October MOVE from the League

Happy Fall, Charter School Friends

Our highly anticipated 2024 Leadership Summit kicks off this morning at the Gaylord, and we hope you’ll be joining us, if not for the full day, then for our celebratory Happy Hour hosted in collaboration with CSI. We’re excited to celebrate the theme of catalysts, a topic that Nicole addresses below. In honor of National Principals Month this October, we caught up with some of our favorite charter school leaders across the state for a little Q&A on some of their catalysts. Plus, learn more about our new program director, Tanesha Bell, who will be a key resource for schools engaging with CSP.

Don’t miss the NAPCS’ latest report that finds Charter School enrollment is booming compared to traditional districts, a welcomed trend considering another new study shows that in cities with school choice, low-income kids are catching up to wealthier peers.

Finally, nomination deadlines for our 2025 Hall of Fame and Charter Champions awards are coming up quickly on Oct. 14 and 18th respectively. We can’t wait to reveal our nominees! If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.

By Nicole Wetzel, League Board Vice-Chair

Today, the Leadership Summit is happening at the Gaylord of the Rockies. I can’t wait to see so many of you there. If you can’t make it, we’ll miss you. Our theme this year is Catalysts, and as the vice chair of the League’s board of directors and chief of staff at Global Village Academy (GVA) Collaborative, I see this idea of catalysts everywhere I go.

I wanted to share my thoughts with you today because so much of the good we’re seeing across the Colorado charter school landscape is because of the catalyzing effects of people, systems, and resources around the state.

First, I wanted to say how proud I am of the League for securing the federal CSP grant. Dawna, Dan, and the team are doing a fantastic job building out a $68 million pipeline for quality and growth in charter schools. These grants of up to $2 million each will not only support the schools that receive them but the entire charter ecosystem.

For example, as the team builds out trainings related to the grant, they will become available to ALL charter schools in the state. This technical assistance is a vital component of the overall program and one that the League is pursuing so that the benefits of CSP can be seen and felt across the sector. Read more from Nicole.

Behind the Blackboard: Reflections from Charter Principals

In honor of National Principals Month this October, we caught up with some of our favorite charter school leaders across the state for a little Q&A. Their responses provide insight into the unique experiences, lessons and mindsets that help shape these passionate educational leaders. From historical figures to modern fictional characters, we uncover their inspiration.

As a Matter of Fact: Charters are Improving Public Education

By Prateek Dutta, VP Policy, CLCS Action

While publicly addressing falsehoods can sometimes amplify them, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked is perhaps more harmful. It’s for that reason that I aim to set the record straight.

A recent article regarding education and charter schools contained numerous falsehoods.

First, the facts on charter schools.

Charter schools are free, public, and open to all. Charters in Colorado are nonprofit organizations. Today, nearly 270 serve more than one out of seven public school students across Colorado. Notably, charter schools serve a higher percentage of multilingual learners and students of color than traditional public schools (TPS).

And they do so while receiving less funding than traditional public schools.

Welcoming Tanesha Bell, Program Director for School Services

We are thrilled to welcome Tanesha Bell as the new Program Director for the School Services team at the Colorado League of Charter Schools. With over two decades of experience in federal grant management and a passion for uplifting students and communities, Tanesha brings a wealth of expertise to our organization. Having worked with the Schools of Choice Unit at the Colorado Department of Education, Tanesha has demonstrated an exceptional ability to support educational programs, manage complex grants, and foster meaningful connections with school leaders and community members alike. Her deep commitment to post-secondary readiness, youth services, and program management makes her a perfect fit for the League's mission to support high-quality charter schools across the state.

As Program Director, Tanesha will be a key resource for schools engaging with the Charter Schools Program (CSP). If you have any questions or need assistance regarding CSP grants, Tanesha is here to provide guidance and support. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in Colorado’s charter school community. Connect with Tanesha here.

Improving Academic Outcomes: Access to Grade-Level Material is Equity Work

By Shannon Feeney, School Director, DSST Montview Middle School

As the leader of DSST: Montview Middle School, I see providing an equitable education to each and every one of our students as how we actualize DSST’s mission.

We see this come to life on our campus through one of our guiding themes: Grade-level work is equity work. There are far too many schools across our country where students of color, and students who are marginalized, do not receive access to grade-level work.

I am proud to work for a network and with a team aligned in the deep belief that our work is justice work. We are committed to more than putting grade-level work in front of students. We are also committed to our continuous growth and improvement to ensure we are supporting students in developing the skills, habits, and mindsets necessary to be independent learners and to grapple with the complexities and challenges of our world. Read more.

Unlock Funding for Healthy Smartphone Use in Schools
The Colorado Department of Law (DOL) invites Local Education Providers (LEPs) to participate in a survey aimed at developing policies for student smartphone use. To be eligible for funding of up to $50,000 for innovative interventions in 2025, LEPs must complete the survey by October 18. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes and requires only one response per LEP. For questions, contact [email protected].

Join a Regional Gathering in a City Near You
Our Regional Gatherings bring together charter leaders from across the state to connect with peers, engage with League staff on local and statewide issues, and discuss state-level advocacy and policy efforts. These in-person events also provide a platform to showcase charter school successes to local elected officials. Join us at one or more gatherings to strengthen connections and share insights with fellow leaders. Join us at one or sign up for multiple to strengthen your connections and share insights with fellow leaders.

Nominate a Student Charter Champion
Nominations are now open for the 2024-2025 Charter Champions program! This four-month advocacy training is designed for exceptional high school students (grades 9-12) who are passionate about leadership, advocacy, and community service. Selected students will receive leadership training, participate in online sessions, and be honored at the League's Annual Conference. Don’t miss the chance to highlight a deserving student—submit your nominations by October 18th.

Nominate your Hero for the 2025 Hall of Fame
Everyday across the state, charter school leaders, educators and supporters make decisions and take actions that improve student lives and family trajectories. Our annual Hall of Fame awards honors these outstanding individuals and we want to hear their stories.
We invite you to nominate those within your circle whose dedication and impact deserves to be celebrated. Nominations are due by Monday, Oct. 14, and nominees will be announced in late fall, followed by finalists in January. The celebration reaches its pinnacle on February 26, when winners will be revealed during a ceremony to kick off the 2025 Colorado Charter Schools Conference. Don't miss this chance to recognize the outstanding individuals who are shaping Colorado's exceptional charter school landscape.

Learning Opportunities

Elevate Your Expertise with the League’s Specialized Learning Communities and Training
Take your professional growth to the next level with our exciting lineup of ten specialized Learning Communities and three powerful training events designed to enhance your skills and strengthen the charter school community. From Learning Communities tailored for board chairs, marketing professionals, school founders, and operations leaders, to impactful training sessions covering finance, Title IX, and community engagement, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss these valuable opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow!

Enhance Your Classroom with Cybersecurity Curriculum
Looking to teach cybersecurity in your high school but lacking resources? Register by Friday, Oct. 25, for a two-day overview of the RING cybersecurity curriculum, happening Nov. 6-7 in Colorado Springs or via Zoom. You'll earn 18 hours of professional development credits while engaging in hands-on activities that make learning fun and effective.

Improve Instructional Walkthroughs at Your School
Is your school on the Accountability Clock or ESSA identified? Join the CDE for an in-person learning session at the Adams 12 Conference Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon to enhance your instructional walkthrough routines. Register by Tuesday, Oct. 15, and learn how to create effective structures and tools that support change management.

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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.

CDE Updates

Share Your Input on Standards Revisions
The State Board of Education is seeking your feedback on revisions to standards in comprehensive health, mathematics, reading, writing and communicating, and science. Make your voice heard by completing the Colorado Academic Standards Revision Survey by Friday, Oct. 18. For more information, contact Shelly Ramos.

Join the Facility Schools Board
The Office of Facility Schools is looking for applicants for an interim position on the Facility Schools Board. The ideal candidate will have expertise in special or general education and will represent Colorado school districts during monthly meetings through June 2025. To apply, please send your resume and a letter of interest to Judy Stirman by Friday, Nov. 15.

Submit Your Charter School Capital Construction Report by Oct. 31
All eligible charter schools must complete the annual Charter School Capital Construction Report (CSCC-01) by October 31st. This report is essential to confirm your eligibility and determine funding levels for the next fiscal year. Click HERE to submit!

Student enrollment is dropping. The charter sector should keep growing anyway.
Thomas Fordham Institute | Oct. 10
The macro trend that will have the greatest impact on the American education system over the next decade or two is our declining birth rate and the resulting enrollment crisis facing many public schools.

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Calling for a constitutional right to school choice in Colorado
Thomas Fordham Institute | Oct. 10
As the clock winds down towards Election Day, Colorado voters—myself included—face an important decision beyond the presidential contest: whether to amend the state constitution to enshrine a “right to school choice.”

In Cities With School Choice, Low-Income Kids Are Catching up to Wealthier Peers
The 74 | Oct. 10
New report on Camden, Newark, Kansas City, St. Louis & Indianapolis finds achievement gaps closing for students in both charter and district schools.

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Report finds Charter School Enrollment Booming While Traditional School Districts Decline
Washington Times | Oct. 8
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools found in an analysis of public enrollment data that charter schools in the 46 states that allow them grew their student bodies by almost 12% between the 2019-20 and 2023-24 academic years. Over the same period, the tally at traditional public school districts dropped by nearly 4%.

In Houston, a Wholesale Transformation Delivers Better Education for Students
The 74 | Oct. 8
Personalized learning, strong leadership, career-focused classes, effective teaching — districts know what to do. They just need to do it.

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Report: Almost All Disabled Students Lack Access to College Readiness Programs
The 74 | Oct. 8
New analysis of federal civil rights data finds stark disparities in advanced courses, dual enrollment classes and college-admission tests.

Oklahoma’s Catholic Charter School Asks U.S. Supreme Court for Review
The 74 | Oct. 7
Even opponents of faith-based charters predict that if the court takes the case, the majority would rule in favor of opening the school.

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Advocates Find new Study Suggesting Validity of Denver Public Schools Reform Strategy Controversial
CBS News | Oct. 6
A study from the University of Colorado Denver validates a school reform strategy once used in Denver.

Broomfield's Bal Swan Children's Center proposes BVSD charter school
Colorado Hometown Weekly | Oct. 4
The plan is to house Grove Elementary School, which would be overseen by a separate board of directors and principal, in a new building on the Bal Swan campus.

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Chicago School Closures Offer a Cautionary Tale for Dealing With Fiscal Cliff
The 74 | Oct. 3
Shuttering 50 schools in 2013 disrupted students and communities while saving less money than the district projected.

‘Local is better’: Windsor Charter Academy celebrates Colorado Proud School Meal Day
Greeley Tribune | Oct. 2
Windsor Charter Academy feels “Colorado Proud” about its efforts to deliver delicious locally sourced, scratch-made food to students every day.

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Southwest Open School Introduces New Food Program
The Journal | Sept. 25
Southwest Open School is working to help solve the food insecurity seen on the school’s campus, according to SWOS Director Casey Simpson.

9th October 2024

CDE Distinguished Speakers Series (Free)

CDE is excited to bring back the wildly popular Distinguished Speakers Series to help you be highly effective and inspired in the work you do each day. Join us this Fall & Spring for an amazing virtual line up of some of the country’s leading voices.

3rd October 2024

Safe Routes to School Funding Opportunity

The Colorado Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Fiscal Year 2025 grant application is now open, offering approximately $7M for infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects to enhance safe transportation for students, including high school programs. Applications are due by noon on November 4, 2024, with funding for infrastructure projects increasing to $1M; eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the state. For more information, visit the CDOT Safe Routes to School website.

26th September 2024

Healthy Kids Colorado Survey and Smart Source Survey

This event will take place on October 10 from 1 PM to 2 PM via Zoom.
Learning Objectives:
- Review the structure and content of the surveys. - Examine highlights from the 2023 statewide survey data. - Understand how to access support in using survey data.

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