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Nominate your HS students for the annual Charter Champions award (learn more and nominate).
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
Parent of 3, former teacher Adam Slutzker running for northwest seat on Denver school board
Chalkbeat | September 20, 2023
A former elementary school teacher whose three children attend Denver Public Schools is running for a seat on the Denver school board. Read more.
Targeting charters in Jefferson County schools
The Denver Gazette | September 19, 2023
As school districts like Jefferson County Schools perpetually struggle to restore staggering learning loss to pre-pandemic levels, Colorado’s unique district accountability system — which engages parents and community members in the process — seems equipped to help. Read more.
With federal funding, Colorado works to shore up its affordable internet program
Colorado Sun | September 19, 2023
Teaching middle school social studies remotely during the coronavirus pandemic was one of the most challenging times of Steven Panchenko’s life. Read more.
As more schools switch to 4-day weeks, will teachers stay?
ABC News | September 18, 2023
For most of her teaching career, Jean Schneider, a high school business teacher in Colorado, said she often had to choose between her school life and her home life and find time to balance the needs of her students with those of her family. Read more.
All 7 finalists for Colorado’s 2024 Teacher of the Year award teach middle school
Chalkbeat | September 15, 2023
Middle school teachers swept the contest this year to become the 2024 Colorado Teacher of the Year, according to an announcement Friday. Read more.
Deteriorating Colorado public schools need $17 billion in repairs, state treasurer calls lack of funding a "crisis"
CBS | September 15, 2023
There's a $17 billion need to fix deteriorating Colorado school buildings right now, according to the Colorado Department of Education, but CBS News Colorado has learned there's no more money left to go around. Read more.
Denver fifth grader sets record, reading 1 million words first in 2 weeks of school
CBS | September 8, 2023
Kiruvel Girmachew, a Denver fifth grader at Rocky Mountain Prep Creekside Elementary Charter School, would spend his entire school day reading if he could. Read more.
National
Chronic absenteeism has become a crisis, part 3: Solutions
Fordham | September 21, 2023
I desperately want our kids—all of them—back in school. Unless student attendance improves, any efforts to address pandemic learning loss are doomed to fail. Read more.
As Test Scores Crater, Debate Over Whether There’s a ‘Science’ To Math Recovery
The 74 | September 19, 2023
As students continue to struggle with learning loss in mathematics, some educators are pushing for a return to a more structured teaching strategy that’s being called the “science of math.” Read more.
What’s needed to help older students recover from the pandemic?
K-12 Dive | September 19, 2023
Research has shown that more supports are still needed to help students across all grade levels return to pre-pandemic achievement levels. Read more.
Religious charter schools are the latest front in the battle over 'school choice'
Y News | September 18, 2023
Charter schools pride themselves on not offering a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Since they’re run by private organizations, they have far more freedom over how they operate than the typical public school. Read more.
Stanford Economist Eric Hanushek on COVID’s Trillion-Dollar Impact on Students
The 74 | September 18, 2023
Experts have spent years trying to quantify the pandemic’s toll on a generation of K–12 students. Read more.
It’s easier and easier to get an A in math
Hechinger Report | September 18, 2023
Amid the growing debate over how best to teach math, there is another ballooning problem: grades. Read more.
The Future is STEM — But Without Enough Students, the U.S. Will Be Left Behind
The 74 | September 18, 2023
In 2022, the National Science Foundation’s Science and Engineering report sounded an alarm. Read more.
Schools, Teachers & Parents Need Rapid State Test Results. Why Are They So Slow?
The 74 | September 18, 2023
High-quality but slow, or fast and cheap? During the depths of the pandemic, rapid at-home COVID tests were often more useful than the slightly more accurate but much slower PCR tests. Read more.
‘We’ve lost our advantage on education’: Democrats grasp for wins on public schools
Politico | September 17, 2023
President Joe Biden’s education chief believes public schools are facing a “make or break moment.” The rescue plan coming from some Democrats, however, rings of policies that have already landed wins for conservatives. Read more.
Excellence Gaps by Race and Socioeconomic Status
Fordham | August 29, 2023
“Excellence gaps” are the disparities in advanced academic performance that exist between student groups. Read more.
Community Annoucments
Community Accouncements
U.S. - China Pen Pal Program
The US-China Pen Pal Program is looking for schools to partner with for the upcoming academic year! This is a unique initiative aimed at connecting students in the U.S. and China through letter writing. Students who sign up form these two cultures, will foster empathy, promote cross-cultural communication, and instill a sense of global citizenship. For more information or to enroll, please contact [email protected].
Daniels Scholarship Application Is Now Open
The Daniels Scholarship Program helps make college possible for motivated students from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, allowing them to attend the college of their choice. Daniels Scholars receive financial and personal support, plus a new laptop computer. Scholarships range from $30,000 over four years to a full ride, depending on college choice. The application for the Daniels Scholarship Program will be open from September 15 through October 15, 2023 at 4:00 pm MT and typically takes students less than one hour to complete. Apply online now!
Charter School Insider Podcast featuring Bill Knous [League Director of Charter School Growth]
Welcome to "Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation's Top Charter School Operators" the only podcast dedicated to the ‘behind-the-scenes” business of running a successful charter school. Listen as they sit down with charter school leader, Bill Knous who shares how they are overcoming the biggest operational hurdles facing schools today. Each episode will leave you with unique insights and tactical strategies that you can implement at your school. Enjoy the show! Listen both here and on Spotify.
Free: 7 Eno Brand Whiteboards
48x64 inches. No stands or mounting equipment included. Available for pickup during school hours. Don't miss out on this great offer! If you are someone in your school who is interested please contact [email protected] for more information.
Colorado Energy Day
On Saturday, Sept. 23 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hundreds of students and their families will get hands-on experience with robots, monster rocks, a weather center and a pressure house, showcasing how various forms of energy and STEM are applied in real life. Highlighting the importance of energy, conservation, and efficiency in our daily lives, in schools, and in our homes. Colorado Energy Day is held at East High School at 1600 City Park Esplanade. We hope you’ll us on Saturday, Sept. 23. If you have questions, contact Consumer Energy Alliance at [email protected] or 303-916-1002.
Congratulations to 23 Charter Schools Honored as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools
The U.S. Department of Education recognized 353 schools as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 23 of which are public charter schools. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.” Read the full press release here.
Elevate Charter Voices: Nominate Your Champion Today!
We are excited to announce the launch of the Charter Champion program for 2023-2024, an initiative aimed at recognizing and empowering the exemplary student leaders in charter high schools across Colorado. The Charter Champions program is a four month advocacy training endeavor designed for outstanding high school students in grades 9-12. It offers a platform for these aspiring leaders to collaborate, define what it means to be a student leader, and foster a culture of excellence within their communities. To learn more and nominate a Charter champion, click here.
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.
Flagstaff Academy Charter School Teachers Receive More Than $15,000 in Grants from the Colorado Department of Education
Flagstaff Academy is pleased to announce that 23 of our dedicated educators have been awarded grants totaling more than $15,000. The Colorado Department of Education, in collaboration with DonorsChoose, provided up to $1,000 in funding per teacher to help purchase classroom supplies. Read the full press release 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.
Does your school need a GymGuard Vinyl Floor Protector and Storage Rack?
Introducing the GymGuard Vinyl Floor Protector and Storage Rack - your ultimate solution for safeguarding your precious floors from unnecessary wear and tear. Our waterproof and rot-resistant floor covers, designed in a versatile tan color, ensure that your gym area remains pristine and protected. The accompanying storage rack provides both convenience and organization, keeping your covers easily accessible when needed.
For only $500 or best offer, you can secure this indispensable duo to preserve your flooring investment. Act now and get in touch with David Boyd at Aspen View Academy for additional information and photos. Contact David at [email protected] or call 720-733-3436 to seize this opportunity and ensure your gym's longevity.
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 so 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.
Teaching Dr. King as an Antidote to Violence
Developed by Dr. Shawn Joseph and Dr. Matthew Daniels and endorsed by Ambassador Andrew Young, MLK curricula employs the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to teach his unifying, non-violent principles to a digital generation. Also calling upon students to dream on paper as a central project of the course about how they can harness the historically unprecedented power of digital and social media to be torchbearers for these timeless principles in the Digital Age. To learn more about how McGraw Hill Education has incorporated these practices, view their and watch how McGraw Hill and MLK Holiday Commission celebrate new scholarship opportunities here.
Youth Guidance Evolve Program
Youth Guidance’s Evolve program is a Tier 2 Educator social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to cultivate a culture of support and trauma-informed engagement by delivering training and resources to school-based staff to implement the most effective components of the organization’s most renowned programs – Becoming a Man (BAM) & Working on Womanhood (WOW). The Evolve program model creates the space for youth to thrive in a school ecosystem of supportive, emotionally attuned, and culturally competent adults. The Evolve Model meets the urgent need by bridging the therapeutic principles used to support youth growth and development in a mixed-gendered environment, with relatable engagement formats delivered by trusted school leaders, professional development opportunities, unlimited access to the Evolve Curriculum and youth engagement resources through an online learning community--known as "Evolve Central." Learn more.
Learning Opportunities
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.
Our research team is leveraging virtual professional development to bring TAPP to rural communities. Our goals are to support school specialists as they deliver TAPP and promote positive school outcomes for students they serve. Teachers and parents enrolled in the study will be paid for their participation.
For more information and to learn how to get started, please contact Laura Escobedo or Kate Watson.
Charter School Capitol Updated Resources
Charter School Capital broad library of charter school resources aims to provide the information charter leaders need to help their schools thrive! A plethora of resources has recently been updated or created for your use. Each of which have tips, strategies and guides on a range of topics. Check out all of the new material:
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The Charter School Board Governance Guide: Recruit and Manage Your Board
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The Charter School Audits Guide: Preparing for the Annual Audit
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The Charter School Facilities Financing Guide: Buy Your School
CDE Updates
Official ratings designated in the District and School Dashboard
For all districts, performance framework PDFs available in Syncplicity have been updated to include “Official” in the name of the PDF to help support districts with communications. Preliminary official ratings are also available publicly in the District and School Dashboard and are noted as "Official". Official ratings are used for state accountability and public reporting. PDFs will be made public in December when ratings are finalized. For questions related to Syncplicity, training support or the Colorado growth model, email [email protected].
Alternative Education Campus performance frameworks released
For districts with Alternative Education Campuses, the 2023 AEC performance frameworks have been provided to District Accountability contacts via Syncplicity. All ratings have been incorporated within the District & School Dashboard and posted to the CDE website. For questions related to Syncplicity, training support or the Colorado growth model, email [email protected].
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. To learn more information about the CCSP Grant and upcoming competition, see the attached flier, visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdechart/grantprograms and/or send inquiries via email to [email protected].
Regional Accountability support tour – In-person training, work sessions and consultation
Beginning next week, CDE's School Improvement and Planning team will offer in-person sessions to support district and school leaders with accountability and improvement planning efforts. Participants can select from multiple session options, including options for work time with available consultation of CDE staff. Click here for training dates, location and registration links.
Grants Administration Implementation and Navigation System (GAINS) Trainings
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is excited to launch our first department-wide, grants management system in the fall of 2023. This new system, the Grants Administration Implementation and Navigation System (GAINS), will streamline and consolidate multiple application systems and processes into a single location and system.
In preparation and support for the launch and transition, CDE, in collaboration with the system vendor, will be hosting a series of in-person trainings for Local Education Agencies (LEAs)/Local Educational Providers (LEPs), and post a recording of one virtual training. Attendees will receive hands-on training and resources on how to access, login, and navigate funding applications in GAINS. These trainings are open to district or school staff involved with accessing, writing, submitting, reviewing, approving, or managing Colorado state and federal grants administered by the CDE.
This training is the first of several that aims to provide LEAs with the necessary tools and knowledge to support the grant application process. The focus will be on the following key areas:
- General Navigation
- Applications for Funding
- Reimbursement Requests
- Checklist, History Log, and Comments
CDE is committed to providing system training to all potential applicants and system users and will announce future opportunities as individual grant applications open and upon request. Register and find a location near you.
Proposed Changes to Public School Finance Rules
The Colorado Department of Education's School Finance Unit is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Public School Finance Act (PSFA) rules and will continue collecting feedback through mid-August. Your perspectives and ideas will play a vital role in creating a fair and effective PSFA framework that benefits our schools and students. You can find the proposed rule changes linked below. The Department has recently been in conversations with the State Board of Education to explore making revisions to the Public School Finance Act (PSFA) rules (1 CCR 301-39) to modernize the rules to reflect the educational delivery system of today and make some technical updates/changes. Your early participation is critical in influencing the decision-making process. After this initial feedback phase, the State Board of Education will announce a formal rulemaking process, which will afford additional opportunities for input. This is an excellent opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to shaping the future of public school financing in Colorado. Please respond below.
- To review the proposed draft edits to the School Finance rules: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHiUICSxbpBq9TCNft_xGtz-v9f7r0DE/view?usp=drive_link
- To provide feedback on the draft edits through the feedback survey by mid-August: https://forms.gle/pNqwp5u3EYrbfCLU8
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the CDE team below:
- Questions about the full rules – Amy Carman, Executive Director of School Finance and Grants, CDE
- Questions about the Blended Learning Initiative – Mallorie Klemm, Blended Learning Sr. Consultant, CDE
Register for the free CDE Equity and Excellence Conference
Registration for the 2023 Equity and Excellence Conference is open. The free Equity and Excellence Conference, titled “Strengthening and Expanding Practices: All Students and All Educators Emerging Stronger,” will convene Nov. 1-2. The goal is for attendees from diverse professional backgrounds to strengthen and share ideas, strategies and plans for how to improve best first instruction through evidence-based and best practices.
Find out more on the Equity and Excellence Conference webpage.
League News & Events
Town Hall Recap
During the summer, the League had worked diligently to ensure strong charter representation on various task forces created the previous year. We needed to hear from you to best represent the charter school community's views. We invited you to join us to have your voice heard and receive updates on teachers' perspectives for the new school year and advocacy efforts. If you missed our Town Hall last Friday, check out the recording and PDF deck on our Town Hall page.
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Health & Wellness
Back-to-school with Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA)
Colorado is one of the few states in the nation to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students at districts participating in the Healthy School Meals for All program. Meal participation is expected to increase under HSMA and we are excited to see how the program grows this year.
Sponsors must complete their program application in the Child Nutrition Portal no later than Friday, Sept. 15. Flexibilities allowed under the Keep Kids Fed Act expired on June 30 and are no longer available to sponsors. To prepare for the school year, access these trainings and resources:
- The back-to-school checklist outlines key requirements and tools for a smooth start to the school year.
- View the HSMA FAQ.
For questions or support, reach out to your school nutrition point of contact. For questions or more information about Healthy School Meals for All, contact Jenny Herman at [email protected] or 720-812-3119.
The Colorado Health Foundation
Oct. 15, 2023 Grant Deadline
- Advancing Advocacy and Justice with Communities of Color
- Building a Pipeline of Primary Care Providers to Serve Diverse Communities
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
Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility grant program applications open
Eligible local education providers can apply for the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant, which was created to provide menstrual hygiene products at no expense to students and make products accessible to students regardless of their gender identity. Approximately $100,000 is available to award for the 2023-24 school year, and awards are anticipated to be between $1,000 and $5,000. Funding can be used to acquire and distribute menstrual hygiene products at no expense to students and install and maintain dispensing machines and disposal receptacles for menstrual hygiene products. An informative webinar is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct 10. This program is open to Colorado educational providers who serve 50% or more students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. Review the program website and Request for Applications for more information.
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 Colordo 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
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Recent League Newsletters
- ACT (September 20, 2023)
- NEWS (September 15, 2023))
- MOVE (September 8, 2023)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (May 8, 2023)
- CONNECT COHORT (September 7, 2023)
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