Accountability Resources

Overview

---

Summary of H.B. 25-1278: Education Accountability System (PDF) - May 2025

This resource highlights the major themes of the Education Accountability System bill (H.B. 25-1278) and some early implementation implications, including for state assessments, performance frameworks, public reporting, sites with Insufficient State Data: Low Participation, continuous improvement, accountability clock, and areas for further study.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Summary Accountability and Improvement Planning Changes for 2025 (PDF) - April 2025

This document describes the changes related to accountability and improvement planning for 2025.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Participation and Accountability Guide (PDF) - March 2025

This resource describes assessment participation requirements and the role of participation in both state and federal accountability.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

SBD and Accountability Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2025

This resource describes the Student Biographical Data (SBD) review process and its impact on accountability calculations and reporting.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other Colorado State Accountability System Resources

2024-25 District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - July 2024

This handbook outlines the requirements and responsibilities for the state, district, and school stakeholders in the state's accountability process.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Accountability Webinar Recording and Accountability Webinar PowerPoint - July 2024

CDE staff hosted a webinar on July 10 to provide an overview and updates on accountability for the 2024-25 school year. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Parent Notification and Public Hearing Requirements Fact Sheet (PDF) - July 2024

This document walks through the requirements for notifying and engaging stakeholders.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Priority Improvement and Turnaround Districts and Schools: A Supplement to the CDE District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - September 2023

This supplement provides further details on the requirements and responsibilities for the state, district, and school stakeholders for those identified as Priority Improvement and Turnaround.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Data Dashboards for Improvement Planning Webinar Recording - August 2023

Overview of CDE data visualization tools and resources to support planning work for 2023-24.

Primary audience: General

Educational Accountability 101 Recording and Educational Accountability 101 PowerPoint- August 2023

This Webinar provided an overview of Educational Accountability including the district/school performance frameworks for the 2023-24 academic year.

Primary audience: General

Performance Watch Labels and Progression (PDF) - July 2023

This resource describes the performance watch process for the 2023-24 school year and the associated requirements for each plan type, clock year, and performance watch status.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Communication to District Accountability Contacts

Accountability Communications

Announcements regarding school and district accountability provided to district accountability contacts.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other School and District Performance Frameworks Resources

Insufficient State Data Ratings Fact Sheet (DOC) - October 2024

This resource outlines the assignment and implications of receiving an Insufficient State Data rating on the performance frameworks. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2024 District and School Performance Framework: Calculation Guidebook (PDF) - September 2024

The purpose of this document is to provide clarity and transparency in all calculation steps required for determining both District Performance Framework (DPF) and School Performance Framework (SPF) results.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Final Scoring Guide for 2024 District/School Performance Frameworks (PDF) - August 2024

This guide provides the cut-scores and associated point values for school and district performance on each of the sub-indicator metrics included on the frameworks (e.g., exceeds expectations, meets expectations, approaching expectations, does not meet expectations), as well as the cut-points for assigning performance indicator ratings and overall ratings based on the total percentage of points earned.

Primary audience: General

Insufficient State Data Rating Informational Webinar Recording and Insufficient State Data Rating Informational PowerPoint (PDF) - August 2024

CDE staff held a webinar on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The webinar, for schools and district identified with an Insufficient State Data rating, covered the rating definition, description, and general considerations for improvement planning.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2024 Improvement Planning Data Analysis Considerations (PDF) - August 2024

This document coordinates content across the Department that connects data analysis and planning to the new streamlined Unified Improvement Plan (UIP), new accountability data, and a new TLCC resource  as well as PSAT/SAT test format changes and the new Learning Environment District Profile Reports (coming September 2024).

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2024 Annotated District and School Dashboard (PDF) - July 2024

This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the District and School Dashboard for 2024. 

Primary audience: General

2024 Annotated Framework Report (PDF) and 2024 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - July 2024

This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the performance framework report since the prior release.

Primary audience: General

Accountability Use of Data from the Data Pipeline & Assessment Collections Webinar Recording, PowerPoint, and Resource (PDF) - May 2024 - Information on how data from the Data Pipeline collections and State Assessment Systems apply to Accountability

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Newly Arrived Multilingual Learners (PDF) - March 2024

This resource describes how newly arrived multilingual learners (i.e., Non-English Proficient and Limited English Proficient) are included in performance framework calculations.  

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023 Informational Results for Performance Frameworks (DOC) - January 2024

The state is re-introducing two measures on the performance frameworks to align with state statute. These measures include: CMAS Science for all schools and Attendance and Truancy for Alternative Education Campuses (AECs). Informational performance framework reports were released to districts in January. This fact sheet includes more information about these reports.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Accountability Data Tools & Reports (PDF) - July 2022

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide a brief overview of the data visualization tools and resources that are available to support the work of education stakeholders.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Upcoming and Recent Changes to Performance Frameworks

Summary Accountability and Improvement Planning Changes for 2025 (PDF) - April 2025

This document describes the changes related to accountability and improvement planning for 2025.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

On Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024

This document summarizes the on track growth measure and timeline for implementation.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023 Informational Results for Performance Frameworks (DOC) - January 2024

The state is re-introducing two measures on the performance frameworks to align with state statute. These measures include: CMAS Science for all schools and Attendance and Truancy for Alternative Education Campuses (AECs). Informational performance framework reports were released to districts in January. This fact sheet includes more information about these reports.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2024 PSAT SAT Growth and Cut Score Methodology (PDF) - October 2024

This resource provides an overview of the implications and response to the 2024 transition to the digital PSAT/SAT for Growth calculations. For additional detail, review the State Board of Education Memo on PSAT/SAT use in the Performance Frameworks and Technical Advisory Panel meeting recording on September 26, 2024. 

Return to Top

---

Comprehensive Assessment Systems (PDF) - April 2019

The purpose of this document is to grow an understanding of the varied purposes and uses of assessment information.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

CMAS and PSAT/SAT ELA Testing Requirements and Accountability Implications for First year in U.S. English Learners (PDF) - April 2018

The purpose of this resource is to provide an overview of assessment participation requirements and the accountability inclusion rules for first year in U.S. English learners.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other Colorado Growth Model Resources:

Growth Fact Sheet (DOC) - June 2024

This resource includes a high level overview of the growth indicator within performance frameworks, including what it is, how it is calculated, how it is used, and why it matters. This resource also includes a reintroduction to the On Track Growth indicator, which will be included for informational purposes for elementary and middle schools in student-level data files and public state accountability tools and reports next school year.  

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Growth 101 Webinar Recording and Growth 101 PowerPoint - August 2023

CDE staff held a growth 101 webinar for the 2023 data release on August 7th. The webinar included a conceptual overview of the Colorado Growth Model and an overview of changes in reports and measures associated with the 2023 release.

Primary audience: General

Colorado Growth Model - Technical Orientation (PDF) - January 2019

This fact sheet provides a technical orientation to the Colorado Growth Model. This includes background information related to model development, an overview of its analytic methodology, and the current CDE applications of the model.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Baseline Referenced Growth

Baseline Growth Overview Resource (PDF) - September 2021

The purpose of this resource is to provide an overview of new baseline-referenced growth compared to traditional cohort-referenced growth. Also, statewide participation rates and results are shared.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Baseline Growth Applications (PDF) - September 2021

This brief resource explains student growth, how it is reported, and focuses on the interpretation of baseline growth results.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Individual Student Growth Reports

Individual Student Growth Report Cover Page - English and Spanish (PDF) - July 2024

These resources serve as a cover page to the CMAS individual student growth report.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

How to Understand Individual Student Growth & Achievement Reports (PDF) - June 2024

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an annotated version of the annually produced individual student growth reports to improve use and understanding by stakeholders.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Individual Student Growth Report - ACCESS (PDF) - June 2024

This is a sample of the English Language Proficiency and Student Growth Report in both English and Spanish.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

On Track Growth

On Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2025

This document summarizes the on track growth measure and timeline for implementation.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

ACCESS Growth

ACCESS On Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - May 2024

This document summarizes the ACCESS on track growth measure and adopted growth-to-standard timelines.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

 

Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Fact Sheet (PDF) - June 2024

This resource describes the current postsecondary and workforce readiness indicator, including descriptions of sub-indicators (e.g., dropout, graduation, matriculation, SAT) and delayed sub-indicators (e.g., higher bar). 

Primary audience: General

Matriculation Sub-Indicator Fact Sheet (DOC) - June 2024

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an overview of the matriculation sub-indicator including its basis in statute, source data, calculation method, recent/upcoming changes, and related frequently asked questions.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Higher Bar Sub-Indicators Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2024

This resource describes the implementation of the new Higher Bar measures within the performance frameworks. Due to data quality concerns, implementation of these measures has been paused and may be revisited in future years.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission

Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission Template - April 2022

This excel spreadsheet reflects the data submission template used for the industry credential submission.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other Alternative Education Campus Accountability Resources:

 

 

New! AEC Accountability Handbook (PDF) - May 2025

This document guides schools and districts through AEC accountability.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

New! Calculation Guidance for Alternative Education Campuses (PDF) - May 2025

This resource guides schools and districts through the AEC required and optional measures, including definitions and calculation formulas.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2024 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - July 2024

This resource is an annotated report with call out boxes that identify key information and changes to the performance framework report since the prior release.

Primary audience: General

Alternative Education Campuses: Overview on AECs in Colorado (PDF) - February 2024

A fact sheet providing basic information on alternative education campuses in Colorado, including background and history, students served, accountability indicators, and developing improvement strategies.

Primary audience: General

NWEA RIT Growth Rank Percentile Tables (Excel) - February 2023

NWEA MAP growth percentile conversion tables based on AEC norms for use in the Selection of Measures process.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

AEC Accountability Overview Webinar Recording and AEC Accountability Overview PowerPoint - September 2022

This webinar provided an overview of AEC School Performance framework, changes to the framework for the 2022 school year, connecting optional measures to school mission and goals, and school improvement implications for AECs.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

1 CCR 301-57, The Administration of Accountability for Alternative Campuses (PDF) - December 2016

This document provides the Colorado State Board of Education rules for the accountability of Alternative Education Campuses.

Primary Audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Resources:

2024 Request to Reconsider Decisions - December 2024

On December 11, 2024, the state board finalized the performance frameworks for all schools and districts that participated in request to reconsider. The board approved improved district accreditation ratings for 10 districts and improved plan types for 74 schools. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) or (PDF) - June 2024

Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2024. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023 Request to Reconsider Decisions - December 2023

On December 13, 2023, the state board finalized the performance frameworks for all schools and districts that participated in request to reconsider. The board approved improved district accreditation ratings for 10 districts and improved plan types for 73 schools.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Webinar Recording​ and Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Webinar PowerPoint - August 2023

This Webinar provides an informational walkthrough of the accreditation and request to reconsider process in 2023. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Finding Achievement and Growth Data for the Local Assessment Tool - August 2023

This document's purpose is to support schools and districts using the Local Assessment Tool to find achievement and growth data through various vendor platforms.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023 Matriculation Body of Evidence Request Template - August 2023

A submission form for districts and schools to submit matriculation data as part of the Body of Evidence pathway for the 2023 Request to Reconsider process.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2022 Request to Reconsider Decisions - December 2022

106 sites (districts and schools) participated in the 2022 request to reconsider process. On December 14, 2022, the State Board of Education approved improved district accreditation ratings for 5 districts and improved plan types for 92 schools using the 2022 request to reconsider process.

Primary audience: General

Return to Top

---

 

Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) or (PDF) - June 2024

Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2024. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

State Review Panel Fact Sheet and Current Panelists - September 2024

This fact sheet describes the purpose and responsibilities of the State Review Panel, including a list of recommendation options and the most recent list of panelists.

Primary audience: General

CDE State Review Panel School Visit Protocol - September 2024

This resource details what schools should expect from the State Review Panel site visit process, including types of visits, key questions, criteria, indicators, guidance, and recommendation options.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

CDE State Review Panel District Visit Protocol - September 2024

This resource details what districts should expect from the State Review Panel site visit process, including types of visits, key questions, criteria, indicators, guidance, and recommendation options.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top