 Welcome to the NEWS for November 22, 2024 Is there hope for education reform after the election? Find out from League board member Dale Chu on this Education Gadfly podcast or check out his article. Plus, the longer-term impacts of early-college high schools, Caprock Academy's recent College Success Award and the nation’s top elementary and middle schools (hint: Colorado has a charter on the list). Finally, school leaders' share their concerns regarding potential funding cuts in Governor Polis’ 2025-26 budget proposal. Nominations are open for our 2025 Hall of Fame, purchase your annual conference tickets, before prices go up in early December, and please fill out our student waitlist survey as we head toward the Legislative Session! Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS.    Teachers, students test out AI in Colorado classrooms
Chalkbeat | November 20
In room 126 at Denver’s South High School, students in a Spanish language arts class got suggestions for improving their short essays from an artificial intelligence app called Magic School: “You could elaborate on your examples,” the app advised one student. DPS to close 7 schools in Denver, cut number of grades at 3 others as K-12 enrollment falls
Denver Post | November 22, 2024
Denver Public Schools will close seven schools and reduce the number of grades served by three others at the end of the current academic year, a move by Colorado’s largest district to prevent a financial crisis as K-12 enrollment continues to plummet statewide. Majority sympathetic to charter schools maintained on Colorado education board
CO Newsline | November 18
The Colorado State Board of Education maintained a majority of members who are sympathetic to charter schools following the November election, meaning that the board’s approach to charter school appeals could look similar to its current behavior.  Lunch for 200 people? These Colorado charter school students do it every day.
Chalkbeat | November 18
Brayden, Sabrina, and Rachel scraped the charred skins off poblano peppers, squished out the seeds, and dropped the slippery pepper flesh into a stainless steel bowl. Is there hope for education reform after the election?
By Dale Chu, Board Member | Fordham | November 13
On this week’s Education Gadfly Show podcast, Dale Chu, a senior visiting fellow at the Fordham Institute, joins Mike and David to discuss how the election results could impact education and whether there’s reason for optimism.   Why Education Reformers Should Respond to the Election With Critical Self-Reflection
CharterFolk | November 20
Aside from my day job leading an education reform organization, I’m also a political junkie. I poured over polling and early vote data leading up to the presidential election and read analysis from politicos on both sides in order to paint a complete picture of the state of the race. Report: Charters’ Flexibility Can Enable Better Outcomes for Disabled Pupils
The 74 | November 22, 2024
Disability advocates have long complained that while charter schools are now more accessible to children who need alternatives to traditional classrooms, the independent schools — envisioned as laboratories of innovation — have invested little effort in improving outcomes. Now, the Center for Learner Equity has identified 29 schools with promising strategies. Many capitalize on charters’ ability to reorganize instruction, and all involve a belief that both general education teachers and special educators should be responsible for all students’ academic growth. Court Lets Louisiana Require Classroom Display of Ten Commandments — for Now
The 74 | November 20
In a 2-1 ruling, a federal appellate panel has ordered that a Louisiana law compelling schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms can go into effect in 68 of the state’s 72 districts.  Jeb Bush: This Election, Families Made Their Voices Heard on School Choice
The 74 | November 18
If this year’s election taught political observers anything, it’s that you can’t tell people they’re getting something good when they believe they’re not. The longer-term impacts of early-college high schools
Fordham | November 14
Early-college high schools are those that fully incorporate college course-taking into the curriculum. They are not to be confused with a more-typical “dual enrollment” model, which allows students the opportunity to take college courses if they have time.   Lock in 2025 Conference Rates Before They Go Up
You have until December 7 to secure tickets at current rates for the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Annual Conference. Prices go up December 8. Themed Synergy in Education, this transformative event brings together educators, administrators, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies, foster collaboration, and shape the future of education. Register now to take advantage of our current member ($450) and non-member ($525) pricing.  Celebrate Excellence: 2025 Hall of Fame Nominations Now Open
The Colorado League of Charter Schools' annual Hall of Fame honors outstanding members, leaders, and supporters of the charter school movement. Each year, nominees are celebrated at a special ceremony during our annual conference, spotlighting the incredible contributions of our community. Submit your nominations for the 2025 Hall of Fame by December 15! Share your Waitlist Numbers
As the League continues to advocate for the interests of charter schools at the Capitol and beyond, it is essential to understand how many charter schools currently have waitlists. These waitlist data (in aggregate) are an important indicator of unmet parent demand for additional seats at innovative and high-quality public charter schools. Please take a few minutes to answer this very brief survey about the current number of students on a waitlist at your charter school. Up to ten respondents to this survey will receive gift cards for their school.  Douglas County Community Unites for Día de los Muertos
On November 5, Global Village Academy Douglas County (GVA DC) partnered with Parker Arts Center to host a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration, uniting over 500 families and community members. The event featured a beautifully crafted ofrenda, where 5th-grade student ambassadors shared the altar’s cultural significance in both Spanish and English, deepening connections and understanding. “It was truly a vibrant showcase of culture and community connection,” said Christine Toulouse, Director of Marketing & Communications. Read the full article here. District Partners with Community to Keep Rural School Open
Nestled in the hills of Coal Creek Canyon, Jefferson Academy Coal Creek Canyon (JACCC) overcame the threat of closure through a partnership between the local school district and community. With just 68 students, the K-8 school is more than an educational institution; it’s a hub for connection in this mountain community. “Living in the mountains is not like living in the flats,” explains parent Erik Vance. “It’s hard to meet your neighbors without a school to bring you together.” Families are now optimistic about JACCC’s future. Read the full article here. Drones Prepare Students for Soaring Careers in Aviation and Aerospace
With Colorado's leadership in aviation and aerospace, charter schools are stepping up to fill the talent pipeline. Through partnerships with CrewConcept and the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Skies Academy and Colorado Early Colleges engage students with drone soccer robotics teams, inspiring a passion for flight and space exploration. A $95,000 Aviation Workforce Development grant from CDOT supports these efforts, enabling schools to create formal aviation career pathways — from middle school courses at Colorado Skies Academy to high school industry-focused classes at Colorado Early Colleges. Read the full article here.
GET INVOLVED
Denver School Choice Expo 2025: Schools, Register Now
Transform Education Now invites schools to the Denver School Choice Expo on Saturday, January 25, 2025, 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 early to secure your school's spot!  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 West Denver on January 14. 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
Apply Now for the Fiscal Year 2025 Seminars Abroad Program
The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program is now accepting applications for the summer 2025 session, with a deadline of January 7, 2025. This program offers U.S. educators in the arts, social sciences, and humanities the opportunity to participate in short-term seminars in Uruguay, Peru, India, Greece, and Türkiye. Each thematic seminar includes educational lectures and interactive cultural activities, such as visits to local schools and meetings with education officials and students. Participants will use their experiences to create or enhance cross-cultural curricula for their U.S. classrooms. The program covers airfare, room and board, and other costs, while participants are responsible for a cost-share of $750.  Open Education Resources (OER)
OERColorado provides free PK-12+ learning materials to Colorado educators. 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.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES READ Act Training: Informational Webinars for Educators
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 will host monthly live informational webinars to provide updates on the training requirements for teachers and school administrators.
CDE UPDATES
$1.6M annual Grant to Strengthen School-based Mental Health Services
The Colorado Department of Education has received a $1.6 million annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand school-based mental health services from 2025 to 2029. The funding will address the shortage of mental health professionals in schools, provide stipends and training, and create pathways for clinic-based professionals to transition to school roles. Commissioner Susana Córdova emphasized the grant’s role in supporting student wellness and engagement. For details, contact [email protected]. Read the full article here. Discover the Power of Laughter
Project AWARE invites everyone to a Lunch + Learn webinar, "Why Laughing Together Matters," on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find details on the Colorado Project AWARE webpage or email [email protected]. Funding to Address Special Education Teacher Shortages
Schools can apply for 2024-25 IDEA grant funding to address special education teacher shortages by Friday, Dec. 13. For details, contact Michael Ramírez at [email protected]. Boost Advanced Coursework Enrollment
The Automatic Enrollment in Advanced Courses Grant supports increasing student access to advanced classes. Submit your Intent to Participate by Wednesday, Jan. 8, with applications due Wednesday, Jan. 15. Accepting Applications for Purple Star Schools Program
The Colorado Department of Education is now accepting applications for the Purple Star Schools Program, which recognizes schools that support military-connected students and families. The program, created through House Bill 24-1076, honors schools addressing the unique challenges military students face, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments. Schools selected for recognition will receive a certificate and participate in a ceremony in April 2025. Read the full article here. 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).
- Laws prohibit discrimination based on national origin, race, or color.
- Schools are protected spaces, restricting immigration enforcement.
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.  Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant Application Deadlines
December 15, 2024: Deadline for all potential applicants to notify CDE of their intent to apply for a BEST grant in the upcoming FY2025-26 grant round. New this year, only those who complete the notice of intent by the deadline will be able to apply. Please complete the Intent to Apply form.
January 2025: Required match percentages will be posted. 
| 18th November 2024 |
| D.A. Davidson |
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| K-4 Assistant Principal |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: 80,000-95,0000
Closing date: Nov 22, 2024 12:00 AM
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| Westgate Community School, Thornton, CO |
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| Lower Elementary Teacher |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: $55,000-$70,000
Closing date: Nov 22, 2024 12:00 AM
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| Academy 360, Montbello |
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| School Registrar |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: 20.86 - 33.38 USD per hour
Closing date: Nov 30, 2024 12:00 AM
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| STEM School Highlands Ranch, Highlands Ranch |
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