 Welcome to the NEWS for February 7 Good morning, friends. Look for news and announcements across all parts of education, events, and esoterica today. Have a great Friday. Today’s virtual legislative lunch starts at noon, and our biggest event of the year is less than three weeks away! Login to register for your workshops, and don’t miss the new EdTech room and Book Nook. Can’t make the conference? Join us for a free happy hour on Wednesday from 4-6, followed by our 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony (Use the "Special Meetings" Ticket and select Happy Hour). Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday for inclusion in the NEWS. 
| 5th February 2025 |
| State Education Commissioner speaks on federal changes, chronic absenteeism and more |
CPR
In reading and math, Colorado students outpace the rest of the country. That's according to the latest national report card. While that’s good news, challenges remain, from tackling absenteeism to uncertainty around the new presidential administration. |
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| 5th February 2025 |
| Are Religious Charter Schools a Good Idea? |
CharterFolk
Much of the debate about religious charter schools has centered on whether it is constitutional for states to prohibit them. I’d like to ask a different question: Is it a good idea? |
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| 5th February 2025 |
| New Dismal NAEP Scores Should Be a Wakeup Call for District School Board Members |
The 74
Focusing on student outcome data, as my board did in Albuquerque, can shift the conversation and drive improvements in academic performance. |
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| 4th February 2025 |
| Expected Trump Order to Shutter Education Dept. Could Amount to ‘Pocket Change’ |
The 74
Despite the fiery rhetoric, President Donald Trump’s push to eliminate a Department of Education he accuses of abusing “taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s youth” comes down, appropriately, to civics and math. |
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| 3rd February 2025 |
| Colorado now tied for most educated state in the nation |
Chalkbeat
Colorado residents are still the most educated in the nation, but Massachusetts now shares the top spot, according to a report released last week. |
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 Community organizations invited to host summer meal program sites
CDE | January 31
Colorado's Summer Meals Program seeks sponsors, sites, and state partners to continue to ensure children and teens have access to healthy meals during the summer break.  Colorado parents, this new state tax credit could net you thousands of dollars
Chalkbeat | January 31
A new state tax credit worth thousands of dollars is now available to many Colorado families with children under 17.  Trump executive orders on DEI and schools big on drama, but impact will take time to emerge
Chalkbeat | February 3
With a series of sweeping executive actions, President Donald Trump is seeking to remake K-12 education in a conservative image. In the process, he’s pushing legal and political boundaries on how far the federal government can reach into American classrooms.  Could More School Vouchers Counter NAEP Slump? 3 Reasons Why Not
The 74 | February 3
Two significant events occurred on the national education landscape last week: the highly anticipated and widely commented-upon release of 2024 results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the issuance of executive orders on school choice by President Donald Trump. Trump Education Department revives DeVos-era Title IX sex discrimination rules
Chalkbeat | January 31
President Donald Trump’s administration told schools Friday that Title IX law barring sex discrimination will once again be subject to federal regulations from over four years ago.   Our Biggest Event of the Year is Less than Three Weeks Away Get your Ticket Now for Feb. 26-28 at the Marriott DTC  We’re kicking off our 2025 conference on Wednesday, February 26, with the announcement of our 2025 Hall of Fame inductees! Join us for happy hour from 4-6 and stay as we celebrate this year’s winner. Thursday morning starts two days of workshops, keynote speakers Maggie Jackson and Dr. Steve Perry. Plus, watch a live podcast or drone soccer tournament and learn more about esports in our hands-on TechEd room. Don’t miss our new Book Nook featuring meet-and-greets with local authors. We’ve also built in plenty of networking opportunities, including nearly 100 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners dedicated to enriching and empowering the charter school sector. Single and multi-day tickets are available, plus special options for authorizers and others who may qualify for Great Schools Colorado. Bring your board members and your staff, and get ready for our biggest and brightest event of the year! 
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Webinar: Trauma-Informed Practices in Arts Education
Join CDE’s Arts team for a webinar on Trauma-Informed Practices (TIPs) in Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts classrooms. This session will provide strategies to support arts educators in fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. Register here for the webinar taking place on April 21, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM.  Lunch & Learn: How Healthy Is Your Mental Health System?
Join Project AWARE’s Lunch + Learn on Wednesday, February 26 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM to explore strategies for assessing and strengthening school mental health systems. Learn more here. Better FAFSA Lunch & Learn Webinars
Join the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Better FAFSA Lunch & Learn webinar to stay informed on financial aid updates for students. Sessions will be held on Wednesday, February 19, and Wednesday, March 12, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Earn Continuing Education Credits with Educator Financial Aid Training
Educators can earn six continuing education credits at the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Educator Financial Aid Training. Local Education Providers (grades 9-12) may also qualify for a one-time $500 stipend. Join in Greeley on Thursday, February 13 or in in Alamosa on Friday, February 28, both from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  Apply for the 2025-26 Early Literacy Professional Development Grant
Colorado educators can apply for the 2025-26 Early Literacy Professional Development Grant by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, February 26. This grant supports K-3 educators in implementing evidence-based reading strategies through specialized training. For questions, email [email protected]. Enhance Your Math Instruction with Evidence-Informed Strategies
CDE’s Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching course is now accepting statements of interest for its third cohort. This free, asynchronous course helps K-12 educators strengthen math instruction through key concepts and effective strategies. With 14 modules, facilitation guides for school-wide learning, and optional graduate credit, this course supports professional growth. Complete the interest form for priority registration in 2025. Leadership Institute Explores Education Systems Transformation
The 8th Annual Education Systems Leadership and Policy Institute will take place July 14–18, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by the Center for Education Policy Analysis (CEPA) at CU Denver, this five-day seminar is designed for current and aspiring leaders in education systems transformation. The Institute offers graduate credit options and features guest instructors from across the nation. Applications are open now, but space is limited. If you are interested, please contact [email protected].
GET INVOLVED
Spotlight Your Outstanding Educators
The Colorado Department of Education’s “Teacher Tuesday” highlights exceptional public school teachers across the state. Each post shares a teacher’s story, accomplishments, and passion for education. Encourage your teachers to be featured by filling out this form.  Join a Friday Legislative Lunch
Legislative Lunches are free, virtual weekly meetings designed for charter school leaders and board members to stay informed about key legislative updates affecting education and the charter school sector. This cohort provides concise updates on developments at the state capital, helping attendees stay engaged and connected with issues impacting their schools. Join us every Friday from 12:00 - 12:30 PM during the legislative session. Support Charter Schools Impacted by SoCal Wildfires
The Southern California wildfires have devastated communities, displacing families and damaging schools, including public charter schools. Many staff and students have lost their homes, with some schools completely destroyed. The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is partnering with local organizations to provide critical resources and immediate aid. Join us in supporting these efforts to help families and schools rebuild stronger. Give today. Attend a Regional Gathering in Durango March 12
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 Durango on March 12. 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.
RESOURCES & GRANTS
Immigration Resources for School Leaders
In response to requests from schools, the League has compiled a list of immigration-related resources to help members navigate regulations, rights, and responsibilities. This curated collection provides guidance and will be updated as new information becomes available. Access the resources here. Free Math Interventions
CDE has released no-cost math interventions to support educators, families, and out-of-school programs statewide. These resources include comprehensive lessons, assessments, and activities designed to strengthen key math skills. Explore the resources here.  2025 National Civics Bee
The annual competition encourages young leaders to flex their civics knowledge and get involved in their communities by identifying real issues and offering solutions. Top students will get to compete for grand prizes, including a $100,000 529 college savings plan. The application period for the 2025 Civics Bee is now open for students in grades six to eight. Learn more. 58th Annual High School Bridge Building Competition: Sat. March 1
The annual Model Bridge Building Contest is a statewide program aimed at providing interaction and communication among practicing engineers, high school students, and other professionals. Its underlying objectives are to enhance the appeal of engineering careers to high school students, begin establishing their relationships with the professional community, and improve the prospects that such careers will be mutually beneficial to both society and the individual. The top winners from each region in the state competition are eligible to advance to the International Contest. Awards and scholarships are available. Learn more.
CDE UPDATES
 Federal Executive Orders and Education Policy Updates
Recent federal executive orders have raised questions about their impact on K-12 education. While these orders direct federal agencies, they do not impose immediate changes on the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) or local schools. A federal court has temporarily blocked the federal funding freeze, and a related memo was rescinded on Jan. 29. CDE is monitoring a new U.S. House bill proposing to abolish the Department of Education and shift funding to states. Colorado’s laws protecting individuals from discrimination in schools remain in place, and CDE will provide updates as more information becomes available. Colorado Education Leaders Receive Updates on Title IX and New Executive Order
The U.S. Department of Education announced that Title IX enforcement will follow 2020 rules, and schools should consult legal counsel on compliance. A new executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” directs federal officials to engage with athletic governing bodies within 60 days, with potential legal implications. The Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is monitoring federal actions and will provide analysis as needed. Schools can access resources, including the Colorado Multi-Tiered System of Supports (COMTSS), on the CDE website. For further support, contact Emma Garrett-Nelson at [email protected]. Charter Enrollment Grows as Overall Student Count Declines
The 2024-25 October Count data shows a 0.1% decline in overall PK-12 enrollment, totaling 881,065 students. However, charter schools saw an increase of about 1,000 students statewide. Visit the CDE website for a full breakdown of enrollment trends. Graduation Rates Hit Highest Level in a Decade
Colorado’s four-year graduation rate rose to 84.2% in 2023-24, the highest in over a decade. The state’s dropout rate also improved, falling to 1.9%. More details on graduation, dropout trends, and student mobility are available on the CDE website.   Great Schools Colorado is a five-year, $68 million program aimed at supporting schools that serve traditionally underserved communities, focusing on expanding access for students with disabilities, English learners, and other educationally disadvantaged groups. The program’s goal is to encourage growth, replication, and the creation of new charter schools that meet challenging state academic standards. Stay tuned for specific details about the application process for subgrants, with a focus on meeting federal performance measures to ensure equitable access and growth. Read the full email with updates here. To get updates on new information and updates, sign up for the Great Schools Colorado monthly newsletter. 
| 6th February 2025 |
| Bill of Rights Institute |
| Founded in 1999, this non-partisan, non-profit educational organization teaches history and physics. |
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| Assistant Director for Homeschool Connection Enrichment Program |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: $52,625 - $96,600
Closing date: Feb 21, 2025 12:00 AM
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| Woodrow Wilson Academy, Westminster (11355 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020) Thursday: Evergreen (27154 N Turkey Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439) Friday: Lakewood (455 S Youngfield Ct, Lakewood, CO 80228) |
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| Principal 5-8th |
Contract type: Full-Time
Salary: 100,000
Closing date: Feb 24, 2025 12:00 AM
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| New Vision Charter School, CO |
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