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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
Students turn high school into fright school for those with special needs
Fox 31 | October 31, 2023
A Denver public charter school scared a lot of folks on Halloween: They turned their school into a haunted house. Read more.
Denver school board election: Scott Baldermann vs. Kimberlee Sia
Chalkbeat | November 2, 2023
Voters in southeast Denver face the choice of re-electing a school board member who has championed the teachers union’s causes, or replacing him with an educator who led a local charter school network for six years. Read more
Huge cash influx brings DPS board races spending close to $2 million, with more to come
Boardhawk | October 31, 2023
With a week to go before the Denver school board election, spending to win three board seats is nearing a record $2 million in a multimedia blitz that ranges from personal attack mailers to high-priced TV commercials. Read more.
Dozens of Martin Luther King Jr. Early College students walk out of class to protest violence in Denver schools
CBS Colorado | October 31, 2023
Dozens of students walked out of Martin Luther King Jr. Early College school Tuesday morning, protesting violence and Denver Public School district policies. The "DPS Do Better Walkout" was organized after a reported assault at the school last week. Read more.
Gender identity proposals by Colorado youth council face pushback from conservatives
Colorado Politics | October 30, 2023
A group of high school students who have been working on legislative proposals for 2024 got a taste last week of the opposition those bills could draw. Read more.
Invisibly in plain sight: My undocumented experience in Denver Public Schools
Boardhawk | October 27, 2023
It was a sunny day in middle school when my life changed forever. My science teacher was excited to share with us an opportunity to travel to San Diego for something called Sea Camp. She explained we would be swimming with dolphins, exploring tide pools and could even hold starfish in our hands. Read more.
National
Study finds frugal charter schools outperform traditional public schools
The Washington Times | November 2, 2023
Charter school students outscore their traditional public school peers on standardized math and reading exams and would do 40% better if they had equal funding per pupil, a new study indicates. A research team from the University of Arkansas Department of Education Reform published the study Wednesday. They based their estimates on federal and academic statistics for nine cities covering school funding, student demographics and eighth-grade math and reading scores on the National Assessment for Educational Progress. Read More.
Biden Order on AI Tackles Tech-Enabled Discrimination in Schools
The 74 | October 31, 2023
As artificial intelligence rapidly expands its presence in classrooms, President Biden signed an executive order Monday requiring federal education officials to create guardrails that prevent tech-driven discrimination. Read more.
Survey: AI is Here, but Only California and Oregon Guide Schools on its Use
The 74 | November 1, 2023
Artificial intelligence now has a daily presence in many teachers’ and students’ lives, with chatbots like ChatGPT, Khan Academy’s Khanmigo tutor and AI image generators like Ideogram.ai all freely available. Read more.
Championing High-Quality Literacy Instruction: Inside Knowledge Matters’ New Curriculum Review Tool
The 74 | November 1, 2023
Today, the Knowledge Matters Campaign is unveiling a new K-8 English language arts curriculum review tool to advance the understanding of truly high-quality, content-rich literacy instruction. It has felt like a necessary, even urgent, resource at this pivotal moment in time. Read more.
$100M approved by State of Nevada to fund public charter schools
8 News Now | October 31, 2023
New funding recently approved will help underserved schools across Nevada. Read more.
I Changed My Shoes, and It Revolutionized How I Was Able to Rethink High School
The 74 | October 31, 2023
My dad hates that I wear sneakers to work. A high school teacher for 38 years, my dad, Darrell Blake, wears a shirt and tie to school every day. To him, it’s a matter of professionalism and respect: teachers teach, and students learn. Read more.
How Teacher Apprenticeship is Changing Teacher Preparation
New America | October 26, 2023
Public education is facing a shortage of qualified teachers. In recent years, about 10 percent of all teaching positions across the country were either unfilled or filled by teachers who were not fully certified, according to data from the Learning Policy Institute. Read more.
Community Announcements
Learning Opportunities
SOC Rural & Non-Metro Charter School Support Forum: Nov. 7
During the 2023-24 school year, the Schools of Choice Unit will continue to host the Rural and Non-Metro Charter Support Forum through a six-meeting virtual series. This forum aims to provide belonging, connection, network opportunities, and best practices for rural leaders. Hosted virtually from 4:00-5:00 PM, this session will focus on School Finance and finance supports provided by CDE. Register now.
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
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.
Teacher Grants available through DonorsChoose Program
Colorado teachers can apply now to receive $1,000 to purchase supplies, resources, learning materials, and more that will improve the learning experiences. We encourage all teachers to apply today while funding lasts! Colorado teachers can submit projects to receive funding here.
Colorado Computer Science Teacher Education Grant
The Colorado Computer Science Teacher Education Grant is open for applications through the new grants management system called GAINS. This grant’s purpose is to promote the postsecondary education of eligible teachers who teach or wish to teach computer science in K-12 education. Intent to Apply (encouraged, but not required) is due by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Completed applications must be submitted through the NEW online application system, GAINS, by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17.
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.
Apply Now for an #EIE23 Scholarship!
Celebrating 15 years as the nation’s premier education gathering, ExcelinEd's National Summit on Education is convening policymakers, shapers and practitioners from around the country November 15-17, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Georgia. Join more than 1,000 education leaders and advocates for an unparalleled opportunity to network with—and learn from—America’s foremost experts and innovators in K-12 education policy. Learn more and apply for the scholarship here.
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.
MindSpark's Education Accelerator funded by The Daniel's Fund
This program will allow your school to bring forward a team of 2-8 individuals to solve your largest problem of practice. The Education Accelerator (EA) is an innovative, fully customizable leadership program lasting five months. It is designed to support schools in developing an innovative culture, solving their biggest problem of practice, and elevating their future by leveraging entrepreneurship. It is a cohort-based model, where several teams bring forth a problem and we help you work through it! This opportunity is completely free thanks to The Daniel's Fund! Please feel free to reach out to Kiki Huckaby, [email protected] if interested in learning more, or use this link to register.
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
CSCC funding and eligibility report is overdue
All charter schools eligible to receive Charter School Capital Construction funding are required to complete the Charter School Capital Construction Report on an annual basis. This online report was due by Oct. 31 but schools may still send in their report, which helps CDE determine your eligibility and funding levels for the next fiscal year. Use this link to submit your report. For more information, contact Brandon LaChance at [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].
Student chefs needed for One Plate Challenge
Colorado School Nutrition Association seeks student teams for the fifth episode of the One Plate Challenge, a filmed mystery basket cooking competition. Student teams are critiqued by a panel of celebrity judges and compete for glory and prizes. Team applications are due Friday, Nov. 10.
The competition will be Friday, Feb. 15, at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and will be aired at the CSNA Summer Conference and on social media. Find more information and a promotional flyer to share with students. For more information, contact Shannon Murray at [email protected].
League News & Events
Governor's Budget Contains Good News For Charter Schools
SPECIAL UPDATE FROM THE LEAGUE
On Wednesday, November 1, Governor Polis released his proposed budget for next school year, and it contains good news for our schools and students.
Specifically, it calls for a 6.6% increase to per-pupil funding for next school year, and it fully funds the CSI Equalization Fund that we’ve been advocating strongly for since 2017.
While this is still just a proposal, there are good reasons to be optimistic that it will come to fruition through the legislative process this spring:
- The proposed 6.6% increase to PPR matches what it takes to fully buydown the so-called Budget Stabilization factor. This complete buydown has been a stated priority for this year of both Governor Polis and bipartisan legislative leaders. It would translate into an average statewide funding increase of $705 per student, from $10,613 this year to $11,317 next year.
- The League – working closely with partners and legislative allies – was able to secure a statutory commitment last year to fully fund the CSI Equalization Fund heading into next year. So the Governor’s commitment to do that in his budget is something that is already backed up in law, which would make it significantly harder to undo.
For these reasons, we’re hopeful that these recommendations should ultimately be adopted by the legislature this spring, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated throughout the process should your voice and advocacy be needed.
In the meantime, click here for a complete rundown of all education-related priorities Governor Polis is proposing via his budget, and THANK YOU for your ongoing support to help us arrive at this point. It’s another important step forward for our schools and our students.
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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
School Nurse Professional Development grant application available
The School Nurse Professional Development grant, funded through CDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding, will support local education providers in their efforts to provide professional development opportunities for school nurses that increase current school nurse capacity and/or retain qualified school nurses. Allowable expenses include:
- School nursing professional development tuition and registration fees.
- Travel expenses to attend school nursing professional development events, including lodging, per diem and mileage reimbursement.
- School nursing professional development speaker and/or facilitator fees.
- School nurse-related publications, such as reference texts.
- School nursing professional dues
- School nursing licensing renewal fees.
Approximately $100,000 is available for the 2023-24 school year. Awards will likely range from $1,000 to $5,000, based on the amount of funding requested and the number of applications received. See the Request for Applications on the program webpage for more details.
Suicide Prevention
September is Suicide Prevention Month. 17% of youth who participated in the 2021 Healthy Kids Colorado survey reported thoughts of suicide, with LGBTQIA youth disproportionately represented. Here are ways to help along with resources from SAMHSA:
- Educate yourself and others about suicide prevention: Learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, how to support someone considering suicide, and familiarize yourself with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Read and share SPRC’s new resource: Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families and Communities.
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
Jobs in Charter Schools
| Careers |
Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (November 1, 2023)
- NEWS (October 27, 2023))
- MOVE (October 20, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (October 30, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (October 27, 2023)
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| © 2023 Colorado League of Charter Schools |