authorizers and others who may qualify for Great Schools Colorado. Bring your board members and your staff, and get ready for our biggest and brightest event of the year! 
GET INVOLVED
Stay Informed with Weekly Legislative Lunches
Legislative Lunches are free, virtual weekly meetings 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. The first lunch will be held TODAY from 12:00 to 12:30 PM. Register here.  Celebrate National School Choice Week: January 26–February 1
Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed January 26–February 1, 2025, as Colorado School Choice Week! Join the celebrations, including a rally at the state Capitol and school fairs in Denver and Colorado Springs. Schools like North Star Academy, Colorado Early Colleges Douglas County North, and New Summit Charter Academy also have events planned—some open to the public. Let’s amplify the charter school voice and engage in this important conversation. For inspiration and event details, click here. Support Charter Schools Impacted by SoCal Wildfires
The Southern California wildfires have devastated communities, displacing families and damaging schools, including public charter schools. Many staff and students have lost their homes, with some schools completely destroyed. The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is partnering with local organizations to provide critical resources and immediate aid. Join us in supporting these efforts to help families and schools rebuild stronger. Give today. Register for Denver School Choice Expo 2025
Transform Education Now invites schools to the Denver School Choice Expo this Saturday, January 25 at Infinity Park Event Center. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, families will explore school options, meet school representatives, and get on-site enrollment assistance. This fun, free event features music and food, offering schools a great chance to connect with families. Space is limited to the first 65 schools—register now.  Attend a 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.
GRANTS & RESOURCES
2025 National Civics Bee
The annual competition encourages young leaders to flex their civics knowledge and get involved in their communities by identifying real issues and offering solutions. Top students will get to compete for grand prizes, including a $100,000 529 college savings plan. The application period for the 2025 Civics Bee is now open for students in grades six to eight. Learn more. 58th Annual High School Bridge Building Competition: Sat. March 1
The annual Model Bridge Building Contest is a statewide program aimed at providing interaction and communication among practicing engineers, high school students, and other professionals. Its underlying objectives are to enhance the appeal of engineering careers to high school students, begin establishing their relationships with the professional community, and improve the prospects that such careers will be mutually beneficial to both society and the individual. The top winners from each region in the state competition are eligible to advance to the International Contest. Awards and scholarships are available. Learn more.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
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].  Colorado Education Policy Fellowship
The 2025 Colorado Education Policy Fellowship begins in February and runs through December, offering a nine-month professional development experience for individuals passionate about education policy in Colorado. With a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, participants will explore key topics such as rural school challenges, mental health access, and state funding reforms through dialogue with policymakers, researchers, and educators. This fellowship fosters collaborative learning and networking opportunities. Applications are due January 31, 2025. If you are interested, please contact [email protected]. READ Act Training
Amendments to the READ Act require K-3 teachers providing literacy instruction, 4-12 reading interventionists, and school administrators (including principals) to complete specific training (SB19-199 and SB22-004). The Office of Elementary Literacy and School Readiness is hosting monthly live informational webinars to provide updates on the training requirements for teachers and school administrators. When Quality Means We Can Get Better, Faster
Kevin Hesla, Director of Data Strategy at the League, dives into how charter schools are driving improvements in performance metrics like CMAS, P/SAT, and SPF rankings. Drawing from a Keystone Policy Center report, he highlights how charter schools exemplify accountability and progress, offering a roadmap for improving outcomes for all students, especially those historically underserved. Through data insights, Kevin emphasizes how quality and innovation in charters inspire growth in education. Read more.
CDE UPDATES
 Guidance for Supporting Immigrant Students
The Colorado Department of Education shared guidance for superintendents and BOCES directors on fostering safe, welcoming schools for immigrant students. Key points include:
- Schools cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status (Plyler v. Doe).
- Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on national origin, race, or color.
- Schools are protected spaces where immigration enforcement is restricted.
Districts are encouraged to remind families of their rights, anti-discrimination policies, and commitment to belonging for all students. For more information, contact them directly.   The League is excited to share an update about the successful application for the Federal CSP grant, now called Great Schools Colorado. This five-year, $68 million program aims to support schools that serve traditionally underserved communities, focusing on expanding access for students with disabilities, English learners, and other educationally disadvantaged groups. The program’s goal is to encourage growth, replication, and the creation of new charter schools that meet challenging state academic standards. In the coming months, the League will roll out specific details about the application process for subgrants, with a focus on meeting federal performance measures to ensure equitable access and growth. Read the full email with updates here. To get updates on new information and updates, sign up for the Great Schools Colorado monthly newsletter.  
| 24 January 2025 |
| Legislative Lunches |
| A cohort for charter school leaders and board members who wish to stay updated on happenings at the state capital as they relate to education and the charter school sector. Meets weekly during the legislative session. |
| Policy Calls, Virtual |
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| 28 January 2025 |
| Advocacy Day |
| Join us January 28, 2025, for Advocacy Day, uniting charter leaders, educators, parents, and students in impactful conversations. |
| Major events, Denver |
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| 26 – 28 February 2025 |
| Annual Conference 2025 |
| Experience the 2025 Annual Conference—where educators, leaders, and visionaries shape the future of charter education. |
| Major events |
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| 12 March 2025 |
| Regional Gathering: Four Corners |
| Join your Four Corners Charter School leaders for a League Hosted Happy Hour. |
| Regional Gatherings, Durango |
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| 21 March 2025 |
| Town Hall March 2025 |
| A virtual meeting for the charter school community featuring timely topics. |
| Town Hall |
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