Welcome to the NEWS for September 6, 2024

In this week’s NEWS, we explore the evolving landscape of education and the workforce in Colorado. From financial incentives of up to $10,000 for aspiring teachers and the challenge of a third of K-12 students being behind grade level, to the rise of charter schools and their success compared to traditional public schools, education is at the forefront. We also take a closer look at the shifting dynamics in the workplace, with young professionals stepping into leadership roles, posing new challenges for employers.

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.

3rd September 2024 Up to $10,000 offered to aspiring teachers to fill shortages in Colorado KOAA Students pursuing a teaching degree or credential across the state could get up to 10,000 dollars toward their education.

2nd September 2024 A third of K-12 students are behind grade level AXIOS About a third of U.S. K-12 students this school year are behind grade level, according to a recent survey.

2nd September 2024 Young People Are Taking Over the Workplace, and That’s a Problem for Bosses WSJ Gen Z workers are expected to outnumber baby boomers in the U.S. workforce this year. If only their bosses could understand them.

1st September 2024 Schools see dips in enrollment, but there's an outlier: charters Boston Globe  Christopher Heffaker’s article “Mass. student enrollment nearly static” details trends in the three major systems of education in Massachusetts and points out that two of the three — traditional public schools and private and parochial schools — are in deep decline, rapidly losing population.

29th August 2024 Charter schools outperform traditional public schools on average. Here's why. Fordham High-quality studies find that charter schools boost achievement by more than their traditional-public-school counterparts—an advantage that is particularly large for students of color in disadvantaged urban communities, and one that has only grown larger as the charter sector has expanded and matured.

DPS spins test results, but truth is plain to see
Boardhawk   |   September 4, 2024
At last week’s Denver Public Schools Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Alex Marrero made an impassioned plea for everyone to celebrate DPS students for their performance on state standardized tests.

From Ednium: Financial literacy, cultural and ethnic studies courses should reshape DPS student experience
Boardhawk   |   September 3, 2024
I was born and raised in southwest Denver and attended all my neighborhood schools, including graduating from John F. Kennedy High School. My parents were deeply involved in my education, stressing that the only thing people can’t take from you is the knowledge you learn throughout life.

Denver school closure decision timeline leaves just 2 weeks for talks with affected families
Chalkbeat   |   August 30, 2024
Denver Public Schools’ timeline for deciding on school closures leaves little time for community engagement between when district officials recommend which schools to close or consolidate and when the school board votes on those recommendations.

Colorado might ease SAT graduation requirement after big drops in high school math scores
Chalkbeat   |   August 29, 2024
Colorado next month may lower the passing score on high school math tests many students use to meet graduation requirements, the latest potential fallout from test scores that fell dramatically this year.

Officials declare victory for school funding after tax deal struck in Colorado
Chalkbeat   |   August 29, 2024
Colorado looks set to avoid potentially drastic cuts to school funding, after state lawmakers struck a deal this week to try to get two property tax measures off the November ballot.

Study: State Report Cards Need Big Improvements in Tracking COVID Learning Loss
The 74   |   September 5, 2024
Most people who know me would probably say I’m a data and accountability advocate. I’m on the board of the Data Quality Campaign and I’ve written extensively (and favorably) about the role of accountability in promoting educational improvement.

Does More Money Matter to Teachers? It’s Not a Simple Yes or No Question
The 74   |   September 3, 2024
As a candidate for president in 2020, Kamala Harris introduced a plan to raise teacher salaries by $13,500. Why that specific dollar amount?

Richmond Pilot Program Asks: What Happens If a School Year Is 200 Days, Not 180?
The 74   |   September 3, 2024
In March 2020, Richmond Public Schools closed for two weeks to do some deep cleaning to stop the spread of COVID-19. We didn’t reopen until fall 2021, more than 500 days later.

Why did satisfaction with K-12 rise in the past year despite little changes?
The Hill   |   September 3, 2024
Satisfaction with the K-12 education system is back on the rise after a steep decline last year, with experts saying rhetoric around the institution is sparking hope despite little tangible changes.

How Can the Community School Model Support Newcomer Education? 
KQED   |   September 3, 2024
When global events unfold, the ripple effects often land in unexpected places — like a classroom in Oakland, California. Increased refugee resettlement, immigration at the U.S. southern border and the buses sent by Texas to cities like New York have created a growing need for more support for newcomer students in schools.

Schools rethink homework
AXIOS   |   September 3, 2024
Dogs may not have anything to eat, but students could feel less stress if more schools reconsider their homework assignment policies.

Why It’s So Hard to Kill the Education Department—and Why Some Keep Trying
EdWeek   |   August 30, 2024
The federal “office of education” was housed in other agencies until President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, signed legislation to establish a separate Education Department in 1979 with strong support from the National Education Association.

Black students are still kicked out of school at higher rates despite reforms
AP   |   August 30, 2024
Before he was suspended, Zaire Byrd was thriving. He acted in school plays, played on the football team and trained with other athletes. He had never been suspended before — he’d never even received detention.

The Common App Used to Be Primarily for Private Colleges. That’s Changed
EdWeek   |   August 30, 2024
The Common Application, a platform where students can apply to multiple colleges and universities in one go, once carried the reputation of only serving students interested in private, highly selective schools that used the platform.

2024 Policy One-Pagers are Now Available We have updated policy one-pagers to help you better understand the bills passed during the 2024 Colorado legislative session. Learn what each bill might mean for your charter school or community. Explore policy one-pagers

Important Announcement: Phishing Alert
We have been informed that phishing emails are being circulated, falsely claiming to be from the Colorado League of Charter Schools. These emails request information verification and contain a link that should not be clicked. Please be vigilant and do not engage with these emails. If you receive such a message, delete it immediately and do not provide any personal information. See an example of this type of email below.

Loveland Classical Schools opening secondary school expansion
Loveland Classical Schools celebrated the opening of a new wing at its secondary school with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new addition, which includes eight classrooms and an innovation space, was financed through a tax-exempt bond and managed by NV5 Engineering with GTC Construction as the builder. The expansion addresses the school's growing enrollment, now exceeding 1,000 students. The event also marked the start of Back to School Night for middle and high school students.

Submit Your Proposal for the 2025 Colorado League Annual Conference!
Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and inspiring others? We're excited to announce that RFPs (Request for Proposals) are now open for the 2025 Colorado League Annual Conference, taking place February 26-28 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. With a theme of "Synergy in Education," we’re seeking impactful workshops that foster collaboration and teamwork.
This is your chance to share your expertise with educators and leaders from Colorado's vibrant charter school community, inspire new ideas, and be recognized as a thought leader. We're looking for proposals on topics like curriculum, school leadership, technology, social-emotional learning, and more.
Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference! Submit your proposal by October 3rd, 2024.

CDE to host the 2024 Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging Conference on Sept. 18-19
The Colorado Department of Education will host the 2024 Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging Conference on September 18-19 in Colorado Springs. The event, focused on creating supportive learning environments, is fully booked, but educators can join the waitlist. The conference features 50 sessions on topics like social-emotional learning and dropout prevention. Despite the event's popularity, CDE encourages those interested to sign up for potential openings.

CDE and AIR Seek Public Input on Colorado's K-12 School Funding
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) are conducting a study on Colorado's K-12 school funding system. They are inviting stakeholders to participate through an online survey and virtual town hall meetings from late August to September. Feedback will help inform future funding policies. Visit the Colorado Financial Adequacy Study website for more details and to participate.

ERTC Program Update
In response to continued inquiries we had received from the field, the League recently worked with others to pursue an additional legal opinion on the question of the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) program and whether Colorado charter schools might be eligible to participate. The law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, reached conclusions different from prior opinions. Schools are encouraged to consult with their attorneys before taking potential action related to this program.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

OERColorado Offers Free Digital Resources for Colorado Classrooms
OERColorado provides free PK-12+ learning materials to Colorado educators, supporting schools by reducing costs and offering adaptable resources. This statewide platform aligns with the state’s educational requirements under 22-5-119, C.R.S. Explore the OERColorado curriculum library and find resources tailored to your classroom needs. Join the upcoming OERColorado and ISKME webinar series in October to learn about "Vetting and Adopting OER" on October 1st and "OER Leadership and Advocacy" on October 8th. Learn more at OERColorado.org.

Small Grants Available for Seal of Climate Literacy Implementation
Lyra Colorado, led by CEO and Founder Mary Seawell, announces the Seal of Climate Literacy, signed into law by Governor Polis in May. The Seal aims to deepen students' understanding of climate change through real-world experiences. Local education providers can tailor coursework and learning opportunities to fit their communities.
To support implementation this school year, small grants are available. Apply by September 23, 2024. Visit SealofClimateLiteracy.org for more resources.

CDE UPDATES

Accountability Update
The mid-August accountability update from the CDE focuses on their accountability data release process, including an updated accountability timeline (with actual dates).

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.

Professional Learning Opportunities for Educators
CDE’s Project AWARE is offering free, in-person training on how to use neuroplasticity principles to create optimal learning environments. Sessions are being held across Colorado in Greeley, Pueblo, and Pagosa Springs. Register by Sept. 8 to participate!

Also, join our Project AWARE Lunch and Learn on Sept. 25 to learn about suicide prevention, including gatekeeper trainings, warning signs, and available resources. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Opportunities for School Leaders
The Rural Principal Learning Cohort application window has been extended through Sept. 30. This is a great opportunity for rural principals to connect with peers and discuss the unique challenges faced by rural leaders.

Additionally, the CDE is hosting a second Alternative and Flexible Instructional Models Learning Community meeting on Sept. 19. The session will cover alternative instruction models under the new Public Schools Finance Act rules. Register by Sept. 18 to join!

THIS & THAT

ERTC Legal Opinion Available for Colorado Charter Schools
In response to ongoing inquiries, the League has obtained a new legal opinion on the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) program and the potential eligibility of Colorado charter schools. Completed by the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, the opinion differs from previous conclusions. Schools are strongly encouraged to consult with their legal counsel before taking any action. Please note that the ERTC program is currently on hold, and pending legislation could impact future claims. Read the full opinion for more details.

You or Your Staff Could be Featured on Teacher Tuesday
CDE’s communications unit created a weekly social media campaign called Teacher Tuesday that highlights a teacher every week across all of the department’s social media. The posts feature the teacher’s photo, their accomplishments, how long they’ve been teaching and what brings them joy about their work. We need your help to add more teachers. Please fill out this submission form to add a co-worker or yourself or pass it on to a friend.

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. 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.

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

11 October 2024 Leadership Summit 2024 Join us at the Colorado League of Charter Schools Leadership Summit on October 11, 2024, to celebrate Catalysts: Supporting & Celebrating Agents of Change. This event brings together visionary leaders from across Colorado to drive innovation and progress in public education. Be part of the movement shaping the future of education in our state! Major events

27 – 28 February 2025 Annual Conference 2025 Join us for the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference, where innovation meets inspiration for educators, administrators, and stakeholders. Explore cutting-edge strategies, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with visionaries shaping the future of education. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your educational journey—register now! Major events

High School Special Education Teacher Contract type: Full-Time Salary: $52,000-$79,126.53 Closing date: Sep 08, 2024 12:00 AM Eagle Ridge Academy, Brighton, CO

Children's House Guide Contract type: Full-Time Salary: 28,000-44,000 Closing date: Sep 30, 2024 12:00 AM St. Vrain Community Montessori School, Longmont, CO

Middle School Math Contract type: Full-Time Salary: 45-65K Closing date: Dec 31, 2024 12:00 AM The Juniper School, Durango, CO

• ACT (August 21, 2024)

• NEWS (August 30, 2024)

• MOVE (August 16, 2024)

• LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (September 5, 2024)

• CONNECT COHORT (August 22, 2024)

Upcoming Trainings The League provides a variety of quality professional development opportunities for member schools.	Our Marketplace Vendors and partners are ready to support our membership. Check out options across all categories.	ACT for Charter Schools The League's ACT Network mobilizes charter school communities to strengthen and support schools statewide.
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