 Welcome to the NEWS for August 23, 2024 This week's newsletter covers Colorado's 2024 CMAS test results showing math gains and continued recovery. We also explore debates over cellphone bans in schools, Denver's updated school closure policy, and the release of a new discipline matrix. Plus, find out about Texas's mysterious, Bible-infused curriculum. 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
| 20th August 2024 |
| Colorado 2024 CMAS test results show continued recovery and math gains |
Chalkbeat | August 20, 2024
While younger Colorado students have now surpassed pre-pandemic scores on the state’s standardized math tests, the math scores of students in most other grades still lag behind, according to results from spring 2024 tests released Tuesday. |
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| 20th August 2024 |
| Colorado students and educators spar over cellphone bans in schools |
The Colorado Sun | August 20, 2024
In the last years of Jill Haffley’s teaching career, her lessons were increasingly punctuated by the buzz of a text message, sometimes even a “cacophony of noises” as students’ cellphones erupted with rings and dings. |
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| 19th August 2024 |
| Denver board shortens school closure timeline, makes other changes to new policy |
Chalkbeat | August 19, 2024
Just two months ago, the Denver school board adopted a school closure policy that sought to distribute the impact across the district and provide a month for community input. |
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| 15th August 2024 |
| Who Wrote Texas’s Million Dollar, Bible-Infused Curriculum? The State Won’t Say |
The 74 | August 15, 2024
Almost three months after Texas sparked a firestorm of criticism for a new curriculum heavily infused with Bible lessons, state education officials still won’t say who authored the material or how much they were paid. |
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| 15th August 2024 |
| Denver Public Schools releases new discipline matrix |
Chalkbeat | August 15, 2024
Nearly a year and a half after a shooting inside Denver’s East High School ignited a community conversation about student discipline, Denver Public Schools publicly released new guidance Thursday on when students can be suspended or expelled. |
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Local Headlines
 Why is DPS emailing parents propaganda instead of useful start-of-school information?
Boardhawk | August 21, 2024
Last week, parents like me were running around doing the things parents do the week before school starts. We were trying to squeeze in last-minute summer fun, finalizing back-to-school shopping, and arguing with a 10-year-old why he can’t wear his new Jordans, which I caved and bought, to the splash park. A boost for Colorado school funding hinges on upcoming property tax negotiations in special legislative session
Summit Daily | August 20, 2024
When Colorado lawmakers come together next week for a special legislative session on property taxes, some legislators and political groups will be focused on one thing: playing defense for school funding.  New DPS ‘discipline matrix’ boggles the mind | Jimmy Sengenberger
The Denver Gazette | August 20, 2024
At last, Denver Public Schools has unveiled Version 3.0 of its discipline matrix — guidelines for managing everything from classroom disturbances to serious offenses like weapons and homicide. Denver superintendent spends first day of school visiting bilingual programs and more
Chalkbeat | August 19, 2024
On the first day of school Monday, Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero sat on a wiggly stool no higher than his knee at a table with three young students. Wearing a pin on his suit jacket lapel that said “soy bilingüe” — “I am bilingual” — Marrero turned to the little boy next to him and asked in Spanish where he was from.  2024 Denver schools bond: $975 million measure will be on the November ballot
Chalkbeat | August 15, 2024
Denver voters will decide in November whether to approve a record-setting $975 million bond measure to benefit Denver Public Schools. The Denver school board voted unanimously Thursday to put the bond question on the November ballot.
National Views
Poll: Americans Want Next President to Focus on Workforce Prep, Hiring Teachers
The 74 | August 21, 2024
Heading into a divisive national election, a new poll shows that when it comes to education, at least, Americans overwhelmingly agree that the next president should focus on two things: preparing students for careers and attracting top teachers who will stay in the profession.  50 Years after FERPA’s Passage, Ed Privacy Law Needs an Update for the AI Era
The 74 | August 20, 2024
Aug. 21 marks 50 years since the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was passed into law. Back then, student privacy looked a lot different than it does today: The classrooms and textbooks of yesteryear presented much less risk than Google or artificial intelligence do, but education officials still had growing concerns over databases and record systems. Study: Teacher Pay Increase in Arkansas Closed Rural Funding Gaps.
The 74 | August 19, 2024
Fueled by federal pandemic funds and an ultra-tight labor market, teacher pay in the United States has climbed steadily over the last few years. According to the National Education Association’s annual salary rankings, the average American teacher pulled in nearly $72,000 during the 2023–24 school year.  Charter School Innovation Series: Supporting Student Mental Health
NAPCS | August 15, 2024
When it comes to students’ ability to learn, mental health plays a pivotal role in their academic success and personal development. In this episode of Get Schooled on Public Education, we learn more about two charter schools and how their teams work together to ensure students receive mental health support to better meet their needs.
Community Announcements
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES  Request for Proposals Resources & Support: Upcoming Youth Wellbeing Grant
Colorado AG Phil Weiser announced a third round of funding that originated from the Juul settlement dollars. Gary Community Ventures is interested in supporting Denver metro area school districts with the development of their grant applications to make the submission process as easy as possible for those interested in submitting grant proposals designed to Accelerate Outcomes for Multilingual Learners in Secondary Schools and Increase Family Affordability through Tax Credits. Letters of Interest and brief applications are due no later than Aug. 30 at 5:00 PM. 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. 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.
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. |
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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! |
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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! |
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Health & Wellness
| Free Support for Mental Health Grant Application |
Are you in need of funding for Mental Health? You may want to consider putting in a request for support around a proposal for mental health support from Gary Community Ventures (even if you are outside of the counties listed here, per the organization).
Or you may want to consider working with a group of charters, or your district around a funding proposal. Charters are not able to apply alone. Applications are due by August 30th. |
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| Lead A Free School Plastic Film Drive This Fall |
| This October, schools across the country will kick off Ridwell plastic film drives—and we’d love to include your local elementary school! Bringing Ridwell to your school is a way to make an impact beyond your pickups. Learn more here. |
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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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Careers
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| High School Special Education Teacher |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: $52,000-$79,126.53
Closing date: Sep 08, 2024 12:00 AM
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| Eagle Ridge Academy, Brighton, CO |
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| Children's House Guide |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: 28,000-44,000
Closing date: Sep 30, 2024 12:00 AM
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| St. Vrain Community Montessori School, Longmont, 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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