Announcement
State Recommended IEP in Spanish
Attn: Special Education Directors
The state recommended Individualized Education Plan is now available in Spanish. It can be found at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Adena Miller
Exceptional Student Leadership
Phone: 303-866-6698
Email: miller_a@cde.state.co.us
Colorado Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Contest
Attn: Superintendents, Principals, Curriculum Directors
The Colorado Lincoln Bicentennial Committee announces a contest for elementary, middle, high school and college students. The objectives of the competition are to encourage today's youth to discover the importance of great leaders like Abraham Lincoln. Submissions must be received by Monday, March 23, 2009. For more information, visit the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Brenda Barr
Teaching and Learning: Achievement Gap and Academic Support
Phone: 303-866-6189
Email: barr_b@cde.state.co.us
Trainers for English Language Learners with Exceptional Needs
Attn: Special Ed Directors, Principals, Superintendents
Through a collaborative effort between the units of Exceptional Student Leadership and English Language Acquisiton, 20 additional trainers have been prepared to support districts in the area of English Language Learners with Exceptional Needs (ELLEN).
The trainers are seeking districts that are interested in collaboration. Trainers utilize the ELLEN Toolkit when planning their trainings. The toolkit includes 100 training topics across five modules: Foundations, Language and Culture, Assessing and Monitoring Student Progress, Effective Instructional Practices and Parent and Family Partnerships.
If you are interested in having an ELLEN trainer in your area, please contact the ELLEN trainer(s) in your region via the link below.
Anyone has the opportunity to join sessions in other districts/regions listed on the schedule of trainings as all sessions have at least 25 percent of their seats open to participants from outside their district. When the trainers schedule trainings they will provide information about the topics being presented at each location, the name of the trainer providing the session, and the cost (if any) for attending the session.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Fran Herbert
Exceptional Student Leadership Unit
Phone: 303-866-6604
Email: herbert_f@cde.state.co.us
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
Attn: Principals, Superintendents, School Counselors
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (Title IV, Part A, Subpart 6 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended) is a federally funded program to promote exceptional achievement in students who show promise of continued academic excellence.
Scholarships are given to graduating high school seniors and eligible general education development (GED) graduates who show promise of continued excellence, in an effort to recognize and promote student excellence and achievement.
The scholarships are for study at postsecondary institutions of higher education. By promoting student excellence and achievement, the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program supports National Education Goals. Student recipients under this program are known as “Byrd Scholars.”
Scholarships are awarded each year on the basis of merit to provide a scholarship for four years of continuous study at an accredited institution of higher education. The scholarships may be used for undergraduate study only. Availability and dollar amount of scholarships are dependent on federal funding for each of the four years, but will not exceed $1,500 per year, pending official notification from the U.S. Department of Education. Funding is subject to change at any time.
The 2009-2010 application is now available online at the link below.
CDE is also looking for readers for each application. If you are interested in being a reader please contact Pam Hitt or visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeawards/byrdreader.htm for more information.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Pam Hitt
Literacy Grants and Initiatives
Phone: 303.866.6243
Email: hitt_p@cde.state.co.us
Identity Management Project Implementation
Attn: Superintendents
Since November 2008, CDE has been working on a new Identity Management process. The goal is to streamline the user login process for CDE data systems and enhance security to student-level data.
CDE is moving toward offering a Single Sign-on / Delegated Administration model. This would allow authorized users access via a single password to multiple applications -- Automated Data Exchange (ADE), Colorado Adult Education System for Accountability and Reporting (CAESAR), Record Integration Tracking System (RITS), Colorado Education Data Analysis & Reporting System (CEDAR), and the Colorado Growth Model applications.
Under this new model, the authority would shift from CDE to certain district employees to manage user accounts and access the data. This is intended to automate and streamline the user account process and empower districts to decide who has access. This is also intended to minimize involvement of CDE resources in providing districts and administrative units with the ability to maintain users.
The first phase of Identity Management implementation will occur starting in spring 2009. Look for more information coming soon!
For More Information, Contact:
Lisa Bradley, PMP
IMS
Phone: 303-866-4902
Email: bradley_l@cde.state.co.us
CAP4K Teacher Tour in Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Sterling Next Week
Attn: Teachers, Principals, Superintendents, Curriculum and Assessment Directors, counselors and other staff
CDE in collaboration with the Colorado Education Association will hold three teacher tour meetings next week in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Sterling.
Part of a 13-stop tour across the state, the purpose of the meetings is to identify teacher understanding of Senate Bill 08-212, also known as the Colorado Achievement Plan for Kids (CAP4K) and engage teachers in discussion about the law’s relevance to practice, its impact on teaching and learning and the kind of help that teachers would find useful for classroom implementation.
The meetings are all scheduled for 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the following locations:
- Monday, Feb. 9, in Colorado Springs: North Middle School, 612 E. Yampa St.
- Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Fort Collins: Café Columbine, 802 West Drake
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Sterling: Campbell Elementary School, 902 Clark Ave.
All teachers, principals, superintendents, curriculum and assessment directors, counselors and other interested staff are invited to attend. Feedback from the tour will help CDE organize professional development and other support for teachers related to CAP4K.
The meetings will be led by CDE Deputy Commissioner Ken Turner, Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Cornier, CAP4K Project Manager Samantha Long and CEA Director of Teaching and Learning Linda Barker.
Additional tours will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 17 in Sterling, TBD
- Feb. 23 in Durango, TBD
- Feb. 24 in Alamosa, TBD
- Feb. 25 in Pueblo, PEA Office, 1004 W. Abriendo
- Mar. 2 in Telluride, TBD
- Mar. 3 in Grand Junction, Basil T Knight Center, 2523 Patterson Rd
- Mar. 5 in Eagle, old District Office, 757 E. Third St.
Please share this event with others who might be interested. We look forward to seeing you there!
For More Information, Contact:
Samantha Long
Office of Learning & Results
Phone: 303-866-3801
Email: long_s@cde.state.co.us
Public CAP4K meeting in Ft. Collins on Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness
Attn: Teachers, Principals, Superintendents, Curriculum and Assessment Directors, counselors and all building staff
CDE and the Colorado Department of Higher Education will jointly host a town hall meeting in Ft. Collins on Thursday, Feb. 12, as part of the ongoing effort to establish a description of “postsecondary and workforce readiness.”
The meeting will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Lory Student Center East Ballroom at 1101 Center Avenue in Ft. Collins.
Educators, students, parents, business and community members and interested citizens are invited to the meeting, which will be facilitated by Commissioner Dwight Jones.
The gathering in Ft. Collins will be the fourth of 12 statewide meetings planned to solicit a broad spectrum of community thinking. The work was launched by Senate Bill 08-212, the “Preschool to Postsecondary Education Alignment Act” also known as the Colorado Achievement Plan for Kids (CAP4K).
The town hall forums will focus on such questions as:
- What do students need to be workforce ready?
- What do students need to be postsecondary ready?
- Are there special considerations for the workforce or higher education in your region of the state?
Please contact Samantha Long, SB 212 project manager, with any questions, and feel free to share this event with others you think might be interested. We hope you will be able to join us in this important conversation.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Samantha Long
Office of Learning & Results
Phone: 303-866-3801
Email: long_s@cde.state.co.us
Upcoming Bidding Opportunity for Federal Compliance Consulting Services
Attn: Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, DACs, CFOs, Controllers, Business Managers
Projected Publication Date: February 2009
Type: Services
Title: Federal Compliance Consulting Services
Agency: Colorado Department of Education
Comments/Description: Provide consultation and training to CDE regarding federal regulations and statutes and various other federal requirements by the U.S. DOE.
Vendors interested in responding to this solicitation should register with Colorado BIDS at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Sole point of contact is the Bid Information and Distribution System (BIDS); Follow "More Information" link
Purchasing
Phone: 303-866-6810
Email: bohm_T@cde.state.co.us
FYI
Emerging Classroom Leaders
Attn: Superintendents, Principals, Directors
CDE maintains a file of emerging classroom leaders and distinguished teachers and principals. These educators may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs. Your recommendations will identify educators who will be of great value to your community and state and who may also ultimately receive prestigious recognition.
What is particularly lacking at this time is representation from educators relatively new to the profession who demonstrate unusual instructional and leadership ability. Such persons exhibit strong potential for professional leadership and inspiring presence that impacts students, colleagues and community.
Do you know a relatively new educator who is illustrative of Colorado's and our nation's best talent? Whose lessons provide models for others? Who has distinguished him/herself above and beyond established top-quality professionals in many of our schools? A minimum of five years in education is a must. Candidates are building-level personnel. They are typically classroom teachers as opposed to specialists and are recognized by peers and supervisors as unique in their growth. Occasionally a principal or specialist is considered. Previous recognition is not required. In fact, of special interest are educators who are outstanding, but have not received other recognition.
Please provide CONFIDENTIAL, succinct information regarding one to three candidates on the form found at the Web site via the link below. Please provide narrative with this form that addresses how the candidate meets the criteria mentioned in this letter and also a resume from their personnel file. We ask that you not share this with the individual. Please submit these items by Friday, April 10, 2009.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Mary Spencer
Literacy Grants & Initiatives
Phone: 303-866-6677
Email: spencer_m@cde.state.co.us
Update
Innovation Schools Act of 2008
Attn: Superintendents, School Board Members, Principals, Accountability Committee Members and others
The Innovation Schools Act is intended to improve student outcomes by supporting greater school autonomy and flexibility in academic and operational decision-making. The act provides a means for schools and districts to gain waivers from state laws and collective bargaining agreements.
The act allows a public school or group of public schools to submit an innovation plan to its school district board of education to implement innovations that result in improved student outcomes. Once approved, school district boards of education must submit the innovation plans and waiver requests to the Colorado State Board of Education for ratification.
The statute, fact sheet, guidance and application flowchart are available on the CDE Web site at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
William Windler
Deputy Commissioner's Office
Phone: 303-866-6631
Email: windler_w@cde.state.co.us
Minor Revisions to District Improvement Plan Rubric for Accreditation
Attn: Superintendents, BOCES Directors
Minor revisions to the district improvement plan rubric for accreditation are posted on the CDE Web site (see link provided). These minor changes are designed to offer greater clarity to the field based upon feedback the department received during this transition year. As a reminder, this does not impact a district's accreditation status during this transition year; the district's accreditation remains the same as last year.
In short summary, the changes from the earlier rubric include:
1. The two page executive summary was eliminated as it added unnecessary pages to the rubric.
2. Items that were included in the original Standard 4 (Assessments and Instructional Program) were incorporated into the other standards with the same topics to streamline the rubric.
3. The number of standards was reduced from six standards to five standards.
4. The original rubric had some standards with four points possible and some with two points. Each standard now has four points possible.
5. References to the Teaching and Learning Cycle in Standard 3 were removed.
6. In Standard five Postsecondary Readiness, postsecondary/advanced courses and ACT were made into separate bullets for ease of planning alignment.
In response to several district queries, it is helpful for districts to know:
For districts accredited or accredited with distinction; the improvement plan score will not be recorded on the accreditation assessment summary form when the accreditation system is implemented. The blank for the improvement plan score for such districts will be filled in with the phrase "approved" or "accepted" and no numerical score will be recorded. For districts that fall into the other accreditation categories (letter of support, notice with support, probation), the improvement plan score will be recorded on the accreditation summary form as determined by the rubric.
As a reminder, district improvement are due to Regional Managers on/before Monday, June 1.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Jhon Penn
Accreditation/Regional Services
Phone: 303-866-6632
Email: penn_j@cde.state.co.us
Q & A Regarding Regional Service Areas, Senate Bill 08-038
Attn: Superintendent, BOCES Directors
In 2008, Colorado state legislation approved Senate Bill 08-038, "Regional Service Areas" (RSA) which creates 12 regional service areas to support local and regional initiatives to increase student achievement. Each region has a Regional Service Area Council which is responsible for the development, monitoring and reporting of a regional plan to address educational needs within the region. The regional councils are comprised of representatives from K-12 school districts, postsecondary institutions, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), early childhood providers and local community and business representatives.
Following the enactment of the Regional Service Areas Act on June 2, 2008, CDE in collaboration with the Colorado State BOCES Association set forth to address comments, issues and questions from the educational community of Colorado. A Q&A document is now posted on the provided Web link to serve as assistance to these requests for clarification.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Julie Siwanowicz
Accreditation/Regional Services
Phone: 303-866-6196
Email: siwanowicz_j@cde.state.co.us
Funding For Alternative Plans for Teacher Compensation Grant Still Pending
Attn: Superintendents, Board of Education Members, Director of the Colorado Charter School Institute, Director of the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, BOCES Directors
Negotiations are underway to determine which items in CDE's budget could be suspended to meet anticipated budget deficits for both the remainder of this year and next fiscal year. Among the items being discussed for suspension is the $1 million set aside by the legislature last session to fund a grant for planning and developing means of Alternatively Compensating Teachers.
Because this grant was not funded federally, it can be suspended by a vote of the Legislature. Public school districts, the Colorado Charter School Institute, the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) are asked to be patient while negotiations are underway to determine if this grant will be awarded.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Anne Marie Roberts
Office of Professional Services
Phone: 303-866-6648
Email: roberts_a@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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