Nov. 1, 2010
News Release
Expanded Learning Opportunities Commission Learning Tour Continues To Limon, Loveland, Sheridan, Pueblo And Salida
The newly-formed Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Commission continues its listening tour with three stops next week in Limon (Nov. 8), Loveland (Nov. 10) and Sheridan (Nov. 11).
The tour will continue the following week with stops in Pueblo (Nov. 15) and Salida (Nov. 16). Precise meeting locations and times are below.
The commission, launched by Commissioner of Education Dwight D. Jones, is working to expand the vision for the entire learning experience in ways that transcend the traditional school day and traditional classroom models.
“The idea is for the commission to look at every way possible for schools to maximize the learning experience for students through creative and innovative community partnerships and through increased use of technology,” said Commissioner Jones. “The commission will examine the best means of leveraging opportunities beyond the time-honored and very necessary classroom instruction in a way that fully engages and enriches all students.”
The goal is to create a vision for student learning that incorporates a blend of traditional and online learning, expands the school day and standard yearly calendar and re-thinks the traditional school experience, added Commissioner Jones.
“This new approach to learning can only be accomplished through collaboration and partnership with community-based organizations, the business community and higher education,” said Commissioner Jones, “and that’s where the ELO commission comes in, to create a vision for a new approach outside the traditional boundaries of classroom space and school time.”
To garner public input and support, the statewide tour is designed to listen to educators, program providers, parents and others about the challenges and successes of expanded learning time and to discuss ideas for improving programs and strengthening community partnerships.
“We encourage anyone with interest in expanding the learning experience for students to attend these meetings and provide input on expanded learning opportunities and partnerships,” said Commissioner Jones. “We want to hear about the extended-day and after-school programs and services presently available to students, what efforts are working, and what needs to be done in order to improve and expand services to engage more students in meaningful ways.”
Citizens and community members who plan to attend the meetings in person are asked to RSVP to Vanessa Roman at the Colorado Department of Education, roman_v@cde.state.co.us.
Those who cannot attend the meetings may provide feedback via an online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/26C2Z7N. Written comments may also be sent to Vanessa Roman at the e-mail address above.
Meeting Locations and Times
-
November 8, Monday
East Central BOCES office, 820 Second Street, Limon
Time: 4—6 p.m.
-
November 10, Wednesday
The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Suite 100, Loveland
Time: 4—6 p.m.
-
November 11, Thursday
Sheridan School District, 3201 West Oxford Avenue (high school), Sheridan
Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
-
November 15, Monday
Colorado State University—Pueblo
Occhiato University Center, Cottonwood Room, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo
Time: 4—6 p.m.
-
November 16, Tuesday
Chaffee County Fairgrounds, 10165 County Road 120, Salida
Time: 4—6 p.m.
Purpose and Overview
Expanded Learning Opportunities seek to transform the educational experience to fully engage students in their learning, their passions and their interests. ELOs foster collaboration and partnerships among teachers, schools and community partners to effectively use the school day so that it is unrestricted by walls (blended and online learning), clocks (flexible school days), calendars (expanded school week and year) or tradition. By supporting ELOs, communities are providing more time and new ways for their students to engage in their learning, make connections within and across their community and to develop an active, successful citizenry.
The Expanded Learning Opportunities Commission grew out of work initiated through the Supporting Student Success joint initiative of the National Governors Association, Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Council of State Legislators.
Membership
The commission is comprised of state legislators, practitioners, teacher union representatives, ELO practitioners and members of the Colorado Department of Education.
Current membership includes:
-
Greg Anderson, Dean, Morgridge College of Education,
University of Denver
Amy Anderson, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Donnell-Kay Foundation
Linda Barker, Director, Teaching and Learning
Colorado Education Association
Elaine Gantz Berman (Chair), Member, Colorado State Board of Education
District 1
Jill Brake
Director, Thatcher Learning Center (Pueblo)
Colorado Commission on Higher Education
Shirley Farnsworth, Director of Extended Learning
Denver Public Schools
Helayne Jones, Executive Director
Colorado Legacy Foundation
Alyssa Lasseter, Director, Tony Grampsas Youth Services
Department of Public Health and Environment
The Honorable Tom Massey
State Representative (R), District 60
Linda Preston, Board Member
Colorado Alliance for Quality School-Age Programs
The Honorable Gail Schwartz
State Senator (D), District 5
Diana Sirko, Deputy Commissioner
Colorado Department of Education
The Honorable Judy Solano
State Representative (D), District 31
The Honorable Nancy Spence
State Senator (R), District 27
Jennifer Stedron, Executive Director
Early Childhood Leadership Commission
Charge
The charge of the Commission is to ensure that statewide policies support expanded learning opportunities within the ongoing education reform initiatives throughout the state.
The commission will gather input from around the state on ELO opportunities and challenges. The findings from this input will be used as the basis for the commission’s report on supporting new and expanded learning opportunities into education reform efforts in effective, measurable and sustainable ways.
For technical assistance, E-Mail: CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us