Announcement
Recovery Act #4
Attn: Superintendents, Principals and Homeless Education Liaisons
Today CDE published Recovery Act Alert #4, now posted on the Web site at the link listed below.
This alert addresses the Title X Homeless Education Program.
Other additional recovery act information is available on the same Web page, including a document outlining critical dates related to ARRA funding.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Kady Dodds
Phone: 303-866-6274
Email: dodds_k@cde.state.co.us
Public CAP4K Meeting May 14 in Glenwood Springs on Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness
Attn: Teachers, Principals, Superintendents, Curriculum and Assessment Directors, Counselors and All Building staff
The Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Department of Higher Education will jointly host a town hall meeting in Glenwood Springs next week as part of the ongoing effort to establish a description of “postsecondary and workforce readiness.”
The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Glenwood Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Road
Educators, students, parents, business and community members and interested citizens are invited to the meetings.
The following week’s meeting will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Durango, 501 Camino del Rio.
These gatherings will total 11 in a series of 13 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.
For More Information, Contact:
Samantha Long
Phone: 303-866-3801
Email: long_s@cde.state.co.us
Applications for Additional Colorado Preschool Program Slots
Attn: Superintendents, Early Childhood Educators and Other Staff
Last year the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) was expanded in its capacity to serve preschool children by over 6,254 “slots,” which was a 45 percent increase in the program.
Due to the significant increases in funding for this program, a small number of these slots were not permanently allocated last spring and summer, and are now available for distribution.
The 2009 application for additional CPP slots is now available at the link listed below.
There are separate applications for:
• School districts that currently have a CPP allocation
• School districts that are not currently participating in CPP
Also posted at the link listed below are guidelines for completing the 2009 application and frequently asked questions for the 2009 application, which among other information includes a spreadsheet estimating the prioritized need for slots across school districts.
In order to provide programs with as much time as possible to establish/expand programs, the due date for the CPP application is Friday, May 29, 2009.
Notification will be made to school districts of the final allocations by Wednesday, June 17, 2009.
School districts should contact Lori Goodwin Bowers for information or assistance with preparation of the applications.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Lori Goodwin Bowers
Public School Finance
Phone: 303-866-6783
Email: bowers_l@cde.state.co.us
Online Enrollment Dates for 2009-2010
Attn: DACs
In service to our students, the online enrollment dates for 2009-2010 CELA, CSAP-A and CSAP assessments will be available through CTB’s Navigator Web site for the following dates:
• CELAplace: May 11–15, 2009
• CELApro: October 5–16, 2009
• CSAP-A: October 12–23, 2009
• CSAP (Large Print/Braille/Spanish): November 2–25, 2009
For online enrollment, you are submitting an estimate of the projected enrollment of students who will take the 2009-2010 assessment.
The projected enrollment figures will provide CTB a baseline estimate for the quantity of tests that must be printed and sent to all districts.
Please contact the CTB Help Desk at 800-994-8557 with further questions.
For More Information, Contact:
Jim McIntosh
Student Assessment
Phone: 303-866-6929
Email: mcintosh_j@cde.state.co.us
Upcoming 2009 Data Reviews: CSAP-A and CSAP Math, Science, Writing, and Grades 4-10 Reading Ncount; CSAP/CSAP-A SBD; and COACT SBD Windows
Attn: Superintendents, DACs and ADE Respondents
Please see these three notices of upcoming data review windows for the 2009 CSAP, CSAP-A, and COACT assessments:
1. The Ncount for 2009 CSAP-A and CSAP math, science, writing and grades 4–10 reading will open Thursday, May 21, 2009, and close at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
The purpose of Ncount is for districts to verify that the count of booklets scanned and scored by CTB matches your School Group Lists (SGL) counts of booklets completed during administration.
Ncount process is completed by DACs through CTB's Navigator Web site (https://www.ctb.com/account/login.jsp).
The Ncount link is under the “Secure File Sharing” section of the main Navigator page.
Contact the CTB Help Desk at 1-800-994-8557 with further Ncount questions.
2. The Student Biographical Data (SBD) review for 2009 CSAP/CSAP-A is scheduled to open Wednesday, May 27, 2009, and close at the end of day on Friday, June 12, 2009.
The purpose of SBD is for districts to verify that the biographical data on each test booklet scanned and scored by the test vendor is accurate prior to final data reporting.
SBD is completed through CDE’s Automated Data Exchange (https://ade.cde.state.co.us/). Grade 3 reading and Lectura, as well as 11th Grade Alternate records, are included in this SBD collection.
3. The Student Biographical Data (SBD) review for 2009 COACT is scheduled to open Monday, June 22, 2009, and close at the end of day on Friday, June 26, 2009.
More information about the Ncount and SBD processes can be found in the 2009 SBD manual at link below.
Additionally, the 2009 Ncount and SBD Training is posted on CTB Navigator under the “Forms and Registrations” section.
Supporting Automated Data Exchange system documentation for each SBD collection can be found here: https://cdeapps.cde.state.co.us/doc_toc.htm.
Please note: The updated 2009 SBD documents for CSAP/CSAP-A and COACT will be posted later this week.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Jim McIntosh
Student Assessment
Phone: 303-866-6979
Email: mcintosh_j@cde.state.co.us
Recruitment Assistance
Attn: Special Education Directors and Superintendents
Administrative units in need of teachers certified in the area deaf/hard of hearing should be in contact with Ruth Mathers at mathers_r@cde.state.co.us or 303-866-6908 for recruitment assistance.
Administrative units in need of teachers certified in the area of blindness/visual impairment and/or certified orientation and mobility specialists should be in contact with Tanni Anthony at anthony_t@cde.state.co.us or 303-866-6681 for recruitment assistance.
For More Information, Contact:
Tanni Anthony
Exceptional Student Leadership
Phone: 303-866-6681
Email: anthony_t@cde.state.co.us
Revised Model Content Standards
Attn: Superintendents and Principals
The first public drafts of the phase one Colorado Model Content Review (math; music; science; and reading, writing and communicating) are now available at the link listed below.
The proposed state standards incorporate 21st-century skills and the ideas requested by Coloradoans across the state. They are benchmarked using research and high performing education systems. These are the “first drafts” from the work of 106 Coloradoans.
There are fewer standards, but they are clearer and represent deeper expectations. The new standards are grade-by-grade (not groups of grades), and they cover concepts, not just facts.
Beginning Monday, May 18, an electronic CDE response log will be posted, and an eight-city tour of the state will begin to listen to feedback from parents and all community members.
Thank you for your help in publicizing these meetings in your areas. All the meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. The schedule is:
• Monday, May 18 – Alamosa
• Tuesday, May 19 – LaJunta
• Wednesday, May 20 – Leadville
• Thursday, May 21 – Denver
• Tuesday, May 26 – Grand Junction
• Wednesday, May 27 – Brighton
• Thursday, May 28 – Sterling
• Monday, June 1 – Littleton
Precise meeting locations will be announced soon via the Office of Standards Web page (http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeassess/documents/OSA/stand_rev.html) and news releases from the Communications Office.
These first draft standards will be discussed at the State Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting next week (Wednesday and Thursday, May 13–14).
To sign up to receive news releases, send an e-mail to CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Anna Huffman, Program Consultant
Standards & Assessment
Phone: 303-866-6752
Email: huffman_a@cde.state.co.us
2009-2010 Grants Available for Schools and Libraries
Attn: Superintendents, Principals and Librarians
The Colorado State Library has announced competitive grants for fiscal year 2009-2010 through Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program designed to distribute federal funds to publicly-funded school, public, academic or special libraries.
Approximately $300,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants recommended for funding through a competitive reading process. Due date is Monday, August 3, 2009.
Applicants must address the following priority goal established in the state’s LSTA five-year plan:
• Colorado residents will be able to access resources and services electronically through libraries to meet their information and learning needs.
Library-related projects should focus on activities in any of the following areas:
1. Providing services that support educational achievement and lifelong learning
2. Providing educational resources in a variety of formats in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages
3. Expanding services for learning while providing access to information
Extra consideration will be given to projects that develop partnerships with other agencies and/or community organizations.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Jean Heilig, LSTA Grant Coordinator
Colorado State Library
Phone: 303-866-6731
Email: heilig_j@cde.state.co.us
Event
Supplemental Education Services Webinar May 12
Attn: Principals, Superintendents and Title I Directors
CDE will conduct a Webinar entitled, "Supplemental Education Services and the New Regulations" from 2–3 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009.
In October 2008, Secretary of Education Spellings updated the regulations for Supplementary Educational Services. These regulations were upheld by Secretary Duncan.
The Webinar will discuss the new regulations and respond to questions regarding its implications.
You may forward any questions in advance to mickens_v@cde.state.co.us so we can be as responsive as possible.
• Meeting Host: cdeETI
• Meeting Name: SES_Webinar
• Date/Time: 5/12/2009 14:00 (host's time zone)
• Attendees: algiene_c@cde.state.co.us,tamayo_t@cde.state.co.us,collins_d@cde.state.co.us
• Call Number / Access Code: (712) 338-8661 / 1599926
For More Information, Contact:
Vernita Mickens or Trish Boland
Federal Programs
Phone: 303 866-6675 or 303 866-6810
Email: mickens_v@cde.state.co.us; boland_t@cde.state.co.us
FYI
National School Nurse Day May 6
Attn: All
Today – Wednesday, May 6 – is National School Nurse Day.
Please take this opportunity to thank your school nurses for all they do to keep Colorado students healthy and ready to learn.
Governor Ritter issued a proclamation recognizing school nurses for their tireless work and countless contributions to the youth, and for promoting healthy lifestyles.
The Colorado Association of School Nurses (CASN) recently announced the selection of Dianne Nugen, school nurse consultant for Douglas County Schools, as Colorado School Nurse of the Year and Mary Beth Rensberger, health services supervisor for Aurora Public Schools, as Colorado School Nurse Administrator of the Year.
CASN also recognized Linda Satkowiak, child care health and safety nurse consultant, as School Nurse Advocate.
Congratulations!
For More Information, Contact:
Kathy Patrick
Exceptional Student Leadership
Phone: 303-866-6779
Email: patrick_k@cde.state.co.us
Important Due Date
Application for Alternative Education Campus Designation Due June 5
Attn: Superintendents and BOCES Directors
Deputy Commissioner Robert Hammond announces the availability of the Alternative Education Campus application.
Currently, CDE annually produces a School Accountability Report (SAR) for each school within your district. Pursuant to state law, each SAR contains an overall academic performance rating and an overall academic improvement rating.
However, state law recognizes that these accountability ratings may be more meaningful for some schools than others. To that end, the law allows certain schools to replace their SAR ratings with other, more appropriate accountability measures.
Specifically, Section 22-7-604.5, CRS, allows the State Board of Education to designate a school as an Alternative Education Campus (AEC) that is exempt from receiving ratings on its SAR. A copy of this section of statute and a copy of corresponding state board rules (1 CCR 301-57) are available at the link listed below.
If after reviewing this material you believe that one of your schools qualifies for this 2008-2009 designation, complete the application at the link listed below, including the proposal for alternative accountability measures as appropriate.
However, the Accountability Alignment Bill, SB 09-163 (awaiting the Governor’s signature) will change the current format of the SAR and the use of the AEC designation. The current procedure for the AEC designation (by application) will remain the same until the new state board rules are determined and active.
Applications are due to Annette Severson in Room 508 at CDE by Friday, June 5, 2009. CDE staff will review these applications and make recommendations to the state board for action at its August 2009 meeting.
Please note that this process applies to all schools wishing to receive AEC status. Previously designated AEC schools must fill out the application as well to ensure continued AEC qualification and designation under the statute.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Annette Severson
Data Services
Phone: 303-359-5674
Email: severson_a@cde.state.co.us
Reminder
Education Data eXchange Council: May 7 Meeting
Attn: Chief Information Officers, District Technology Leaders, System Architects and Data Experts
The agenda for the May 7 meeting has been posted to the Google group listed below.
The meeting is scheduled for 1–3 p.m. Thursday, May 7 in the state board room at CDE.
Call-in instructions have been posted to the Google groups as well.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Lisa Bradley, PMP
IMS
Phone: 303-866-4902
Email: bradley_l@cde.state.co.us
To Do
Local School Perspective Input Requested by School Safety Resource Center
Attn: School Administrators, School Safety and Student Support Personnel
The Colorado School Safety Resource Center (CSSRC) is requesting your input to better meet the school safety needs of Colorado schools and communities.
To give your input to the CSSRC, please go to the CSSRC Web site at the link listed below and complete the short survey.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Janelle Krueger, CDE, on behalf of Linda Kanan
Colorado School Safety Resource Center, Colorado Department of Public Safety
Phone: 303-239-4391
Email: Linda.Kanan@cdps.state.co.us
Update
Intensive Mathematics Planning Workshop: Registration Deadline Extended to June 1
Attn: Superintendents, Middle and High School Principals, District Curriculum Directors/Coordinators, TOSAs, Coaches and Mathematics Teachers
CDE's Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the second cohort of the Intensive Math Planning Workshop (July 27―31), a mathematics workshop designed for teams of secondary teachers and leaders from schools and districts.
The registration deadline has been extended to Monday, June 1.
The training is based on what research shows successful schools and teachers do to improve mathematics instruction for their students.
Phase I of the workshop is an intensive five-day training focused on teams of teachers of secondary mathematics (grades 6-12).
Phase II is a follow-up effectiveness survey 6-8 months after the initial training to determine the extent of changes made and assess any additional support/information needed.
Phase III consists of three one-day follow-up training sessions designed from the feedback received during Phase II, plus research and information on special ed (exceptional students), English-language learners, ethnic students, Response to Intervention (RtI), differentiation and gifted and talented students.
The Phase I workshop will be held Monday, July 27―Friday, July 31 at Adams State College, Alamosa, Colo. The cost is $175. Adams State credit is available for an additional cost.
Dates and fees have not yet been determined for Phase III training.
Please note: Additional costs such as per diem, hotel, travel and stipends are the responsibility of the district. For more information and to access the enrollment application, click on the link listed below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Melissa Colsman
Teaching and Learning, Achievement Gap and Academic Support
Phone: 303-866-6737
Email: colsman_m@cde.state.co.us
Urgent
CELAplace Enrollments
Attn: DACs
Enrollments for the 2009-2010 CELA Placement Test (CELAplace) is scheduled to take place May 11–15, 2009.
During the enrollment window, districts participating in CELAplace will need to complete the test materials order form with counts by grade and/or grade span for district only. CELAplace test materials will be sent in bulk to the district based on these enrollments.
Every district is required to participate in CELAplace Enrollments. If you need zero (0) CELAplace testbooks, please enter zero (0) in the appropriate fields for each grade or grade level on the CELAplace test materials order form.
Please note that you are submitting an estimate of the projected enrollment of students who will take the CELAplace test in grades K-12 for the 2009-2010 school year (for standard and Large Print test books). Please take into consideration your existing inventory before making your projected enrollments.
Your projected enrollment counts will provide CTB a baseline estimate for the quantity of standard and large print test books that will be printed and sent to all districts July 6–10, 2009. If your district will be closed during that time, you will be given the option to choose a different delivery timeframe on the enrollment form.
The following instructions will be available:
CELAplace tests will arrive in districts beginning July 6–10, 2009. We understand that some delivery sites will be closed on this date. Please tell us which date works best for you. Choose your preferred delivery date from the drop-down menu:
• July 6–10, 2009
• July 13–17, 2009
• July 20–24, 2009
• July 27–31, 2009
The CELAplace test materials order form will be available on CELA Navigator beginning Monday, May 11, 2009.
More details on how to access the CELAplace test materials order form will be provided to you next week. The user guide also will be available next week.
For More Information, Contact:
Jim McIntosh
Student Assessment
Phone: 303-866-6979
Email: mcintosh_j@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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