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Welcome to the NEWS for March 29, 2024
Explore legislative developments impacting Colorado charter schools, including controversial bills and opposition from Governor Polis. Delve into the intersection of cannabis and youth, with insights on adolescent marijuana use. Learn about promoting literacy at home and challenges faced by a Denver charter school in teaching science to students below grade level.
Be sure to explore the League's upcoming events and training sessions for the rest of the school year in the League's News & Events section below. 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 Headlines
Colorado budget would boost funding for higher education, end maneuver that shortchanged schools
Chalkbeat | March 26, 2024
Next year’s $40.6 billion Colorado state budget proposal unveiled on Tuesday aims to provide a big boost to K-12 schools and colleges and universities across the state. Read more.
TEN’s new Community School Report tool aims to fill an information gap
Boardhawk | March 25, 2024
Transform Education Now (TEN) believes that access to a world class education is a fundamental right of all children, which is why we champion the right for families to choose the learning environment that is right for their children. Read more.
As most high schoolers head home for the day, these Colorado Springs students are just starting class
The Colorado Sun | March 25, 2024
By 4 p.m. most weekdays, a stillness has settled over much of Sierra High School, the constant slamming of lockers and feverish exchanges of hallway gossip reduced to the quiet footsteps of teachers. Read more.
COLUMN: Democratic legislators and the jerk of the knee | Eric Sondermann
The Gazette | March 23, 2024
It is called a Taylor Tomahawk Percussion Reflex Hammer. You know it as the tool your doctor uses to tap your knee, gently or not, to test your neuromuscular response. Read more.
'It's definitely painful': One of Colorado’s oldest charter schools is closing
The Denver Gazette | March 22, 2024
GLOBE Charter School, one of Colorado’s oldest charter schools, will close its doors upon the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year. Read more.
Colorado will allow some of this year’s new migrant students to skip state tests
Chalkbeat | March 22, 2024
Some students who are new to the U.S. and enrolled in Colorado schools after the official October count will not have to take any standardized tests this spring. Read more.
Denver school board adopts new social media policy that reflects U.S. Supreme Court ruling
Chalkbeat | March 22, 2024
Denver school board members shouldn’t speak on behalf of the board or claim to exercise board authority when they post on social media, according to a new policy the board unanimously adopted Thursday evening. Read more.
National Views
Education may now be a “cross-partisan” endeavor
Fordham Institute | March 28, 2024
Some consider Checker Finn to be the Obi-Wan Kenobi of education reform. He is the master, wise one, and main influencer of thought for so many who populate education reform efforts today (and one of these authors in particular). Read more.
Our schools have lost their sense of purpose
Fordham Institute | March 28, 2024
I recently examined the rise in teacher absenteeism post-pandemic. I concluded that it’s a serious threat to learning recovery, and that it reflects broader shifts in the teacher labor market. Read more.
The Need to Reboot and Reemphasize Civics Instruction Has Never Been Greater
The 74 | March 26, 2024
American education, both K-12 and postsecondary, has long needed to reboot and reemphasize instruction in civics and citizenship. But that need has never been greater than today, as disunion, disruption and disbelief come to characterize so many elements of American life. Read more.
Gov. Greg Abbott Says Texas is Two House Votes Away from Passing School Vouchers
The 74 | March 26, 2024
Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday urged school voucher supporters to make the final push in the May primary runoff elections to bring a pro-school voucher majority to the Texas House. Read more.
Interactive: Data From 9,500 Districts Shows Another Boom Year for School Staffing Even as Fiscal Cliff Looms
The 74 | March 25, 2024
According to new data from the National Center on Education Statistics, public schools added 173,000 students and 159,000 employees in the 2022-23 school year, including 15,000 additional teachers. Read more.
#912: Predicting charter school success, with Adam Kho and Alex Quigley
Fordham Institute | March 20, 2024
On this week’s Education Gadfly Show podcast, Adam Kho, an assistant professor at the Rossier School of Education, and Alex Quigley, the executive director of the Durham Charter School, join Mike and David to discuss whether charter authorizers can determine the quality of prospective charter schools. Listen to the podcast here.
Community Announcements
The League and Partners Release Joint Statement on HB24-1363
Colorado House Bill 24-1363, introduced on March 6th, targets students benefiting from the state's charter school system, jeopardizing their access to diverse educational opportunities. Sponsored by Rep. Lorena Garcia, Rep. Tammy Story, and Sen. Lisa Cutter, the bill prioritizes politics over the needs of thousands of students. The League ACT Network has sent over 40,000 emails opposing HB1363, emphasizing the detrimental impact it would have on Colorado's 260+ charter schools and the 135,000+ students they serve. Read the full statement here and take action here.
League Pursues Federal Charter Schools Program Grant: Enhancing Education in Colorado
We're excited to announce our pursuit of the Federal Charter Schools Program Grant. If awarded, this grant will provide vital support to charter schools in Colorado, fostering growth and excellence in education. Learn more about this opportunity to advance educational excellence for all students.
Casey McComsey Secures Board of Director Spot for the League
Casey McComsey has been re-elected to his seat on the League's Board of Directors. With an impressive track record spanning his roles as a charter school parent, teacher, principal, and network leader, McComsey's commitment to educational equity and school choice has propelled him into this position. Join us in thanking the candidates and thanking Casey for his continued service to our mission. Read more about Casey and his fellow nominees.
Participate in the Colorado League of Charter Schools 2023-24 Member Survey
As valued members of our community, input from school leaders is crucial in shaping the future direction of the League. Therefore, we invite senior leaders at schools to participate in the Colorado League of Charter Schools 2023-24 Member Survey. The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and will close on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 5:00 PM. As an added incentive, participants can enter a random drawing for one of ten $50 gift cards by including their email address at the end of the survey. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the survey, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kevin Hesla at [email protected].
Potential Phishing Attempt Alert from Colorado League of Charter Schools
It has come to our attention that some individuals may be encountering a phishing attempt falsely associated with our organization. This unauthorized communication bears the subject line "Colorado League Of Charter Schools Information Update" and requests personal information. We urge you to ignore and delete any such emails immediately. For your reference, we have attached an image of the fraudulent email with the Colorado League of Charter Schools logo. Please remain vigilant and do not disclose any personal information in response to suspicious communications claiming to be from our organization. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
How the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act Supports Equity and Innovation
Educators who aspire to open a new school may be able to make their dreams a reality with a new bill moving through Congress. On October 18, 2023, Senators Cornyn (R-TX) and Booker (D-NJ), along with Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Senator Cassidy (R-LA), Senator Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Scott (R-SC), Sen. Hassan (D-NH), Sen. Braun (R-IN) and Sen. Schatz (D-HI) introduced S.3072, the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act. The purpose of the bill? To provide more equitable access to pre-planning resources needed to open a school and tear down barriers for those who need the most help. Read more on this topic from the NAPCS.
Join the Charter Development Summit!
School of Choice is excited to announce its upcoming in-person Charter Development Summit on Thursday, April 4th, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Daniel’s Fund Offices (101 Monroe St, Denver, CO 80206). This summit aims to support new, replicating, and expanding charter schools, focusing on Community Engagement, Governance, Finance, Authorizing, and building Inclusive School Culture. With about 10 spots remaining, interested parties should sign up soon. Those unable to attend after registering are requested to email [email protected]. Stay tuned for the final agenda later this week. All are welcome to participate!
OERColorado: Where Colorado Learns Through Shared Knowledge!
Budgets eating up curriculum funds? The OERColorado Project is a statewide initiative, funded through state and federal grants and administered by the Colorado River BOCES, to provide access to digital collections of free, openly licensed curriculum resources for PK-12+ educators. OERColorado is a digital library of Open Educational Resources (OER), textbooks, and classroom materials across subject areas, CTE, and communities of practice. Think “Teachers pay Teachers” but Free! For more information on how to use OERColorado resources in classrooms and with students, visit the “OERColorado” channel on YouTube or email [email protected].
Save The Date and Celebrate National Charter Schools Week!
Join us in celebrating National Charter Schools Week! From May 12-17, 2024, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools highlighting the incredible impact of charter schools on students, families, and communities across the nation. Explore success stories, learn about innovative programs, and join the conversation on social media using #CharterSchoolsWeek. Together, let's celebrate the diversity, excellence, and opportunity that charter schools provide. Visit the link to discover more and join the celebration!
Exciting Opportunity for Charter School Leaders: Fall Global Professional Learning Tour with EF Tours!
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is proud to partner with EF Educational Tours to offer school and network leadership (administrators, executive directors, CEOs, etc.) this unique professional development opportunity. APPLY NOW for a full scholarship to participate in travel-based learning in Panama from October 10th through 14th, 2024! Applications are due by Friday, April 5th, 2024. For more information, contact Heather Keeton, Educational Partnerships Manager for EF: [email protected] or 720.903.8639.
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.
Making Sense of 2024: A Presentation for High School Students
The current political context is daunting and discouraging for everyone, but perhaps most of all for young Americans. What is happening in our country’s politics, how did we get here, and what is our role within it? Drawing on history, political science, original research, and popular culture, Stephen Hawkins, Global Director of Research for More in Common, seeks to answer these questions in a way that is grounded, yet inspiring, all in a 35-minute presentation. Developed for students in grades 9-12, the presentation is 35 minutes followed by Q&A. For more information, contact [email protected].
New Collaborative to Fund Charter Research
MIT Blueprint Labs recently launched a Charter School Research Collaborative to make charter research more actionable, rigorous, and efficient. The Collaborative will fund research proposals on long-term student outcomes, non-test score measures of school quality, the determinants of school quality, charter governance practices, and more (the full research agenda is here). The first request for proposals is now open, and Blueprint seeks proposals of various sizes, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 based on research scope and stage. Apply here by April 17, 2024.
Funding Opportunities
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.
CDE Updates
Nominate an Exceptional Teacher for the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year
Do you know an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled K-12 teacher? Nominate him or her to apply for the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year award by Monday, May 20. The selected teacher will represent the entire profession in the state and automatically become Colorado’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program. For more information contact Patty Gleason at [email protected] or 303-910-5721.
UIP Feedback Released on a Rolling Basis
Schools and districts on Performance Watch (i.e., Priority Improvement, Turnaround, On Watch, On Hold) or ESSA Comprehensive Support are being reviewed by the School Improvement and Planning Team. Feedback will be shared with district accountability contacts and will be available in the Collaborate Tab of the plan Online UIP System as it is available. Reach out to the UIP team for support in implementing feedback: https://www.cde.state.co.us/uip/uip_contacts.
UIP Template Roll Over April 15: New Streamlined Template Option for 2024-25
The UIP template will roll over on Monday, April 15, changing from the 2023-24 template to the 2024-25 template. Once the template rolls over, school users will only have access to the 2024-25 template; previous UIPs and feedback will be view-only. District users can still access, edit, and post 2023-24 UIPs, if needed.
For the 2024-25 school year, schools and districts have the option to use the new streamlined Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) Template beginning on April 15. This template will be accessed by district staff in the online portal, and school users can be given access by district LAM assignment. For more information visit the online system website.
Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer data collection due Tuesday, April 30
The mandatory Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer data collection will be open from Monday, April 1, to Tuesday, April 30. Household income information may be collected from families through free and reduced lunch applications, a combo form or the Family Economic Data Survey form. CDE will host an S-EBT webinar training at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. and will also provide updates on the data collection during the Data Pipeline Town Hall every Thursday in March from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. For more information and to access an informational flyer for families in English and Spanish, visit the Summer EBT webpage. For questions, contact Madeleine Breza at [email protected] or 720-471-7049.
Engage, Learn, Connect with CDE
On April 4th, an in-person Charter Development Summit at the Daniel’s Fund Offices in Denver, CO, from 9am-3pm, will cover essential topics for new, replicating, and expanding charter schools, focusing on Community Engagement, Governance, Finance, and Inclusive School Culture. Secure your spot now!
Math instruction professional development
Elementary, middle school and high school teachers are invited to register for free online professional development in math instruction. The virtual asynchronous sessions will begin in June and will provide participants with practical tools and techniques to engage students, foster deeper understanding and cultivate an engaging learning environment around math. For more information contact Rachel Moore at [email protected].
Colorado Educator Loan Forgiveness Program opens March 15
Colorado educators can apply for student loan forgiveness beginning Friday, March 15. The program is designed for Colorado educators who are later in their career. Disbursement of payments will begin in July. This program is limited and not all who apply can be awarded. First preference will be given to applicants in approved rural schools/districts, followed by applicants in content-shortage area in non-rural schools/districts. Learn more about program qualifications on the Colorado Department of Higher Education website. For more information contact April Gonzalez at [email protected].
Informational CMAS Science & AEC Performance Framework Results Now Live
The 2023 informational performance framework reports containing 2023 CMAS Science for all districts and attendance/truancy results for Alternative Education Campuses have been provided to district accountability contacts via Syncplicity. For questions related to Syncplicity, training or support, email [email protected].
League News & Events
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Health & Wellness
Professional Development
Improving Student Health & Wellness for Educators
May 9
The Colorado Healthy Schools Collaborative is excited to announce the upcoming
hybrid meeting on May 9 th, 2024! The meeting will be held in person in Colorado Springs and hosted virtually. In addition to the meeting, we have a variety of professional development opportunities available in the afternoon. Review the May 9 event schedule and register!
The Impact of Stress on Learning and Behavior
April 15-16 | 8 AM - 4:30 PM MT
Hosted By: Mountain Plains MHTTC
Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024
Register here.
Empowerment Through Education: Stewards of Children Training - April 24, 2024
April 24 | 2 PM MT
Stewards of Children is an evidence-informed, award-winning training designed to empower adults with practical actions to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in organizations, families, and communities. By participating, you'll acquire valuable insights, skills, and resources to recognize, respond to, and contribute to creating a safer environment for youth. Register here.
Prioritizing Well-Being Among School and District Staff, Educators & Administrators
April 11 | 2 PM MT
Health and well-being are fundamental to our success in educating youth, engaging families, collaborating with colleagues, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. All school and district staff, regardless of position or title — including cafeteria workers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, teachers, and administrators — are encouraged to attend this no-cost, webinar series. Register here.
Free Health Equity Training
On-Demand
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! Register here.
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.
Register here.
Resources
Study: Overscheduling Harms Students' Well-being
A recent data analysis by economists from the University of Georgia and the Federal Reserve Board highlights the psychological costs of overscheduling for students, particularly during high-school years. The study reveals that excessive homework and extracurricular activities can harm mental well-being, making students more anxious, depressed or angry. Read more in The Hechinger Report.
Recess for Adults
You are, let’s say, eight years old, sitting at your school desk. Yes, that desk: the one that confines you in your chair, the one sitting in orderly roles, where you are supposed to do, well, whatever, with self-control and, above all, without causing trouble. Getting things done, under the teacher’s gaze. The bell rings. You are overcome with adrenaline-fueled excitement. It’s recess. Let’s go out to the playground. Doing something else. Read more.
Educator Residency Improves Teacher Diversity, Well-being
PEBC's pilot program, supported by a $1.5 million, 2-year grant from Kaiser Permanente, aims to rebuild the educator workforce in Colorado by recruiting teachers from historically underserved populations. The Teacher Residency program, aligned with the Thriving Schools initiative, focuses on integrating social and emotional well-being into classrooms to address burnout and retention challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, during the 2022-2023 school year, 9% of teaching positions in Colorado remained unfilled. Since the grant, the program has seen a 32% increase in participants from historically underrepresented groups, with retention rates 25% higher than the national average for program graduates. Learn more about the impactful PEBC Teacher Residency program.
Free Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Walk-ins are welcome for all Colorado residents, regardless of ability to pay. Visit the website for mental health, substance use, or emotional concerns.
Jobs
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Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (March 21, 2024)
- NEWS (March 22, 2024)
- MOVE (March 15, 2024)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (March 11, 2024)
- CONNECT COHORT (March 28, 2024)
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