 |
Welcome to the MOVE for October
This month, we’re celebrating what it means to win! From securing an additional $9 million in CSP funding to strong new performance data, the momentum behind high-quality, public school options is undeniable.
Animas High debuts a new podcast series, Pagosa Peak invites the community to play, and The STEAD School strengthens career development pathways. Plus, strengthening community trust with communication and a recap of our latest Town Hall. As always, thank you for fueling the incredible work and momentum that define our shared success. We're LIVE from the Ritz-Carlton this morning at the Leadership Summit, we hope to see you here in person. We'll have updates from the event with recordings, summaries, and recaps next week.
This is What Winning Looks Like
By Dan Schaller, President
When the League decided to pursue administration of the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) for the state of Colorado last year, it was with the hope that we could use it as a catalyst for positive change.
We came a little closer to realizing that vision two weeks ago when we learned that we had been awarded another $9 million in supplemental funding on top of the $68 million we had already secured as part of our original application.
What this means is that we ought to be able to fund around 20 schools with upwards of $24 million here in the initial stages of our administration of the program, with another $50 million remaining for the years to follow.
When we chose to pursue the grant, it was exactly with this sort of transformational change in mind. We made a bet that our relationship with the sector and our schools could lead to more interest and energy behind the program, and I’m thrilled to report that it looks like that bet is paying off.
Here in the first year alone, we had 17 applicants for what was initially just five available new and expanding school slots. This not only far exceeded our expectations, but it also speaks volumes about the continued demand for high-quality public school options from students and families across Colorado.
Over 30 years into the establishment of charter schools, we’re arguably seeing today just as much energy around the creation of new schools and models for Colorado students as we’ve ever seen. Pair that with the advocacy strength of the League – a strength that was instrumental in our being able to secure another $9 million so that we could fund more schools – and you begin to see the makings of something special.
But those of you who know us well know that we’re not just in this purely for the sake of growth. That growth has to be paired with quality in order for the impact we can have to be truly transformational.
That’s why, in addition to the news about the supplemental funding, we were equally encouraged by the recent release of preliminary performance data from the state. What that data showed – in some of the strongest data we’ve yet seen out of the charter space – was that fully 86% of students attending Colorado charters are attending Performance-rated schools. This not only compares very favorably to data coming out of the non-charter space (where that number is just 71%), but it also means that nearly 9 out of every 10 students attending a charter school in Colorado are now attending a school that has achieved our state’s highest performance ranking.
These encouraging results don’t just show up across the board; they also apply when talking about many of our state’s most historically underserved students. Across every major demographic group, charter school students are more likely to be enrolled in Performance schools than non-charter school students, often by astonishing margins.
These margins include a +21-point delta for Latino students, a +20-point delta for students in poverty, and a +23-point delta for English Language Learners (ELLs). And all of this comes at the same time that Colorado charters are serving higher percentages of ELLs and students of color statewide. The Colorado charter school community is doing its part to help address chronically stubborn achievement gaps.
The team at the League goes to work every day, thinking about how we can enhance our value to the Colorado charter school community while simultaneously improving outcomes for students and families across our great state. The great news included here shows that we are delivering on this dual purpose, and we remain exceedingly proud and grateful to be involved in this important work with you. This is what winning looks like.
•••
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
Federal Government Shutdown: What it Means for Charters
With the federal government shutdown now in effect, the League is monitoring potential impacts on charter schools. While Title I, IDEA, and per-pupil funding should continue without disruption, CSP grantees may experience delays in reimbursements and implementation support. Charter schools hosting Head Start programs should anticipate possible payment delays. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Learning Opportunities
2025 HUB Colorado Leadership Summit (Denver): Oct. 15
The HUB Colorado Leadership Summit is a one-day event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to share insights, spark ideas, and connect on the issues that matter most to your business. Highlights include keynote speaker Graci Harkema, SHRM & HRCI credit opportunities, a complimentary lunch and networking happy hour, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of Empower Field at Mile High. RSVP today.
Are School Boards out of Touch with their Constituents (Virtual): Oct. 14
On October 14 at 3 p.m. ET, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute and School Boards for Academic Excellence will co-host a webinar exploring whether school boards truly represent their constituents, what this means for students and democracy, and how alternative governance models like charter schools fit into the conversation. Register here.
CultivatED Colorado Virtual Meetup (Virtual): Oct. 29
Are you doing innovative work in your school, classroom, homeschool group, or learning model? CultivatED Colorado is the startup community designed by Colorado school founders, for education innovators. Together, we’re not only transforming education but also positioning Colorado as the epicenter for bold, innovative educational models where visionary ideas take root and thrive. Join us for our first-ever virtual meetup connecting leaders, founders, classroom innovators, and systems-level thinkers who want to transform student learning experiences across Colorado. RSVP and join us on Wed., Oct. 29, from 4:00-5:30 PM.
Free “Get Your Tech On!” Conference (Arvada): Nov. 8
Jeffco Public Schools will host the “Get Your Tech On!” Conference on November 8 at Arvada West High School. This free, full-day event offers Colorado educators the chance to explore the latest in educational technology and collaborate on innovative practices that enhance student learning.
Fall 2025 AI Webinar Series (Virtual, Ongoing)
The Fall 2025 AI Webinar Series from CDE offers free, one-hour sessions every Wednesday from 4–5 p.m., featuring expert insights and real classroom examples from Colorado educators. Participants will explore how AI can save time, support differentiation, and boost student engagement with practical tools and strategies to implement immediately. View the full lineup and register here.
Strengthening Behavior & Discipline Systems Community of Practice (Virtual, Ongoing)
CDE is offering interactive sessions designed to help school staff refine behavior and discipline systems, reduce lost learning time, and foster more supportive, equitable schools. Interested participants can connect with Andrea Pulskamp or Nicole Herrera for details.
Get Involved
Share your Trauma-Informed Elementary Classroom Practices
Educators are invited to contribute concrete activities, strategies, or practices that help create safe, inclusive, and empowering classrooms. Submissions are welcome from individual teachers or collaborative teams. For questions, contact Dr. Philip E. Bernhardt, Professor of Secondary Education at MSU Denver, at [email protected].
Join the Rural Career-Connected Collaborative
Transcend is inviting rural school leaders to join a new 15-month, fully funded cohort program beginning in January. The Rural Career-Connected Collaborative will support communities in designing the next chapter of career-connected learning tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and aspirations.
Resources & Grants
EIR Mid-Phase Grants
The U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program is accepting applications for Mid-Phase Grants, which fund evidence-based innovations that improve outcomes for high-need students. These grants support programs with proven early success and aim to test impact, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Applications are due by October 14, 2025.
2026 National Civics Bee
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has released the official timeline and resources for the 2026 National Civics Bee. Students may apply through February 3, 2026, to compete in regional, state, and national rounds culminating in Washington, D.C. this fall. Educator toolkits and student flyers are now available to help schools encourage participation and prepare for this exciting civic engagement opportunity.
Daniels Scholarship Opportunity
The Daniels Scholarship Program is now accepting applications through October 17, 2025, offering more than 200 students each year the chance to earn up to a full ride at partner colleges in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and beyond (up to $25,000 annually at schools nationwide). A digital toolkit is available to make it simple for schools and community partners to share this life-changing opportunity with their networks and help open doors to higher education for deserving high school seniors.
Positive Athlete
Here's your chance to recognize a high character, high school, student-athlete! Positive Athlete celebrates athletes for their leadership, character, and community impact—not just their athletic ability. Nominate a deserving student today. Grades 9-12, any sport, boys or girls are eligible. The process is free and easy, with all nominees receiving free lifelong access to development resources in addition to being eligible for scholarships.
CDE Schools of Choice Updates
Lead Innovation in Colorado K-12: Executive Director Role Open
The Colorado Department of Education is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Executive Director of Improvement and Innovation, charged with overseeing statewide school improvement initiatives and supporting bold, nontraditional educational models.
FCC Rescinds Wi-Fi Subsidies for Schools
The Federal Communications Commission voted to roll back subsidies for Wi-Fi on school buses and mobile hot spots, impacting E-Rate funding requests totaling more than $57 million. Schools and districts may need to seek alternative funding sources to cover contractual obligations and lost reimbursements.
WestEd Launches READ Act Evaluation
As part of the annual external evaluation of the Colorado READ Act, WestEd will soon distribute surveys to educators, leaders, and parents, along with conducting site visits at select schools. Findings will inform CDE’s efforts to strengthen literacy supports and improve outcomes for struggling readers statewide.
Continuity of Services Amid Federal Government Shutdown
The U.S. Department of Education confirmed that, despite the federal government shutdown beginning today, Title I and IDEA grant funding will continue without interruption. Schools and grantees may still access summer-awarded funds, and CDE emphasized its commitment to minimizing any disruption for educators, students, and families across Colorado.
Charter School Authorizers: Share Your Feedback in CACSA’s Survey
The Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers (CACSA) is gathering input through a brief, anonymous survey to help shape future training, resources, and support for all authorizers. Take a few minutes to make your voice count.
Preliminary Charter School Waiver Review
Authorizers and charter schools are welcome to provide draft Rationale and Replacement Plans (RRP) of state waivers from statute or board rule for an early review and feedback. Please email them to Janyse Skalla at [email protected].
|
Schools that are Good at Teaching Math are also Good in Reading — and Vice Versa
The 74 | October 9
I prefer restaurants that specialize and perfect a certain type of cuisine. I don’t want my barbecue restaurant to offer sushi, and I see extensive menus as a worrisome sign of mediocrity.
University Schools to honor founding director Greg Pierson
Greeley Tribune | October 8
University Schools in Greeley will honor an original member of its school community later this week by renaming the first building at the West 18th Street charter school.
Denver school board candidates clash in lively debate as vote nears
Boardhawk | October 8
All 12 candidates for the four Denver Public Schools board seats squared off Tuesday night in a televised debate that generated some rare back-and-forth heat over everything from student achievement to the performance of Superintendent Alex Marrero.
Student views on the proper role of a school board
Boardhawk | October 8
The decisions that school board members make shape almost every part of students’ school experiences, from the textbooks we use to whether we have counselors to talk to.
1 in 4 Teachers Don’t Have Necessary Resources, Support Staff
The 74 | October 7
More than 1 in 4 U.S. public school teachers are missing the basic materials or staffing support needed to effectively do their jobs, significantly impacting workplace satisfaction, according to a new Gallup-Walton Family Foundation report.
Trump gave the Labor Department more control over career-technical education. Will students benefit?
Chalkbeat | October 3
Career and technical education is a lot more than learning to weld or draw blood.
Brain Development Signals Reading Challenges Long Before Kindergarten
The 74 | September 19
Given the complexity of the process, it’s astonishing any human has ever mastered the ability to read.
The 30 Best Elementary Schools in Colorado: Rankings and Performance
MoneyInc. | September 3
Colorado’s elementary education landscape offers parents exceptional choices across diverse communities, from bustling urban districts to scenic mountain towns.
EF International Empowers Students with Career Readiness
In today’s world, preparing students for the future means going beyond the classroom. Experiential learning is proving, time and time again, to be the glue that binds in class learning goals with career readiness skills. This is precisely why EF has listened to teachers and administrators in creating their Career Readiness portfolio. From culinary, to agriculture, to engineering, to business management, these tours offer transformative experiences that blend global exploration with hands-on learning, equipping students with the skills and insights needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.
Career Readiness Tours immerse students in dynamic global cities where they engage with industry professionals, visit leading companies, and participate in workshops focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. These tours are designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, skills essential for success in any career path.
| Explore Now |
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
| View more |
|
||||
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
||||
|
| View all Jobs |
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW CHARTER SENSE NEWSLETTER ON LINKEDIN
-
ACT (September 18, 2025)
-
NEWS (October 3, 2025)
-
MOVE (September 12, 2025)
-
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (September 15, 2025)
-
CONNECT COHORT (September 25, 2025)
-
GREAT SCHOOLS COLORADO (September 18, 2025)
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
| © 2025 Colorado League of Charter Schools |