The NEWS for June 7, 2024

Welcome to the NEWS for June 7, 2024

With the presidential election rapidly approaching, candidates will soon present their education policies. Schools and districts are devising unique solutions to student disengagement and low reading scores. Pre-K enrollment is bouncing back after setbacks from COVID, as is general student performance. This is the last NEWS of the school year. Look for our final MOVE next week and then the newsletters will be on summer break. Sign in here to adjust your email newsletter preferences for when we start up again in early August.

What’s happening in your community? Share your campus news with us by 12 PM each Thursday.

Top News

6th June 2024

Perspective: A blueprint for better schools

Colorado Springs Gazette, June 2
Did you know there is a public school system that achieves a 100% college acceptance rate, meaning every graduating senior is accepted to at least one four-year college, university or post-secondary program? Read more

6th June 2024

One new idea, and two old ones, for moving beyond age-based grouping of students

Fordham Institute
Ever since the one-room schoolhouse faded from the American prairie, some reformers have argued that clumping students by age is ill-advised. Read more.

4th June 2024

An Early Education Rebound: After COVID Disruptions, Report Shows Pre-K Enrollment Hitting Record Levels

The 74
Four-year-olds entering pre-K in Mississippi’s Lamar County Schools don’t spend their days on worksheets or bent over papers practicing their letters. But they do have plenty of books, Play-Doh and time for friends. Read more.

3rd June 2024

Polling Data: Presidents Split the Public on Schools

The 74
With the presidential election less than six months away, Joe Biden and Donald Trump will soon unveil their platforms and begin rallying voters around their agendas for 2025 and beyond. Read more.

1st June 2024

Most US students are recovering from pandemic-era setbacks, but millions are making up little ground

Associated Press
On one side of the classroom, students circled teacher Maria Fletcher and practiced vowel sounds. In another corner, children read together from a book. Read more.

30th May 2024

To Engage Students in Math, Educators Try Connecting it to Their Culture

The 74
Before she got to the math in her lesson on linear equations last fall, Sydney Kealanahele asked her class of eighth graders on Oahu why kalo, or taro root, is so important in Hawaii. Read more.

Local Headlines

Colorado schools are trying to find the right equation to solve low math scores. One answer: high-dosage tutoring
CPR News | June 5
“Hey Anthony, how are you?” says a voice from 6,000 miles away. Twelve-year-old Anthony, in a classroom at Lake Middle School in Denver, is silent. His screen is muted. He types out “hi” in the chat to his math tutor. Read more.

Colorado offers high school students many college opportunities. Which ones are worth the money?
Chalkbeat | June 5
The routes to two- and four-year colleges didn’t fit Maryssa McCray’s ambitions. Read more.

Charter schools are vital to an equitable education
The Gazette | June 5
The state Legislature recently defeated a bill that would have stripped charter schools of local control and subjected them to death by a thousand cuts. Read more.

Colorado to spend $20 million of Juul settlement on grant program to improve youth mental health
Chalkbeat | June 4
Colorado will spend $20 million of a $31.7 million lawsuit settlement with e-cigarette manufacturer, Juul Labs Inc., on a grant program aimed at improving youth mental health, state Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Tuesday. Read more.

Perspective: A blueprint for better schools
Colorado Springs Gazette | June 2
In the endless debates and rankings concerning great places to live, the Centennial State is often highly ranked and admired. Read more.

National Views

Finding the sweet spot on accountability
Fordham Institute | June 6
For thirty years, most education reformers have hung their hats on test-based accountability. Let's kick the tail of traditional public schools on standardized tests, as the thinking goes, and much else will take care of itself. Read more.

End of Pandemic Funding Could Spell Disaster for Some Connecticut Schools
The 74 | June 5
The administrators of the Hartford Public Schools system have a problem. Left with a nearly $37 million budget hole despite pleas for more local and state funding to plug holes left by the expiration of federal pandemic aid, they will, in the coming weeks, sort out the details of eliminating close to 400 positions and decide which programs to cut back this fall. Read more.

Work-based youth learning programs can augment talent development strategies, report say
HR Dive | June 4
Businesses can build bridges between education and industry by offering work-based learning programs, while boosting their talent development strategies as well, according to a report by American Student Assistance. Read more.

How Principals Can Be Mentors Rather Than Just Superiors
Education Week | June 4
Congratulations! You have decided to take the leap to administration. It’s possible that you have served in various teaching positions leading up to this milestone moment, or perhaps you arrived here unexpectedly. Read more (paywall).

Young Kids Are Struggling With Skills Like Listening, Sharing, and Using Scissors
Education Week | June 3
Young students are struggling with fine motor skills, like using scissors and pencils, and social-emotional capabilities, such as following instructions and sharing, teachers report. Read more (paywall).

Will AI Be Your Next Principal? Probably Not. But It’s Here to Stay
The 74 | June 3
When I was a principal, if you had told me I would be working with artificial intelligence on a daily basis, I would have conjured visions of the Terminator and Skynet in my head. Read more.

The State of Career and Technical Education, in Charts
Education Week | June 3
More than 8 in 10 high school graduates completed at least one course in a career-education field in 2019, according to new federal data. However, it’s unclear how much secondary career pathways really link to students’ work after graduation. Read more (paywall).

Some states are adopting a new form of reading instruction to combat falling scores
NPR | June 2
A surge of state laws and policies are encouraging schools to adopt a new approach to reading instruction — it’s known as "the science of reading," and it’s changing what happens inside classrooms. Listen now.

Restorative Justice in Schools, Explained
Education Week | May 31
When the Oakland Unified school district’s restorative justice coordinator, David Yusem, walks into one of the district’s schools, he wants to know how it feels: Does it feel caring? Read more (paywall).

Do state assessments need an overhaul?
K-12 Dive | May 31
The report does not promote abandoning state standardized assessments but challenges what it calls the testing system’s “competing priorities.” Read more.

Donald Trump’s Conviction: 3 Takeaways for Educators
Education Week | May 31
For the first time in U.S. history, a former president has been convicted of felony crimes, and K-12 teachers will likely have to contend with a few questions from students as the nation comes to terms with the verdict. Read more (paywall).

Opponents of public religious charter school seek a court injunction to halt its opening
The Oklahoman | May 31
Opponents of what is proposed to be the nation's first religious public charter school have asked a district court to issue a temporary injunction preventing the school from opening in Oklahoma City and receiving state funds. Read more.

‘First aid kit’ for tough classes
The Hechinger Report | May 31
If survival required a special backpack and a portable first aid kit, you’d do well to hear that with enough time to prepare. Read more.

Graduation rates rebounded shortly after pandemic hiccup
K-12 Dive | May 31
The national data confirms suspicions that graduation rates fell during the pandemic. However, NCES could not confirm, based on the data, whether the pandemic was the cause of the decline. Read more.

What Is Title IX? Schools, Sports, and Sex Discrimination
Education Week | May 31
After a long wait, the Biden administration has officially made its mark on Title IX, the landmark federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in schools, with a revision to the law’s regulations finalized earlier this spring. Read more (paywall).

Are poor schools underfunded? It's more complex than you'd think
Fordham Institute | May 30
One of the most persistent myths in K–12 education is the idea that high-poverty schools are near-universally, significantly underfunded. However, the truth is much more complicated. Read more.

Community Announcements

Learning Opportunities

Early College of Arvada School Materials Giveaway
Thursday, June 13th, 10 AM - 12 noon. ECA is excited to invite schools to explore and select from a variety of educational materials. Available items include: Technology, LOTS of Curriculum, Novel Classroom Sets, Art Supplies, Theater Costumes/Props, PE Equipment, and Textbooks. This is a fantastic opportunity to gather resources for your school. To ensure ECA can accommodate everyone, please RSVP here. For questions, please contact Julia Walker: [email protected]

Introduction to ASL Course for Professionals Working with the Deaf
This course is designed specifically for professionals working with the Deaf. Through engaging lectures, interactive activities, and practical exercises, participants will develop essential communication skills in ASL. Gain confidence in effectively communicating with Deaf clients, students, or patients in various settings, including educational, healthcare, and social services environments. This is a synchronous remote class to be held via Zoom on Tuesdays, June 4th through August 6th, from 9 am to 11 am. We will be issuing 2 CEUs for this course. More information can be found here.

Scholarships and Success Coaching for Graduating High School Seniors
Recent high school graduates across the Centennial State will be eligible to receive education and career coaching this month thanks to Opportunity Next Colorado, a new $25 million statewide scholarship and advising program administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Through a new collaboration with coaching nonprofit InsideTrack, participating learners across the state will receive coaching and advising support to help them navigate the complex, often daunting process of planning for a career and life after high school. Learn more.

EF Education First is Offering a Unique Professional Development Opportunity
APPLY NOW for a scholarship to participate in the 2024 EF Global Education Symposium in Boston this November. Applications are due by Friday, August 9th, 2024. Administrators working with students in grades 6–12 are eligible to apply. For more information, reach out to Kristine Turner, Senior Area Manager for EF [email protected] or 303-570-9121.

Practices Improve Learning Experiences & More for Students with Disabilities
The Networked Improvement Community for Students with Disabilities, a group of 10 public charter school networks, worked to reimagine how they serve students furthest from opportunity. Using the tools of improvement science, educators and content experts developed and refined more than 20 evidence-based practices to improve learning experiences, environments, and outcomes for Black and Latinx students with disabilities experiencing poverty. The practices address common challenges schools face in five areas and offer step-by-step instructions, templates, and case studies. Learn more.

Math Instruction Professional Development | June 2024
Elementary, middle school, and high school teachers are invited to register for free online professional development in math instruction. The virtual asynchronous sessions will begin in June and will provide participants with practical tools and techniques to engage students, foster deeper understanding, and cultivate an engaging learning environment around math. Register here.

Get Your School in its A-GAME
Over the past five years, a bold group of charter school authorizers from across the country have been reflecting on better ways to measure school quality. We have embraced the slogan: Measure What Matters, When It Matters. We now know we can only go so far without YOU at the table. Join these upcoming conversations as we get on our A-GAME together.

Advocacy & Action

Governor Signs House Bill 1394 Into Law
On April 18, Governor Polis signed House Bill 1394 into law. This is the bill that once and for all fully equalizes mill levy funding for CSI and the more than 20,000 students that attend CSI schools. It was a historic day for the Colorado charter school sector. Ever since 2017, when we successfully advocated for the equitable inclusion of district-authorized charters in local mill levy override revenue, we've been fighting alongside CSI to ensure the playing field was level for CSI schools as well. Learn more.

Grace Period Regarding Noncompliance of Digital Accessibility UPDATE
On April 15, the Colorado legislature introduced HB24-1454: Grace Period Noncompliance Digital Accessibility. The bill was passed and will provide a one-year extension to July 1, 2025, of immunity from liability for failure to comply with the digital accessibility standards for an agency that demonstrates good faith efforts toward compliance or toward resolution of any complaint of noncompliance. Learn more.

This & That

Charging Station Surplus from Thompson Schools
I'm Andy Larkins with Thompson School District in Loveland. I have about 120 chromebook/laptop charging stations that I do not need. I hate to send them to a recycler if someone can use them. They're about 3-4 years old, and most have not been used very heavily. They are free for the taking if anyone is interested, but I need them out of my warehouse by mid-June. Interested parties can contact me directly: 970-613-5163 or [email protected].

Type A Electric Bus for Sale or Lease
Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette has a Type A (small) bus it wants to re-lease or sell through its partnership with Highland Electric Fleets. This is a 2023 Chevrolet 4500 Chassis Collins Bus with a capacity for 18. It is nearly new with only 948 miles on it. Because of its seating capacity, a driver with a Commercial Driver's License is required. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jennifer Douglas at Peak to Peak Charter School at 303-453-4611 or [email protected].

FREE Core Knowledge Language Arts Listening & Learning Strand Domains 1-11
Depending on the domain, there are at least 20 copies of the student books; most have 26, and a few have 30. Each domain also has one of the read-aloud teacher books, a skills teacher book, a flip book, one set of visual cards, and one set of black-line masters skills worksheets. Contact Halsley Hoff, [email protected] or 720.383.4519 x 3107

CDE Updates

CDE Teams with CU’s BUENO Center and Colorado Association for Bilingual Education to Expand Access to the Teacher Profession
DENVER -- The Colorado Department of Education is partnering with the University of Colorado’s BUENO Center and Colorado Association for Bilingual Education to support paraprofessionals interested in becoming licensed educators. Read more.

Informational CMAS Science & AEC Performance Framework Results Now Live
The 2023 informational performance framework reports containing 2023 CMAS Science for all districts and attendance/truancy results for Alternative Education Campuses have been provided to district accountability contacts via Syncplicity. For questions related to Syncplicity, training, or support, email [email protected].

June 17-18: Professional learning for educators supporting multilingual learners with authors Beth Skelton and Tan Huynh. Sessions will be hosted by Aurora Public Schools. Find information and registration on our website.
July 15-18: Math intervention design workshop focused on creating K-12 math intervention toolkits for educators. Apply here by Saturday, June 8.
Sept. 25 and Oct. 2: Training on prevention and promotion in MTSS; attendees will explore best practices for implementing prevention programs in schools. Register here for the Sept. 25 training in Craig and register here for the Oct. 2 training in Denver.

Upcoming Events

17 – 18 June 2024

Title IX Training: Coordinator

This nine-hour training series over two days includes the new Title IX regulations that go into effect August 1, 2024.

Title IX, Hybrid

19 June 2024

Title IX Training: Equity Compliance for Boards and School Leaders

This single, two-hour training is designed for board members, school leaders, counselors, athletic directors and any staff involved in Title IX processes. Pricing is for an entire school board, so the course can be shared amongst board members.

Title IX, Hybrid

20 June 2024

Title IX Training: Investigator

This one-day, six-hour training series explores how to carry out effective Title IX investigations. Reflects the new Title IX regulations that go into effect August 1, 2024.

Title IX, Hybrid

21 June 2024

Title IX Training: Decision Maker

Two-hour training on how to make effective decisions associated with Title IX complaints. Training reflects the NEW Title IX regulations that go into effect on August 1, 2024.

Title IX, Hybrid

2 July 2024

Colorado Happy Hour at National Conference

Join us at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' Conference in Boston for an exclusive Colorado Happy Hour on July 2nd.

Boston Exhibition & Convention Center

View Event Calendar

Health & Wellness

Antibullying & Safe Schools Summit

We are bringing together recognized experts from around the state and nation who will share evidence-based practices and practical resources for educators, administrators, and school personnel on bullying prevention

Summer EBT

Soon, the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT or S-EBT) program will provide eligible families with a pre-loaded card of $120 per eligible student for three months of grocery purchases. Learn more about the new program, including eligibility.

Neighborhood Meal Sites

Beginning June 3, community sites will offer no-cost breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and/or suppers to any youth from 0 - 18 years old; no identification or registration required. Families and caregivers can text FOOD to 304-304 or visit KidsFoodFinder.org to locate sites in their area.

Active Schools National Summit

Anyone looking for the best practices and strategies for promoting physical activity in schools should register for the summit.

More Health & Wellness