Accountability Resources

Overview

---

Insufficient State Data Ratings Fact Sheet (DOC) - September 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023-24 District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - August 2023

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

Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) - August 2023

Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2023. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023 Annotated Framework Report (PDF) and 2023 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - August 2023

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

Scoring Guide for 2023 District/School Performance Frameworks (PDF) - August 2023

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

Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Fact Sheet (DOC) - August 2023

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

Primary audience: General

Performance Watch Labels and Progression (DOC) - 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

Summary Accountability and Improvement Planning Changes for 2023 (PDF) - July 2023

This document describes the changes related to accountability and improvement planning for 2023.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

SBD and Accountability Fact Sheet (PDF) - April 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Higher Bar Sub-Indicators Fact Sheet (PDF) - April 2023

This resource describes the implementation of the new Higher Bar measures within the performance frameworks. These measures will be provided to schools and districts in 2023 (informational) and incorporated into the 2024 performance frameworks (for points).

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Anticipated Framework Changes (PDF) - April 2023

The state is gearing up to include a few new measures (e.g., On-Track Growth, two new additions to the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness indicator and science achievement) within the performance frameworks in alignment with state statute. The informational release of results is planned for January 2024. The new measures are anticipated to be included in the frameworks for points in fall 2024.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023 Participation and Accountability Guide (DOC) - April 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

On-Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other Colorado State Accountability System Resources

Colorado's School and District Accountability (PDF) and Colorado's School and District Accountability (PDF):(Español)

This fact sheet designed for parents provides a brief overview of Colorado's school and district accountability system. 

Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de una página de la responsabilidad en Colorado.

Primary audience: General; no especializado

Supporting Great Schools and Districts for All Students: Overview of Colorado's Accountability System (PDF) and Supporting Great Schools and Districts for All Students: Overview of Colorado's Accountability System (PDF): (Español)

This fact sheet provides an overview of Colorado's Accountability System. 

Información general del sistema de responsabilidad académica de Colorado.

Primary audience: General; no especializado

Accountability Clock Fact Sheet (PDF) and Accountability Clock Fact Sheet (PDF): (Español)

This fact sheet explains the Accountability Clock process for schools and districts. 

Información general del “Reloj de Responsabilidad”.

Primary audience: General; no especializado

2023-24 District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - August 2023

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 2023

CDE staff hosted a webinar on July 18 to provide an overview and updates on accountability for the 2023-24 school year. 

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

Priority Improvement and Turnaround Districts and Schools: A Supplement to the CDE District Accountability Handbook (PDF) - August 2022

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

Parent Notification and Public Hearing Requirements Fact Sheet (DOC) (PDF) - August 2023

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

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

Colorado's System for Identifying Schools for Support and Improvement (PDF)

The purpose of this resource is to summarize what measures and metrics are evaluated in identifying schools for support and improvement.

Primary audience: General

Insufficient State Data Ratings Fact Sheet (DOC) - September 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

2023 Annotated Framework Report (PDF) and 2023 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - August 2023

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

Scoring Guide for 2023 District/School Performance Frameworks (PDF) - August 2023

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

2023 Participation and Accountability Guide (DOC) - April 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Insufficient State Data Rating Informational Webinar Recording and Insufficient State Data Rating Informational PowerPoint - September 2023

CDE staff held a webinar on Friday, September 8th. 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

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

2019 District and School Performance Framework: Calculation Guidebook (PDF) - August 2020

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

Upcoming Changes to Performance Frameworks

Summary Accountability and Improvement Planning Changes for 2023 (PDF) - July 2023

This document describes the changes related to accountability and improvement planning for 2023.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Anticipated Framework Changes (PDF) - April 2023

The state is gearing up to include a few new measures (e.g., On-Track Growth, two new additions to the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness indicator and science achievement) within the performance frameworks in alignment with state statute. The informational release of results is planned for January 2024. The new measures are anticipated to be included in the frameworks for points in fall 2024.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Higher Bar Sub-Indicators Fact Sheet (PDF) - April 2023

The purpose of this fact sheet is to describe the implementation of the new Higher Bar measures to be included within the performance frameworks.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

On-Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Scale Scores and Mean Scale Scores (PDF)

This fact sheet gives a high-level explanation of scale scores and mean scale scores.

Primary audience: General

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:

Colorado's Growth Model (PDF)

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide a parent friendly overview of how Colorado Growth model results are calculated and what they mean.

Primary audience: General

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

Growth Data: It Matters and It's Complicated, by the Data Quality Campaign (webpage) - 2019

This is an external report that summarizes how growth data is considered in accountability systems across the nation.

Primary audience: General

Growth Percentiles, Achievement & Demographics: Technical Brief #1 - 2019

The purpose of this research brief is to address to what extent are school-level median growth percentiles correlated with student achievement and school demographic characteristics.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Factors Impacting Growth Percentile Variability: Technical Brief #2 - 2019

The purpose of this research brief is to address the question, compared to achievement, how much of the variability in school median growth percentiles can be explained by school demographics.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Between-Year Stability of Growth Percentiles: Technical Brief #3 - 2019

The purpose of this research brief is to examine the stability of year-to-year median growth percentiles by assessment content areas and grade levels.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Summary of Median Growth Percentile Analyses: Descriptive Statistics, Demographic Correlations, and Stability Analyses Report - 2019

The purpose of this report is to answer a series of questions related to the Colorado Growth 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 Individual Student Growth Report Cover Page Español - August 2022

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) - August 2019

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

On-Track Growth

On-Track Growth Fact Sheet (PDF) - March 2023

This document summarizes the on-track growth measure and timeline for implementation. Additional details are available here: http://www.cde.state.co.us/accountability/ontrackgrowth.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Fact Sheet (DOC) - August 2023

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

Primary audience: General

Matriculation Sub-Indicator Fact Sheet (DOC) - August 2023

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) - April 2023

This resource describes the implementation of the new Higher Bar measures within the performance frameworks. These measures will be provided to schools and districts in 2023 (informational) and incorporated into the 2024 performance frameworks (for points).

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission

Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission Guidelines - April 2022

This document explains the associated background, calendar, and guidelines associated with the combined CDIP/industry credential data submission.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

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

Optional Industry Credentials & CDIP Data Submission Webinar Slide Deck - April 2022

This slide deck explains all aspects of the data submission process including related timelines and requirements.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other Alternative Education Campus Accountability Resources:

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

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

2023 AEC Annotated Framework Report (PDF) - August 2023

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

Calculation Guidance for Alternative Education Campuses (PDF) - February 2023

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

Primary audience: District and school administrators

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

Accountability for Alternative Education Campuses (PDF): Policy Guidance - August 2020

This document guides schools and districts through the AEC application and accountability process.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Alternative Education Campuses: Overview on AECs in Colorado (PPT) - April 2018

A slide deck providing the basics and background on Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) in Colorado. Participants will learn the history of AECs in the state and understand the accountability requirements 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

HB15-1350: Alternative Education Campus (AEC) Accountability Workgroup Report (PDF) - December 2015

This document provides the findings and report from the Alternative Education Campus Working Group.

Primary Audience: District and school administrators

NWEA AEC Research Findings to Inform How to Best Articulate the Assessments Use For Purposes of AEC Accountability (PDF) - July 2012

This research paper provides the research-based rationale for the calculation of growth results on the NWEA MAPS assessments using AEC norms.

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

Other School Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Resources:

Accreditation and Request to Reconsider Guidance (DOC) - August 2023

Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2023. 

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 Local Assessment Tool - August 2023

A submission form for districts and schools to submit local K-2 data as part of the Body of Evidence pathway for the 2023 Request to Reconsider process.

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) - August 2023

Guidance for Finalizing Accreditation Categories and Submitting Requests to Reconsider for District Accreditation Ratings and School Plan Types for 2023. 

Primary audience: District and school administrators

Return to Top

---

State Review Panel Fact Sheet and Current Panelists - September 2023

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 2022

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

Return to Top