 Welcome to the NEWS for August 9, 2024 While Tera Spangler is working to give Colorado’s deaf and blind students the education she never had growing up, all Colorado teachers can get a quick $600 for classroom supplies through a grant that opened Tuesday, but be quick to apply. New studies show student test scores are not the only indicator of future college success and higher special education funding is not tied to better outcomes. Want to ban cell phones? Read this. We want to know what’s happening in your community. Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.
Top News
| 8th August 2024 |
| Last Year, 200K Colorado Kids Used Open Enrollment to Pick Their District School |
The 74 | August 6
K-12 open enrollment is an increasingly common and popular form of school choice, allowing students to attend classes outside their assigned public school zone. Since 2021, 10 states have significantly improved their open enrollment laws, creating a boundaryless and student-centered education system. |
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| 8th August 2024 |
| Tim Walz is Kamala Harris’ VP pick. Here’s what he’s done for education. |
Chalkbeat | August 6
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former high school teacher, is Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. The pick comes after weeks of speculation that increasingly focused on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. |
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| 8th August 2024 |
| Study: Charters Boost College-Going — Even When Test Scores Fall |
The 74 | August 4
A new study of charter schools in Massachusetts has identified strikingly positive academic results. The paper, released last week through the National Bureau of Economic Research, finds that charter students in the Bay State are significantly more likely to enroll in a four-year college and obtain a degree than their non-charter peers. |
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| 8th August 2024 |
| Federal Charter Schools Program Remains Intact In Senate Appropriations Bill |
NAPCS | August 4
NAPCS thanks the Senate Appropriations Committee for recognizing the incredible value of public charter schools by offsetting the proposed cut in President Biden’s budget and also recommending funding for the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) at $440 million and increased funding for Title I and IDEA Programs. Over the past five years, charter schools have been the only public schools to experience enrollment growth, demonstrating their unique appeal and success. |
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| 8th August 2024 |
| Title IX ‘Milestone’ Goes into Effect for Students in Less than Half the Country |
The 74 | August 1
New protections against sexual harassment and discrimination, including for LGBTQ students, went into effect in less than half the country on Thursday as legal challenges to the Biden administration’s Title IX rewrite pile up. |
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Local Headlines
Colorado schools have AI roadmap to guide students and teachers into brave new world
CPR News | August 6
When schools open their doors in a few weeks, educators, administrators, parents and students will have a new guide for incorporating artificial intelligence in the classroom.  Colorado teachers: Want $600 for classroom supplies? State grants are available now.
Chalkbeat | August 6
Colorado teachers can get a quick $600 for classroom supplies or learning materials through a state grant program that opened Tuesday. But applicants have to be quick, too. Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind's first deaf superintendent shares goals going forward
The Gazette | August 6
Tera Spangler is working to give Colorado’s deaf and blind students the education she never had growing up. Earlier this year, she was selected as the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind’s (CSDB) next superintendent.  Kendrick Lamar is about to help your school
Boardhawk | August 5
Hip Hop has always had an outsized influence on youth culture in the United States – particularly though not exclusively for Black students. LL Cool J had young people wearing Kangol hats.
National Views
From New Mexico to Michigan, States Take Action After 74 Investigation Reveals Rampant Enrollment Discrimination
The 74 | August 8
Enrollment Discrimination
The 74’s reporting prompts 13 states to take added steps to ensure districts do not violate older immigrant students' right to attend school.  Oklahoma Supreme Court declines to stay ruling to rescind religious charter school contract
Catholic News Agency | August 6
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Monday denied a stay of a recent ruling that required that the Statewide Charter School Board rescind a contract with a Catholic charter school. Researchers: Higher Special Education Funding Not Tied to Better Outcomes
The 74 | August 6
An early look at new special education datasets reveals massive inconsistencies in how many children states are identifying as needing services, how much is being spent on them and whether that funding is tied to better outcomes, according to Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab. Different educational models can lead to college success
University of Michigan | August 5
Student test scores are not the only indicator of future college success. New research led by University of Michigan education economist Sarah Cohodes provides insights into how different K-12 educational environments shape college preparation, enrollment and graduation outcomes.  So Your School Wants to Ban Cellphones. Now What?
The 74 | August 5
At lunch last school year, sixth graders at Bayside Middle School in Virginia Beach could be heard shouting “Uno” and tapping out sound patterns on a Simon game console. Black and Hispanic Voters Say Democrats Aren’t Focused Enough on K-12 Education
The 74 | August 4
Congressional Democrats are at risk of shedding a critical voting bloc in swing states: Black and Hispanic voters who say their concerns about improving public education and increasing access to schools beyond their zip codes are falling on deaf ears.  Oklahoma Superintendent Unveils Guidelines For How To Teach The Bible In Schools
The 74 | July 27
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters issued guidelines Wednesday for how teachers should include the Bible in public school curriculum that include requiring analysis of biblical stories and art.
Community Announcements
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES DonorsChoose Applications Now Open
The state is partnering with DonorsChoose to provide funding for classrooms to purchase new resources and school supplies to help students succeed. Any PK-12th grade Colorado public school teacher can submit project requests to the DonorsChoose site, and eligible projects receive $600 while the funds last. Don't wait; funds are expected to go quickly. Eligible uses of project funding include upgrading or purchasing:
- Classroom supplies
- Technology learning tools
- Instructional materials
- Social or mental health resources for students
Daniels Fund Offers Opportunity to Expand Sports Programming
Daniels Fund is thrilled to share an exciting funding opportunity for all Colorado charter schools to expand their sports programming: Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day. The inaugural Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day on September 4 is a collaborative effort between the Daniels Fund and The Aspen Institute’s Project Play with a goal of helping youth sports organizations and schools with sports programs raise funds to get more kids playing sports. Daniels Fund will match donations to sports programming dollar-for-dollar until the fundraising event ends on September 30 up to $500,000 or until the funding runs out. Learn more. LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Practices Improve Learning Experiences & More for Students with Disabilities
The Networked Improvement Community for Students with Disabilities, a group of 10 public charter school networks, worked to reimagine how they serve students furthest from opportunity. Using the tools of improvement science, educators and content experts developed and refined more than 20 evidence-based practices to improve learning experiences, environments, and outcomes for Black and Latinx students with disabilities experiencing poverty. The practices address common challenges schools face in five areas and offer step-by-step instructions, templates, and case studies. Learn more.  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. CDE UPDATES Mid-Summer Accountability Update
CDE provided an update on the use of PSAT/SAT results in the 2024 performance frameworks and many other items, e.g., accountability data release updates, updates to the district accountability contact list, and reminders on other accountability-related work and support/resources. Click here to learn more. Educator Recruitment & Retention Program Offers $10K for Aspiring Educators
The Colorado Department of Education invites aspiring educators to apply for up to $10,000 in financial assistance for educator preparation program fees. The Educator Recruitment and Retention program provides direct support for qualified individuals interested in teaching in a shortage area and who can commit to working in that area for three years. Learn more and apply by Sept. 30. Opportunities for Current Educators
Opportunities for School & District Leaders
- Register for our Enhancing School Safety Regional Training
Grand Junction: Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at R-5 High School
Sterling: Friday, Sept. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Northeastern Junior College
- Improve math learning through a new traveling workshop, "Math Success Blueprint for Leaders." All content can be tailored to a district's needs. Email Math Specialist Jason Cushner to learn more.
- Prevention and Promotion Science in MTSS Training
Craig: Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moffat County Extension Office.
Denver: Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CSU Spur.
Opportunities for School & District Staff
THIS & THAT NAPCS Names Starlee Coleman as President and CEO
The Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has selected Starlee Coleman to be the organization’s next president and chief executive officer. Coleman is currently CEO of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association (TPCSA). She brings more than two decades of experience in state and federal politics, advocacy and communications to her new role. Starlee began her role on August 1. PACE for Administrators & Benefits Managers
As you plan your back-to-school orientations and benefits schedules, don’t forget to include the Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE) in your agenda. As a CLCS preferred partner, PACE offers invaluable benefits that many CLCS members already enjoy, such as:
- Liability protection for peace of mind
- Access to a dedicated legal team
- Professional development opportunities
- Grants and scholarships
- A wealth of resources
 With new staff joining your team each year, a presentation by PACE State Director Ariel Elliott can ensure everyone is up to speed. Choose from 15- or 30-minute presentations to fit your busy schedule. Contact Ariel today at [email protected] or call/text at: 720-580-1326. For Sale: 30 Student Stools
Woodrow Wilson Academy's is selling 30 student stools for $150 OBO. Contact Kim, Finance Manager at [email protected] or 303-4341-3694.
Upcoming Events
| 20 September 2024 |
| Town Hall September 2024 |
| Featuring experts in a wide variety of fields, these virtual meetings for the charter school community are held at 10:00 AM on the third Friday of every-other-month from September through May. |
| Town Hall |
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| 11 October 2024 |
| Leadership Summit 2024 |
| Join us at the Colorado League of Charter Schools Leadership Summit on October 11, 2024, where we'll celebrate the theme of Catalysts: Supporting & Celebrating Agents of Change. This annual summit brings together visionary leaders and decision-makers from across Colorado, serving as catalysts for innovation and progress in public education. With attendees representing over 15% of all public school students and significant financial influence, this event is pivotal in shaping the educational landscape of our state. Be a catalyst for change, and join us in shaping the future of education in Colorado! |
| Leadership Summit |
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| 28 January 2025 |
| Advocacy Day |
| Mark your calendars for January 28, 2025, a day poised to ignite inspiration and spark transformative conversations. Together, we'll continue to pave the way for a brighter future for charter education, armed with newfound insights and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. The League's annual Advocacy Day serves as a vibrant platform for the entire charter school community, encompassing visionary school leaders, dedicated educators, impassioned parents, and motivated students. |
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| 27 – 28 February 2025 |
| Annual Conference 2025 |
| Embark on a transformative educational journey at the highly anticipated 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference! Join us for an immersive experience where innovation meets inspiration, fostering a dynamic environment for educators, administrators, and stakeholders alike. Discover cutting-edge strategies, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with visionaries shaping the future of education. Unleash your potential, embrace new perspectives, and be part of a community dedicated to redefining the landscape of learning. Don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to elevate your educational endeavors. Secure your spot at the forefront of innovation – register now for the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference! |
| Annual Conference |
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Health & Wellness
| The League Wins Health and Wellness Grant |
| The League is proud to be one of the recipients to improve Healthy Food Access for Colorado students. |
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| Free Staff Well-Being Resources from Kaiser Permanente |
| Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools has no-cost tools and resources that school/district leaders and educators can use to make a difference in teacher and staff well-being all year round. |
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| Free High School Mental Health Club |
| Over the last 8 years, Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) has empowered students to advocate with friends, teachers, and others for mental health awareness to help create more empathetic and stigma free school environments across the country. Start a club for free today! |
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| Girls Movement Program |
| The Girls Movement is a new FREE program powered by Marathon Kids that is dedicated to empowering girls through running. Qualifying schools may receive a grant-funded Coach Empowerment Kit which includes a coach stipend! The awarding cycle for the Coach Empowerment Kit starts on July 31st, so sign up to join the interest list today. |
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Careers
| English Language Arts Teacher |
Contract type: Part-Time
Salary: 30,000-37,000
Closing date: Aug 09, 2024 12:00 AM
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| Pagosa Peak Open School, Pagosa Springs, CO |
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| Lower Elementary Lead Guide |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: $40,000-$60,000
Closing date: Sep 01, 2024 12:00 AM
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| St. Vrain Community Montessori School, Longmont, CO |
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| Early Childhood Lead Teacher |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: $46,000+
Closing date: Dec 31, 2024 12:00 AM
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| Mountain Phoenix Community School, Wheat Ridge, CO |
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Recent League Newsletters
| The League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools. |
Vendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories. |
The League's ACT Network mobilizes charter school communities to strengthen and support schools statewide. |
Thank you to our Premium Sponsors |
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