Colorado Charter Schools

News & Updates - SOC

Governance Board Professional Development Updates

Through a collaboration with the Colorado League of Charter Schools (the League), the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), and the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers (CACSA), CDE has developed updated governing board training modules, now accessible through the League's online Learning Management System, Freestone.The revamped training program offers a more streamlined experience, condensing the previous 35 modules into 11, thereby making the training more efficient without compromising on quality. Below, you will find guidance on how to access these updated modules:

Charter School Board Training Modules: Access Guide via Freestone

It is important to note that the Charter School Board Training Modules on our previous platform, eNet, are now considered obsolete. Access to this platform is limited, and we encourage those still utilizing it to transition to Freestone to benefit from the latest updates and enhancements. If you are in the process of completing modules on the eNet platform, please finalize these modules as soon as possible and submit a request for a certificate of completion before June 30, 2024. This form can also be accessed on the Technical Assistance Requirements and Resources webpage. Beginning July 1, 2024, the Charter School Board Training Modules on eNet will be inaccessible.

Principal and Administrator Induction Program 2024-2025 Updates

With the conclusion of CDE’s Charter School Program State Entities Grant ending September 30, 2024, there are some immediate changes in our existing program. CDE’s partnership with CSI in providing charter-specific support and principal induction through the Administrator Mentoring Cohort (AMC) and Principal and Administrator Induction Program will be paused starting on July 1, 2024, until further notice. During this period, we encourage interested individuals to explore professional development and induction opportunities offered through their school districts. For details on your district's induction coordination, please contact the CDE’s Educator Talent Office at Educator_Development@cde.state.co.us.

Charter School Business Professional Training Modules and Capacity Building Program

We are excited to announce the availability of the 100-level instructional courses within the Charter School Business Professional Training Modules and Capacity Building Program. These asynchronous foundational charter-specific training modules are designed to enhance your skill set. You can access them via the link provided below. For sub-grantees participating in this training for technical assistance credit, please complete a grant training request form to ensure proper credit allocation. Charter School Business Professional Training and Capacity Building Program (100-level instructional courses).

Technical Assistance Event Updates

Please note that Gisa McCray Simmons, Learning and Development Coordinator, is transitioning from CDE. All remaining technical assistance events will proceed as scheduled and will be supported by CDE staff. More information on May Events will be shared soon, and registration details will be available on the Schools of Choice Website.We remain committed to transparent communication and timely updates throughout this transition period. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the SOC Unit at soc@cde.state.co.us. We are here to support you every step of the way.

News and Updates - CDE

Each year, CDE asks for recommendations for the Colorado Educator Talent Pool to help us identify talented teachers and school leaders to participate in statewide growth opportunities including advisory boards, task forces, and special recognition programs. Colorado Educator Talent Pool nominees should:

• Have a minimum of five years of experience;
• Serve in a school-level role; and
• Demonstrate exceptional instructional practice and leadership.

Nominees should be classroom teachers or principals, and CDE is particularly interested in increasing the number of early career nominees with five to 12 years of service in schools. Visit our website for more information and to complete the Talent Pool Recommendation Form by Tuesday, June 18. 

For more information, contact Patty Gleason at 303-910-5721 or Gleason_P@cde.state.co.us.

Colorado Healthy Schools Collaborative professional development event

The Colorado Healthy Schools Collaborative is hosting a free professional development event on Thursday, May 9, in Colorado Springs and virtually. The event includes a general session, Healthy Schools Priorities: Creating Focus Across the WSCC Model. View the event schedule and register today. In-person registration closes Tuesday, April 30, or when the event reaches capacity.  Contact Jacklyn Thompson at thompson_j@cde.state.co.us with questions.

UCCS GenCyber Combo Camp

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is hosting a cybersecurity training camp for high school students and teachers from Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26. The teacher roster is full, but UCCS is still looking for high school students interested in cybersecurity. The UCCS GenCyber Combo Camp, funded by the National Security Agency, is an innovative way to educate both teachers and students in the same classroom. Attendees will learn the basic skills of defending a computer network using the Network Defender Essentials curriculum. Students must apply by Friday, April 12. For more information email cyber@uccs.edu.

OERColorado Digital Library

The OERColorado Project recently launched the OERColorado Microsite digital library in Fall 2023 for Colorado PK-12+ educators. The project is a statewide initiative, funded through state and federal grants administered by the Colorado River BOCES by 22-5-119, C.R.S. to provide access to digital collections of free, openly licensed curriculum materials. In addition to Colorado K-12 classrooms, the OERColorado Hub on OER Commons allows for public membership for preschools, homeschool, and adult education resources. OERColorado thanks Governor Jared Polis for his support to expand Open Educational Resources (OER) in the state. For more information on how to use OERColoado resources, visit the OERColorado on YouTube or email OERColorado@gmail.com.

Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Resources

STEM Educators who identify as BIPOC: Education and Business Coalition B.E.S.T. Conference

This toolkit is designed to provide user-friendly information and resources to support school and district leaders in centering equity in their work to support positive outcomes for the students they serve. We are all in different phases of our equity journey, and that’s okay. You are already off to a great start because you are here, you are reading, and you are open. We hope this toolkit supports you on your quest to create welcoming environments where all students and families feel a sense of belonging and all students are supported to achieve success.  Visit the CDE Equity Tool Kit.