Announcement
Updated Crosswalk Documents
Attn: Superintendents, Curriculum Directors
Crosswalk documents linking the revised Colorado Academic Standards (including the Common Core State Standards) to the current Assessment Frameworks are now available at the link below. New documents are available at this time only for two content areas: 1) Math and 2) Reading, Writing and Communicating.
This document ooks at content and not issues of rigor or inclusions such as 21st century skills. Crosswalk documents for other content areas are also available on the standards implementation Web page.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Barry Cartwright
Academic and instructional support
Phone: 303-866-6187
Email: cartwright_b@cde.state.co.us
Service Learning Toolkit Now Available
Attn: Principals, Superintendents, Teachers, Service-Learning Coordinators, Resource Advocates
Learn and Serve Colorado and the Education Commission of the States' National Center for Learning and Citizenship are proud to announce the release of Strategies for Student Engagement: A Toolkit to Implement Service-Learning in Colorado.
In addition to providing the service-learning tools and resources teachers and administrators need, this toolkit includes: Alignment with the K-12 service-learning standards for quality practice; references to the new Colorado content standards; identifies quality practices for sustainability and; presents updated information on the benefits of service-learning as related to student achievement and dropout prevention.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Paula Gumina
Health and Wellness
Phone: 303-866-6861
Email: gumina_p@cde.state.co.us
National Youth Science Camp
Attn: Principals
Applications are now being accepted for the National Youth Science Camp. The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is a residential science education program that honors and challenges two graduating high school science students from each state, from June 30 – July 24.
Scientists from across the nation present lectures and hands-on science seminars and linger to interact informally with student delegates. The National Youth Science Camp is offered at NO COST to participants so that select delegates may attend regardless of their financial status.
Applicants must be candidates for high school graduation between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. The application deadline is Friday, Jan 21. Completed applications should be sent to Barry Cartwright, Colorado Department of Education, 201 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80203.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Barry Cartwright
Academic and instructional support
Phone: 303-866-6187
Email: cartwright_b@cde.state.co.us
Conference
Math on the Planes Workshop
Attn: Curriculum Directors, Special Education Directors, Principals, Math Interventionists, Special Education Teachers, Math Teachers
The Colorado Council for Learning Disabilities, Colorado Metro Math Intervention Team and Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics are pleased to announce this year’s Math on the “Planes” workshop.
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26, 2011: Promoting Geometric Thinking within the RtI Model
Participants of this interactive workshop will learn ways to promote and assess spatial-visualization in struggling mathematics students in elementary and secondary settings. Research related to how geometric thinking can provide the foundation for learning in algebra and beyond will be shared.
This workshop will be led by Dr. Jonathan Brendefur, director of the Institute for Developing Mathematical Thinking and professor of Mathematics Education at Boise State. He received over $4 four million in grant funding to help teachers close the achievement gap in mathematics for struggling learners. Schools participating in these grants have shown dramatically-increased student achievement for all learners especially students with learning disabilities, English language learners and students of poverty.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Mary Pittman
Office of Academic and Instructional Support
Phone: 303-866-6251
Email: pittman_m@cde.state.co.us
Event
PBIS Implementation Seminar for District and Building Administrators Webinar - Jan. 20
Attn: Superintendents, Building Principals, Special Ed Directors, District-level Administrators
Please join members of the Colorado Statewide PBIS Initiative for an interactive and informative information session to discuss the role of an administrator within PBIS implementation. This webinar is for administrators who are currently implementing or who are interested in implementing PBIS within their site.
Choose one session to attend: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Jessica Daily
RtI/PBIS
Phone: 303-866-6732
Email: daily_j@cde.state.co.us
Getting Started with PBIS Implementation Webinar - Jan. 18
Attn: Superintendents, Principals, Special Ed Directors, District-level Administrators
Please join members of the Colorado Statewide PBIS Initiative for an interactive and informative information session to learn how to become a part of the Colorado Statewide PBIS Initiative.
Choose one session to attend: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Content to be reviewed and discussed includes: District exploration tools and readiness checklists (these documents can be found at http://www.cde.state.co.us/pbis/Implementation.htm
Attendees are also encouraged to watch the following video prior to attending: http://www.pbis.org/swpbs_videos/pbs_video-creating_the_culture.aspx.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Jessica Daily
RtI/PBIS
Phone: 303-866-6732
Email: daily_j@cde.state.co.us
FYI
Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act Frequently Asked Questions
Attn: Principals, Superintendents, District Finance Office and School Counselors
In May 2009, the Colorado State Legislature the Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act. The collective intent is to broaden access to and improve the quality of concurrent enrollment programs, improve coordination between institutions of secondary education and institutions of higher education and ensure financial transparency and accountability.
FAQs for this week:
Q: How will compliance with the Individual with Disabilities Act be addressed in concurrent enrollment programs?
A: The Concurrent Enrollment Advisory Board has discussed this issue. However, more research is needed to provide an answer.
Q: Is there a minimum number of credit hours in which a student must enroll during their participation in the ASCENT program year?
A: ASCENT program participant will be classified as either full time or part time. This classification will be based on the college’s credit hour policy. Allocation of funds to the school district will be based on the status of the student.
Keep in mind that the ASCENT program should be used for those students that have the goal of attaining a college credential. It is encouraged that the participants enroll in as many courses as they can successfully complete in order to get closer to reaching their goal.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Charles E. Dukes
Phone: 303-866-6142
Email: dukes_c@cde.state.co.us
Important Due Date
Reminder to Submit Unified Improvement Plan
Attn: Superintendents and UIP Respondents
This is a reminder that the first deadline to submit Unified Improvement Plans (UIPs) to CDE is on Monday, Jan. 17. Plans due to CDE by this date are summarized below:
Under State Accountability
Schools: Turnaround Plans or Priority Improvement Plans
Districts: Turnaround Plans or Priority Improvement Plans; High Priority Graduation designation.
Under ESEA Accountability
Schools: None (districts review schools’ Title I improvement plans)
Districts: Title I Program Improvement or Corrective Action; 2141c Identification under Title IIA; Title III Program Improvement (missed AMAOs.
In order for a review of the plans to be completed and feedback returned to you in a timely manner, please submit on time.
For submission details, please refer to: Unified Improvement Plan Submission Process Summary on SchoolView. For assistance with Tracker, please contact Katy Jackson at 303-866-6858, uiphelp@cde.state.co.us or Jennifer Morgan at 303-866-6108, Morgan_j@cde.state.co.us.
CDE will host two additional training webinars on the submission process:
Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. – noon “Tracker UIP Submission Process”
Thursday, Jan. 13 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. “Tracker UIP Submission Process Office Hours”
The first webinar will cover the tracker submission process in detail. The link to the webinar is provided here: http://connect.cboces.org/r95797134/
The second webinar will be in an “office hours” format where UIP submitters may log in to the webinar to ask UIP submission-specific questions. The link to the webinar is provided here: http://connect.cboces.org/r24438998/
To register for the webinars, please contact Katy Jackson at LR-T1@cde.state.co.us Please specify the time, date and title of the webinar in which you desire to participate.
Katy Jackson
303-866-6858
uiphelp@cde.state.co.us
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Katy Jackson
Phone: 303-866-6858
Email: uiphelp@cde.state.co.us
Reminder
Title V State Abstinence Education Grant Program RFP Due Jan. 19
Attn: Education Providers
The Title V State Abstinence Education Grant Program Request For Proposal (RFP) is now available. The intent of this RFP is to solicit applications from providers to support local abstinence education programs in local education agencies and community-based organizations within the state.
Approximately $550,000 each year for four years (FY10-FY14) will be available to fund one or more State Abstinence Programs. Proposals will be due on Wednesday, Jan. 19.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Melissa Colsman
colsman_m@cde.state.co.us
Phone: Office of Teaching and Learning
Email: 303-866-6737
Update: New 4 Year Graduation Rate Webinar Information
Attn: Superintendents, High School Principals, Communications Staff, District Administration, Data Analysts, End of Year Respondents
Join us for discussion on the new 4 year on-time graduation rate via webinar on Friday, Jan. 7; Tuesday, Jan. 11 or Thursday, Jan. 13.
Webinars have been organized according to the role you play in your district. The Jan. 11 webinar from noon to 1 p.m. is planned for superintendents and school and district administration.
Topics include: State and national trends in calculating a consistent graduation rate and policies that led to the development of a new rate, overview of the new rate and what it includes, communication tools and answers FAQ's regarding the new rate.
The webinar on Friday, Jan. 7 (repeated Thursday, Jan. 13, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will be specific to End of Year Respondents and Data Analysts. This webinar will address the supplemental reports and provide a technical review of the Data Summary Reports as well as suggestions for reviewing flat files. Please RSVP to Angela Zimmerman at the contact information below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Angela Zimmerman
Dropout Prevention and Student Engagement
Phone: 303-866-6206
Email: zimmerman_a@cde.state.co.us
State Performance Plan Targets
Attn: Special Education Directors
The Exceptional Student Leadership Unit will host a webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to set targets for State Performance Plan Indicators 2 (Drop out), 3 (Student Achievement), 4A (Suspension/Expulsion rates), 5 (Educational Environments), 7 (Preschool Outcomes), 8 (Parent Involvement), 14 (Post School Outcomes) and 18 and 19 (Dispute Resolution). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that targets be set with stakeholder involvement.
An opportunity for discussion of the targets will be available. To register please e-mail Kathy Wheatley. Data and projected targets are posted at the Web site below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Kathy Wheatley
Exceptional Student Leadership
Phone: 303-866-6986
Email: wheatley_k@cde.state.co.us
To Do
School Broadband Speeds Survey
Attn: Superintendents, CIOs, IT Directors, Teachers
The Governor's Office of Information Technology is conducting a survey of school broadband speeds. We now have at least one speed test survey from 77 percent of all Colorado school districts. The survey is available at http://tinyurl.com/myschoolbroadband
We still need responses from schools in the following districts:
Agate 300, Aguilar Reorganized 6, Briggsdale RE-10, Buena Vista R31, Burlington RE-6J, Campo RE-6, Centennial R1, Center 26JT, Cheyenne County RE5, Cripple Creek Victor RE-1, Deer Trail 26J, Del Norte C7, Falcon 49, Florence RE2, Genoa-Hugo C113, Gilpin County RE1, Greeley 6, Gunnison Watershed RE1J, Haxtun RE-2J, Hi-Plains R-23, Kiowa C-2, Liberty J4, Littleton 6, Ouray R1, Pawnee RE12, Peyton 23JT, Plainview RE2, Plateau RE5, Platte Valley RE3, Pritchett RE3, Roaring Fork RE1, Salida R32, Sheridan 2, South Conejos RE10, Springfield RE4, Valley RE1, Walsh RE1, Weld County RE-1, Weld CountyRE8, Westminster 50, Wiggins RE50J,Yuma 1
We have only single surveys from the following larger districts (i.e. inadequate/misrepresentative data samples): Boulder Valley, Douglas County, Cherry Creek, Poudre Valley, Littleton
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Frank Ohrtman
Governor's Office of Information Technology, Colorado Broadband Data and Development Program
Phone: 303-910-5968
Email: Frank.Ohrtman@state.co.us
Update
TELL Colorado Survey Launches in January
Attn: Superintendents, Principals, HR Directors, District Administrators, School Leaders
In just a few short weeks, the TELL Colorado survey will open to all instructional staff and principals (January 31 – February 28, 2011).
This is an opportunity for educators to anonymously share their perceptions of teaching and learning conditions in their own schools. This is intended as a school and district improvement tool – and to drive state level policy.
District and school support is vital to make this a successful initiative. Thanks to all of the districts that worked with us on ensuring accurate educator counts in each school. CDE is now generating six-digit access codes based on those head count numbers. In the next few weeks, every school will receive a packet of letters with the codes so that educators may access the online survey. CDE will also be sending information posters to each school. If your schools need additional codes, then a Help Desk will be available once the survey begins.
Schools and districts that reach the 50 percent participation threshold will be able to access their own data after the survey window closes. This is valuable data that can lead to very rich discussions about improvements for the school and/or district. Based on the 2009 survey, schools and districts that actively supported the survey had the best participation rates. This was especially true when district and school leaders (including administrators, association leaders and community members) worked together to encourage educators to participate. Some activities included using staff meetings to complete the survey, offering incentives (e.g., pizza party) to the school that hit the 50 percent participation threshold, or even emailing, calling or visiting educators to offer encouragement.
CDE will continue to share details over the next few weeks. Please let us know if you have questions. Thanks for your assistance on this important work.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Lisa Medler
Phone: 303-866-6993
Email: medler_l@cde.state.co.us
Colorado Department of Education
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado
80203-1799
Phone: 303-866-6822 or 303-866-2334
Do you know somebody in your school district who needs to read The Scoop each week? Send an e-mail to: CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us with "Sign Me Up For The Scoop" in the subject line. If you are having trouble signing up, please call the communications office at the telephone numbers above.
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