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Principal Resources
Leadership Matters
Being a principal or other school leader in the 21st Century takes courage, commitment and care. In an effort to support principals in leading their staff in collaborative, innovative and creative ways throughout the year, the Colorado Department of Education has created the Principal Resources webpage to bring together internal and external resources to assist school leaders to confidently lead their school communities.
A CDE-wide, cross-unit team has collaborated to bring together valuable resources to assist principals with navigating the web of information with ease and efficiency. These resources and tools are intended to support principals with the creation of systems and structures in schools, to empower educational stakeholders, and to build a strong climate and culture in their schools.
Looking for something you can't find? Contact Educator Development or contact a member of the Principal Leadership Cross-Unit Work Group team.
Jump to a Section:
Accountability
- CDE Leadership Learning Cohorts
- Data Tools and Reports
Assessment
Colorado Academic Standards
Distributed Leadership
Equity
Educator Effectiveness
- COMPS (RANDA) Guidance
- State Model Evaluation System Evaluation Cycle
- Measures of Student Learning/Outcomes: Overview and Requirements
- Providing Effective Observations and Feedback
- Spheres of Influence: Who Does and Decides What
- Resource Guide for Deepening the Understanding of Teacher's Professional Practices
Educator Professional Development
English Language Learners
Gifted Education
- CDE Office of Gifted Education
- Gifted Education PD Options
- Parent's Corner
Inclusive Leadership
- Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Inclusive Leadership Resources
- Supporting Inclusive Schools for the Success of Each Child: A Guide for States on Principal Leadership
- CCSSO Inclusive Leadership Webisode Series
Induction
Instructional Hours and Attendance
- CDE Policy on Instructional Hours and Attendance for the 2020-21 School Year
Leadership Development
- CDE Educator Effectiveness Office
- State Model Evaluation System for Principals/Assistant Principals
- Measures of Student Learning Guidance for Principals
- Principal Leadership Institute
Mentoring
- CASE Mentorship Handbook - DRAFT
- Mentor Program Resource Bank
Migrant Education
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Nutrition and School Lunch
Quality Schools Initiative for Turnaround Schools
Reading Resources
- Colorado READ Act
- How Our Brains Learn to Read
- The Science of Reading & Other Reading Resources
- The Science of Reading Research (ASCD Article)
Research and Impact
School Climate
- Bullying Prevention
- CDE School Culture and Climate webpage and resources
- School Climate Improvement Strategies
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Self-Care
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation
- Remote Learning Resources for SEL, Mental Health and Behavior
- Self-care Toolbox
Special Education
- CDE Office of Special Education
- National Center for Systemic Improvement
- Working with Families
Technology
- Center for Implementing Technology in Education
- Guidance on E-Learning Technology
Unified Improvement Plans
Memberships and Other Resources
Early Learning
- CDE Preschool Through 3rd Grade Office
- Child Find for Children Birth to Age 5
- Colorado Office of Early Childhood, Department of Human Services
- Early Literacy Grant
Reading
- K-3 Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Requirements
- K-3 Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Training FAQ's
- Literacy Walkthrough for K-3
- Literacy Walkthrough for Grades 4-12 (includes checklists)
- Read with Me Campaign: Read With Me Today
- CASE Webinars for Secondary Principals
- Virtual Structures and Systems - What Do They Look Like Now?
- Partnerships & Communications with Parents and Communities
- How to Maintain the School's Identity and Culture During This Time
- Grading, Discipline, Evaluation, Hiring and the Kitchen Sink
- Activities/Athletics - Now What?
- How to Prepare for Next Year - Returning to Normal...What's That?
- CDE Graduation Guidance
- Literacy Walkthrough for Grades 4-12 (includes checklists)
Postsecondary Readiness
- Advanced Placement
- Concurrent Enrollment
- Graduation Guidelines
- Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP)
Finance
General Resources
- Colorado Charter Schools Act
- Charter Schools Guidebook
- CDE Charter School Topic-Based Webinars
- National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools (NCSECS)
Governance
-
Charter School Board Training Modules NOTE: Registration for eNet is required to access training modules. Instructions for registrations are available via the Access Guide (PDF).
Induction and Professional Development
Memberships and Other Resources
CDE Principal Leadership Cross-Unit Work Group Team
- Educator Talent Division
This division develops, deploys and supports talent management and human capital development strategies for districts and schools so that the most effective educators are in every school and classroom and all students are prepared for college, career and life.- Contact: Educator Development
- Exceptional Student Services Unit
This unit administers the state's Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for children with disabilities.- Contact: Tanni Anthony, Director of the Access, Learning, and Literacy Team at anthony_t@cde.state.co.us
- School and District Strategic Transformation Unit
This unit supports districts and schools in the continual improvement in student achievement.- Contact: Nicole Monet, Director of Intensive Supports, at monet_n@cde.state.co.us
- Schools of Choice Unit
This unit supports high-quality educational choices for Colorado families and students and promotes thoughtful innovations that will prepare Colorado students to be 21st Century adults.- Contact: Paola Paga, Director of Charter Schools, at paga_p@cde.state.co.us
Questions? Email Educator Development
Financial information on schools and districts throughout Colorado. Learn more about financial transparency.
Colorado Dept. of Education
201 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-6600
Contact CDE
CDE Hours
Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See also Licensing Hours
UPDATED
May 12, 2025
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