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Welcome to the MOVE for September
Coming up in a week, we have our first town hall of the year, and the week after that our regional gatherings kick off, and soon thereafter, in early October, we look forward to hosting you at the Gaylord of the Rockies for the Leadership Summit 2024. Remember to update your school, your staff, or your email preferences, please log in to your account on our website and go to “My Account” in the upper right of each page.
If your campus has an update to share, please submit it to us by 12 PM each Thursday.
Putting Our Members First
Hello and welcome,
I wanted to start today with a couple of thank yous. First, to David Singer, our board chair, for his article last month on why the charter school community is so important. Parents and families have clearly demonstrated that they want more options out of public education, and that’s what charter schools bring to the table. We inject much-needed options and opportunities into a system that far too often reverts to the status quo, and that’s why our mission today is no less important than it was when charter schools started in Colorado 30 years ago.
Second, I want to thank each of you for the work you’re doing right now to start the school year off right. I’ve heard from some of you that you now (maybe?) have a slight moment to breathe. It might be like the added effort to get a train moving from a dead stop, but now that there’s some momentum, less energy is needed to keep the train going.
The League is in a similar place. We’re putting you, our members, first because we know that is how we can best contribute to your momentum—by providing the energy around various efforts and initiatives that help you drive both your school and the entire charter community forward.
TREASURE
We consistently hear from our schools that one of your biggest ongoing needs is in relation to resources – not only more funding in general but also greater funding equity for charter schools. That’s why we were excited to celebrate historic wins last year related to CSI equalization, charter facilities funding, and per-pupil revenue. But we’re not stopping there. Part of the reason why getting the $66 million dollar commitment from the legislature last year for charter school facilities over the next 5 years was so important was because of how it could position Colorado to compete favorably for critical federal matching funds. That competition is now underway, CDE has applied on the state’s behalf, and we should be hearing any day on whether we’ve successfully unlocked another $36 million in vital facilities resources for our schools.
That funding would be in addition to the nearly $70 million that the League has separately applied for to become the state’s new administrator of the federal Charter Schools Program for new and expanding schools. We should also be hearing about that any day, and if both buckets of money come through, it would represent over $100 million dollars in additional funding for the Colorado charter school community over the next 5 years. All of this would be a direct result of League efforts, and all of it would be because of our focus on putting you, our member schools, first.
TEAM
So much of how we accomplish and pursue initiatives such as those mentioned above comes down to team and the quality of the individuals we’ve got working on your behalf both at the League and at our sister organization CLCS Action. I’m proud to report that, in addition to the tremendous team we already had in place, we added several critical new hires over the summer. We’ve grown our advocacy team to five and added new senior talent with the addition of Prateek Dutta (VP Policy). We also brought on Karolina Villagrana as our new Director of School Quality to ensure you’ve got the resources and support necessary to provide a world-class education to every student that enters your doors.
TOPICS
Through our Town Halls, our Regional Gatherings, and our major events, we’re bringing the topics to you that are front-and-center in helping you lead, manage, and staff your school. We’re kicking off this year’s Town Hall series next Friday, September 20th, at 10am (sign up here) with a focus on smartphones and the State Board, and from there we hope to explore topics ranging from artificial intelligence to chronic absenteeism and more over the course of the year. We know that it is through collective development and improvement that we all lift each other up together. Our Resource Center also has a variety of materials for you, including Policy One-Pagers, news, job postings (free for members), our Vendor Marketplace, research, and access to trainings. And of course, don’t forget to join us for our upcoming Leadership Summit at the Gaylord of the Rockies on Friday, October 11th.
I could go on from there, but whether it’s in the realm of Treasure, Team or Topics, I hope you see all the ways in which we’re working to elevate your needs on a daily basis.
Thank you, let us know what else we can do to help keep your trains running as the school year gets more fully underway, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Sincerely,
Dan Schaller, President
Colorado League of Charter Schools
September Legislative Update: New Policy Leadership and Looking Ahead
We're excited to introduce Prateek Dutta as the new VP of Policy at the Colorado League of Charter Schools! Prateek brings extensive experience in district, state, and federal education policy, as well as firsthand knowledge from his time working with students and families. He has been instrumental in driving key policy changes, including expanding access to rigorous courses for low-income students and protecting public school choice. We look forward to his leadership as we continue advocating for charter schools across Colorado.
Looking ahead to the 2025 legislative session, there are significant challenges, including navigating contentious political landscapes and ensuring continued support for charter schools. Despite these hurdles, our commitment to student achievement and innovation remains steadfast. We encourage all members to share their insights on policies and challenges as we develop our legislative agenda. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Colorado's public charter schools.
| Read the full Legislative Update |
From Farm to Fork: Charters go Local One Bite at a Time
Six Colorado charter schools are among 32 recipients of a CDE Local Food Program (LFP) grant whose pilot was extended for the 24-25 school year. Dishing up local food with a focus on nutrition, education and community are: Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins (CECFC), The Academy, Pinnacle Charter School, Windsor Charter Academy, The STEAD School, and Community Leadership Academy.
The program, which awarded a total of $500,000, is empowering schools like Pinnacle to upgrade their school meals. The funds “helped us to increase our capacity to purchase raw food products from local producers and improve the nutritional quality of the food offered," says Kelley Dillon, Nutrition Services Director at Pinnacle Charter School.
This translates to exciting changes on students' plates.
Financial literacy, cultural and ethnic studies courses should reshape DPS student experience
By Richard Maez, Ednium: The Alumni Collective | Boardhawk
I was born and raised in southwest Denver and attended all my neighborhood schools, including graduating from John F. Kennedy High School. My parents were deeply involved in my education, stressing that the only thing people can’t take from you is the knowledge you learn throughout life.
I had a great experience in Denver Public Schools, and I felt prepared to attend college because of that, but I know my experience was vastly different from others in my community. I went to the University of Denver to pursue a degree in education. I started student teaching at George Washington High School and then served in a full-time role for five years as the IB Program Manager. Read more.
Amendment 80
After careful consideration and deliberation at its most recent meeting, the League’s board of directors voted to take no position on Amendment 80 from this fall’s ballot. If you have any questions related to this decision, please contact Dan at [email protected].
Dr. Kelli Harding to Headline 2024 Leadership Summit
Dr. Kelli Harding, a renowned expert in human health and well-being, is celebrated for her groundbreaking work on the science of kindness and connection. As the author of The Rabbit Effect and an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, Dr. Harding brings a unique blend of expertise and heartfelt storytelling that will inspire and transform your approach to leadership and wellness. Join us on Oct. 12 at the Gaylord Rockies for the 2024 Leadership Summit and experience her powerful insights that connect health, kindness, and thriving communities.
Who is your Charter School hero?
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.
Important Announcement: Phishing Alert
We have been informed that phishing emails are being circulated, falsely claiming to be from the Colorado League of Charter Schools. These emails request information verification and contain a link that should not be clicked. Please be vigilant and do not engage with these emails. If you receive such a message, delete it immediately and do not provide any personal information. Stay safe and report any suspicious activity to your IT department. See an example of this type of email below.
Loveland Classical Schools opening secondary school expansion
Loveland Classical Schools celebrated the opening of a new wing at its secondary school with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new addition, which includes eight classrooms and an innovation space, was financed through a tax-exempt bond and managed by NV5 Engineering with GTC Construction as the builder. The expansion addresses the school's growing enrollment, now exceeding 1,000 students. The event also marked the start of Back to School Night for middle and high school students.
Colorado State Board of Education Adjusts Cut Scores for Digital SAT Math in Graduation Guidelines
The Colorado State Board of Education has lowered the cut score for the digital SAT math test from 500 to 480 for students graduating in 2025 and 2026, in response to changes in the test format and a drop in student performance. This adjustment affects the state’s Graduation Guidelines, which require students to demonstrate competency in math. Read the full statement.
Submit Your Proposal for the 2025 Colorado League Annual Conference!
Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and inspiring others? RFPs for the 2025 Colorado League Annual Conference, themed "Synergy in Education," are now open! Held from February 26-28 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, we’re seeking impactful workshops that foster collaboration among educators and leaders in Colorado's charter school community. Share your expertise on topics like curriculum, school leadership, technology, and social-emotional learning. Submit your proposal by October 3rd, 2024, and seize the chance to make a difference!
CDE to host the 2024 Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging Conference on Sept. 18-19
The Colorado Department of Education will host the 2024 Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging Conference on September 18-19 in Colorado Springs. The event, focused on creating supportive learning environments, is fully booked, but educators can join the waitlist. The conference features 50 sessions on topics like social-emotional learning and dropout prevention. Despite the event's popularity, CDE encourages those interested to sign up for potential openings.
Explore Opportunities to Hire International Teachers
Join the Educator Career Navigation Office for a 4-part learning series on the J-1 Visa: Teacher Exchange Program. Whether you're new to the process or already familiar with it, you'll gain valuable insights and resources on how to recruit, hire, and support international teachers. Pick and choose sessions based on your needs or attend the full series to dive deeper into integrating this pathway into your teacher recruitment strategy.
Collaborate with Rural Principals Across Colorado
If you're a rural principal balancing countless responsibilities, don’t miss this opportunity! The Rural Principal Learning Cohort application window is extended until Monday, Sept. 30. Join fellow rural leaders to share experiences, address common challenges, and build a stronger professional network as you work toward solving the unique issues faced by rural schools.
Statewide School Performance Ratings Now Public
Preliminary performance framework ratings for schools and districts are now available on the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) website. These ratings include data for all schools, including Alternative Education Campuses. While the full reports will be finalized in December by the State Board of Education, the preliminary results offer valuable insights into statewide trends. Explore the performance framework results and the District and School Dashboard today to see where your school stands. Visit the CDE website to access the data.
CDE and AIR Seek Public Input on Colorado's K-12 School Funding
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) are conducting a study on Colorado's K-12 school funding system. They are inviting stakeholders to participate through an online survey and virtual town hall meetings from late August to September. Feedback will help inform future funding policies. Visit the Colorado Financial Adequacy Study website for more details and to participate.
ERTC Program Update
In response to continued inquiries we had received from the field, the League recently worked with others to pursue an additional legal opinion on the question of the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) program and whether Colorado charter schools might be eligible to participate. The law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, reached conclusions different from prior opinions. Schools are encouraged to consult with their attorneys before taking potential action related to this program.
Funding Opportunities
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. Learn more at OERColorado.org.
Small Grants Available for Seal of Climate Literacy Implementation
Lyra Colorado, led by CEO and Founder Mary Seawell, announces the Seal of Climate Literacy, signed into law by Governor Polis in May. The Seal aims to deepen students' understanding of climate change through real-world experiences. Local education providers can tailor coursework and learning opportunities to fit their communities. To support implementation this school year, small grants are available. Apply by September 23, 2024. Visit SealofClimateLiteracy.org for more resources.
CDE Updates
Accountability Update
The mid-August accountability update from the CDE focuses on their accountability data release process, including an updated accountability timeline (with actual dates).
Educator Recruitment & Retention Program Offers $10K for Aspiring Educators
CDE invites aspiring educators to apply for up to $10,000 in financial assistance for educator preparation program fees. The Educator Recruitment and Retention program provides direct support for qualified individuals interested in teaching in a shortage area and who can commit to working in that area for three years. Learn more and apply by Sept. 30.
This & That
Edge Foundation Event: Executive Function Coach Training
Join the Edge Foundation for a two-day Executive Function Coach Training on October 9-10, 2024, in Lakewood, CO. This event is designed for educators, parents, and caregivers to gain tools and techniques that support young people with Executive Function challenges. Learn how to engage and empower students, while earning a certification and CEU credits.
Wheelchair Lift Available for Donation
Pinnacle Charter School is donating a Hercules II 600 Residential Vertical Lift in excellent condition. With a load capacity of 600 lbs, this lift can benefit schools or organizations in need of accessible equipment. If interested, please contact Dawn Gioia at [email protected] for more information.
Opportunity to Receive a Free Camera and Security System
Firestone Charter Academy is offering a set of functional interior and exterior cameras, along with a Network Video Controller, to a school in need. The cameras, installed between 2017 and 2024, offer decent resolution and were in working condition when taken down. The controller is a 32-channel model from CCTV Security Pros, with expansion capabilities. This is a great chance to upgrade your school’s security system—must take all equipment. If you are interested, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
You or Your Staff Could be Featured on Teacher Tuesday
CDE’s communications unit created a weekly social media campaign called Teacher Tuesday that highlights a teacher every week across all of the department’s social media. The posts feature the teacher’s photo, their accomplishments, how long they’ve been teaching and what brings them joy about their work. We need your help to add more teachers. Please fill out this submission form to add a co-worker or yourself or pass it on to a friend.
PACE for Administrators & Benefits Managers
As you plan your back-to-school orientations and benefits schedules, don’t forget to include the Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE) in your agenda. As a CLCS preferred partner, PACE offers invaluable benefits. With new staff joining your team each year, a presentation by PACE State Director Ariel Elliott can ensure everyone is up to speed. Choose from 15- or 30-minute presentations to fit your busy schedule. Contact Ariel today at [email protected] or call/text at: 720-580-1326.
Fort Collins charter school scores highest composite SAT score in Colorado
Coloradan | September 12, 2024
Liberty Common High School students earned the highest average composite SAT score in Colorado last spring, according to data recently released by the state Department of Education.
Seven of Colorado’s biggest school districts are asking voters for money this November. Here’s why
CPR News | September 11, 2024
More than 20 school districts are on the ballot this November asking voters for $6.4 billion in tax measures. The vast majority of that ($6.2 billion) is for bonds in large districts that won’t raise taxes. The totals are still being finalized.
Colorado will temporarily lower SAT math score needed for graduation, while investigating a long-term plan
Chalkbeat | September 11, 2024
Colorado students for the next two years will be able to meet state graduation requirements with a lower score on the SAT math test.
109 degrees on the first day of school? In some districts, extreme heat is changing the school calendar.
Chalkbeat | September 11, 2024
With five children aged 11 to 24, Cyd Detiege has sent her kids to Palm Springs Unified School District in Southern California for nearly two decades.
15 Years After ‘Rubber Room,’ Steven Brill Recalls the Legacy of School Reform
The 74 | September 10, 2024
If the education reform was a religion, the “rubber room” was its purgatory.
Colorado’s annual performance ratings show more schools, districts earning better marks
Chalkbeat | September 10, 2024
More Colorado schools and districts are earning higher marks on the state’s annual performance ratings, according to preliminary data published Tuesday.
A bigger child tax credit could help students a lot. Will Harris or Trump make it happen?
Chalkbeat | September 10, 2024
The child tax credit’s expansion during the pandemic cut child poverty nearly in half — but that more-generous credit expired in 2021.
Parker charter school starts year in temporary location
KDVR Denver | September 9, 2024
Some students in Parker will not begin the school year in their brand-new facility due to construction delays. They are attending a temporary location instead.
Was ESSER funding successful? Superintendents say it’s hard to generalize
K-12Dive | September 9, 2024
“When evaluating the success of ARP there is still much to learn,” the report said, calling on researchers and policymakers to figure out how to measure the COVID emergency expenditures’ impacts and whether they were worthwhile.
Students aren’t benefiting much from tutoring, one new study shows
Hechinger | September 9, 2024
Matthew Kraft, an associate professor of education and economics at Brown University, was an early proponent of giving tutors — ordinarily a luxury for the rich — to the masses after the pandemic.
A Lot Has Changed in the 40 Years After ‘A Nation At Risk.’ But the School System? Not So Much
The 74 | September 9, 2024
In 1983, the National Commission on Excellence in Education (NCEE) released A Nation at Risk (ANAR), which issued a wake-up call, named the state of US education a crisis, and presented thirty recommendations for action.
DPS board, leaders’ rush to judgment sparks federal lawsuit
Boardhawk | September 9, 2024
The mother of three Denver Public Schools students has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that district leaders engage in a pattern of behavior that has violated parents’ First Amendment rights, prompted retaliation against employees and smeared the reputations of those who oppose district policies.
Report: Parental ‘Apathy’ Blamed for Rise in Chronic Absenteeism
The 74 | September 9, 2024
A quarter of district leaders in a recent survey said chronic absenteeism has gotten so bad that none of their strategies are working, a problem some attribute to increased parental “apathy” about the importance of school since the pandemic.
As student hunger persists at colleges, higher education tries out providing free food
Chalkbeat | September 9, 2024
Foxy’s Mobile Market hadn’t even opened yet, and the line to get free food in the Community College of Aurora parking lot already stretched 30 students deep.
COLUMN: Why cheer Denver schools’ persistent mediocrity?
Colorado Springs Gazette | September 8, 2024
At last week’s Denver Public Schools Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Alex Marrero made an impassioned plea for everyone to celebrate DPS students for their performance on state standardized tests.
Here’s where Trump and Harris stand on 6 education issues
NPR | September 8, 2024
As presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump don’t have a lot in common when it comes to their views on education.
Georgia school shooting highlights fears about classroom cellphone bans
AP | September 8, 2024
Huddling for safety in classrooms as gunfire rang out, students at Apalachee High School texted or called their parents to let them know what was happening and send what they thought could be their final messages.
Four teachers announced as finalists for Colorado’s 2025 Teacher of the Year
Colorado Department of Education | September 6, 2024
Colorado State Board of Education Chair Rebecca McClellan, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova and representatives from schools and school districts today surprised four teachers in their classrooms with news that they are among seven finalists in the running to be Colorado’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
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- ACT (August 21, 2024)
- NEWS (September 6, 2024)
- MOVE (August 16, 2024)
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (September 5, 2024)
- CONNECT COHORT (August 22, 2024)
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