Announcement
Content Specialist Online Office Hours
Attn: Superintendents, Curriculum Directors
Online office hours by the CDE content specialists will resume again this year starting with a focus on standards implementation. Dates and topics for this semester’s office hours are:
Wednesday, Oct. 20: Update on standards implementation
Thursday, Oct. 28: Common core update
Wednesday, Nov. 17: Tools and activities to support 21st Century skills and the Colorado Academic Standards
Tuesday, Nov. 30: Intentional design to support standards implementation through mission, vision, and core values.
Thursday, Dec. 9: Intentional Design: Goals, strategies, and next steps for standards implementation.
To see view any of previous online office hours, please go to the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Barry Cartwright
Content Specialists
Phone: 303-866-6187
Email: cartwrightruns@gmail.com
Release of District Unified Improvement Plan Template and Supporting Resources
Attn: Superintendents, District Assessment Coordinators, Principals
CDE has recently posted some important resources related to the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) process to the SchoolView Learning Center at http://www.schoolview.org/UnifiedImprovementPlanning.asp.
These resources include (1) the final Unified Improvement Plan template for districts, (2) the final Unified Improvement Plan template for schools, (3) School Level Quality Criteria for the UIP, and (4) school level examples of the UIP (elementary and secondary levels). Similar resources for the district UIP are being created and will be available at a later date.
The department is also scheduling regional support sessions on Unified Improvement Planning for targeted districts and schools and will announce dates and locations next week. In the meantime, please let us know if we can provide any assistance.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Somoh Supharukchinda
Office of Performance and Policy
Phone: 303-866-6778
Email: supharukchinda_s@cde.state.co.us
Recognition and Grants for Healthy Schools
Attn: Principals, PE teachers, health education teachers, food service staff, school nurses, counselors, school health teams
The Colorado Department of Education, through funding from The Colorado Health Foundation, has launched a "Healthy School Champion" Score Card in order to identify and recognize healthy schools across Colorado. The online assessment can be found at the link below.
If your school logs on and gets a score by Wednesday, Oct. 6, you will be eligible for a $5,000 or $1,000 grant. The healthiest schools will be recognized at the second annual Healthy Schools Summit and Recognition Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 9 in Denver.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Karen Connell
Health and Wellness
Phone: 303 866 6903
Email: connell_k@cde.state.co.us
Event
18-21 Coordinators Roundtable
Attn: Special Education Directors, Transition Team Leaders
ESLU's Secondary Transition Services Team is providing three roundtables across the state to accommodate attendees. The roundtables are intended for educators/administrators who have direct responsibility for the design and implementation of transition services for students with disabilities, ages 18-21. The designated administrator responsible for the program and the lead teacher are encouraged to attend together. Meeting dates are: Metro Denver, Oct. 27;, Western Slope, Oct. 18; Southern Region, Oct. 29. Follow the link below for more details.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Wendy Ulibarri
ESLU
Phone: 303-866-6799
Email: ulibarri_w@cde.state.co.us
Specific Learning Disabilities: Body of Evidence Related to SLD Criteria in Areas of Literacy and Math
Attn: Special Education Administrators, Special Education Team Leaders
This workshop will focus on the two key criteria in the identification of specific learning disabilities: academic skill deficit & insufficient progress in response to scientific, research-based intervention; the six areas of SLD: basic reading skills, reading fluency, reading comprehension, written expression, math calculation and math problem-solving; assessment/evaluation in each of these six areas: screening/benchmarking, progress monitoring, diagnostic/prescriptive assessment; and body of evidence: what might the BOE consist of in each of these areas of SLD?
Check-in at each location starts at 8:30 a.m. (coffee/tea only) and the workshop runs from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (lunch provided).
Locations/Dates:
Avon: Friday, Oct. 29
Durango: Tuesday, Nov. 16
Greeley: Thursday, Dec. 2
Thornton: Thursday, Dec. 16
Pueblo: Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
Below is the link to the Specific Learning Disability (CDE) Web page. The workshop flyer and registration information is available under “Professional Development Opportunities.”
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Melissa Chaffin
Exceptional Student Leadership
Phone: 303-866-6819
Email: chaffin_m@cde.state.co.us
Accountability Work Session for AECs on Thursday, Sept. 30
Attn: Superintendents, Principals of Alternative Education Campuses
CDE will host a work session for superintendents (or their designee) and principals of Alternative Education Campuses on Thursday, Sept. 30. The meeting will be from 10 a.m. - noon in the CDE State Board Room at 201 E. Colfax, Denver, 80203.
CDE will present findings from its review of the submissions of accountability measure for AECs. An initial review found high variability in the measures, metrics and cut-points selected across districts. The department is currently analyzing state data to better calibrate appropriate cut-points. Since this delays the department's approval of AEC measures, we are re-examining the Oct. 15 deadline for districts to submit 2009-10 AEC results.
We encourage district leaders with AECs and AEC leaders to attend. We value our partnership with districts and schools in this effort and invite you to contact us prior to this meeting if you wish to discuss this in advance. If you cannot attend, we will schedule a subsequent webinar yet to be announced.
The deadline was Sept. 1 for districts to submit their selection of accountability measures. If you have not submitted this for your AECs, please send your forms ASAP to Margo Allen, executive assistant, at allen_m@cde.state.co.us. The form is available online at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Somoh Supharukchinda
Office of Performance and Policy
Phone: 303-866-6778
Email: supharukchinda_s@cde.state.co.us
IEP Planning Process Using Transition Assessment Workshop
Attn: Special Education Directors, Transition Team Leaders
ESLU's Secondary Transition Services Team will conduct workshops focused on writing goal-directed IEPs, viewing assessment data through a "transition lens," completing gap analyses based on postsecondary goals and current academic performance and hands-on practice with the transition planning process. Five locations across the state have been selected to accommodate attendees. Dates are Nov. 4 (North Metro Denver), Nov. 10 (South Metro Denver), Nov. 11 (Southern Region), Nov. 16 (East Metro Denver) and Nov. 18 (Western Slope). Please visit the link below for details.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Wendy Ulibarri
ESLU
Phone: 303-866-6799
Email: ulibarri_w@cde.state.co.us
The FUNdamentals of School Success: “You Can Move to Improve”
Attn: Principals, Superintendents
You can “move to improve” math scores, social behavior skills, physical activity, health status and time on task, through music and meaningful movement, all while having FUN.
This session will feature:
1. A chance to laugh, learn and share,
2. Programs & activities that work for children’s
health & physical activity,
3. Information about movement and brain
development.
4. “You can do it”…individual roles in
implementing effective before/after school
programs, extended learning hours & options
5. Questions, answers, feedback and the FUN
Factor.
This session will be presented by Dr. Joanne Owens-Nauslar and it is FREE to everyone including principals, classroom teachers and
paraprofessionals on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Embassy Suites –Loveland, River Birch A and B, in Loveland.
Sponsored by: Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
For More Information, Contact:
Terry Jones
Phone: 303-866-6835
Email: jones_t@cde.state.co.us
Federal Programs
Office of Federal Program Administration Symposium Registration
Attn: Federal Programs Contacts
The Office of Federal Program Administration, in collaboration with other CDE offices, will host an Effective Practices Symposium on Friday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Adams Twelve Training Center in Thornton. The symposium will allow educators to share practices that have been effective in assisting districts and schools to meet their goals, especially in the area of student achievement.
Information on the presentations and presenters can be found on the Title I Web site at www.cde.state.co.us/FedPrograms/NCLB/index.asp.
Online registration can be found at the link below. Registration is encouraged so breakfast and lunch counts are accurate.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Judy Huddleston
Phone: 720-939-8848
Email: huddleston_j@cde.state.co.us
Staff Reporting and Licensure Training
Attn: Superintendents, Title I Directors, Title II Directors, Human Resource Contacts
CDE invites representatives from your district to a joint training opportunity on federal and state staffing requirements and reporting.
The four half-day training sessions are available in Thornton, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Greeley. The day will begin with information regarding licensure data and an overview of the NCLB highly qualified teacher and Title I paraprofessional requirements. After a short break, an overview of the data collection changes for the regular education HR will take place along with additional information regarding the HQ process. During this time, there will be opportunities to discuss the new technology proficiency reporting requirements and teacher/principal evaluation reporting.
Who should attend: People responsible for, or assisting in, the (1) the regular HR collection data submission, (2) the data for NCLB highly qualified status for teachers and Title I paraprofessionals, and/or (3) the licensure information for certified employees.
Online registration is available at the link below.
You may contact the following people for more information:
Cheryl Miller at miller_c@cde.state.co.us
Annette Severson at severson_a@cde.state.co.us
Christine Hill at hill_c@cde.state.co.us
Theresa Marin at marin_t@cde.state.co.us
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Cheryl Miller
Phone: (303) 866-6214
Email: miller_c@cde.state.co.us
AMAO Release and Webinars
Attn: Title III Directors, District Assessment Coordinators
Results for the 2009-2010 Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives were e-mailed to Title III Directors on Monday, Sept. 13. Student level data is now available in CEDAR. Requests to review AMAO 1 or AMAO 2 determinations are due to CDE by Friday, Sept. 24.
All the materials from the webinar and guidance on the appeals process are posted on our Web site at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Alyssa Pearson
Office of Federal Program Administration
Phone: 303-866-6855
Email: pearson_a@cde.state.co.us
Title IA Improvement Status Notifications
Attn: Superintendents, Federal Program Contacts, Title I Directors, AYP ADE Respondents
Title IA Program Improvement Status notifications were e-mailed to districts Title IA contacts on Friday, Sept. 17. Districts are identified for Program Improvement if AYP targets are missed in the same content area (reading or math) and level (elementary, middle or high) for two consecutive years. If your district's Title I contact did not receive an e-mail and you believe your district is on Title IA Program Improvement, please e-mail Alyssa Pearson.
Title IA School Improvement notifications will be e-mailed to Title IA contacts later this week. Schools that receive Title IA funds and do not make AYP targets in the same content area for two consecutive years are identified for School Improvement.
Once all of this information has been reviewed by districts, it will be released publicly at the beginning of October.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Alyssa Pearson
Office of Federal Program Administration
Phone: 303-866-6855
Email: pearson_a@cde.state.co.us
Office of Federal Program Administration Web site
Attn: Federal Program Contacts
Our Web site has a new look! If you have visited the OFPA Web site recently, you have probably noticed that we have redesigned our pages. Some URLs have changed, including our homepage, so you may need to update your bookmarks.
Please take a look at our new site and let us know what you think!
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Mariah Aldinger
Office of Federal Program Administration
Phone: 303-866-6250
Email: aldinger_m@cde.state.co.us
FY 2008-09 NCLB Funds Availability
Attn: Federal Program Contacts, Consolidated Application Coordinators, Business Managers
Reminder: The last day to spend fiscal year 2008-2009 NCLB funds is Thursday, Sept. 30. All requests must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 15. Many districts still have 08-09 funds remaining. Distribution reports, showing the remaining funds for each district by program, are available online at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdefisgrant/Grant_Distribution_Reports.htm.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Debbie Wolfe
Phone: 303-866-6724
Email: wolfe_d@cde.state.co.us
FYI
Upcoming Blackboard Training on the Appropriate Pre-Referral and Identification of Students Who are Culturally and/or Linguistically Diverse
Attn: Special Ed Directors
This blackboard training module will address basic issues to consider in distinguishing between a language difference and an educational disability. This module includes a brief introduction to working with English language learners, second language acquisition and sheltered instruction. This course will benefit anyone requiring a basic understanding of these concepts. It is a pre-requisite to the response to intervention framework and the culturally and/or linguistically diverse learner suspected of having disabilities module that will be offered in spring 2011.
The upcoming session is Oct. 25 - 31. Online registration opens on Oct. 4 and closes Oct. 18. (Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis - CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 30.)
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Fran Herbert
ESLU
Phone: 303-866-6604
Email: herbert_f@cde.state.co.us
Reminder
Colorado Department of Higher Education Teacher Quality Grant Opportunity
Attn: Federal Program Contacts
The Colorado Department of Higher Education has released a request for proposals for Improving Teacher Quality Grants. The purpose of the grants are to increase K-12 student academic achievement by improving educator effectiveness and the equitable distribution of effective educators throughout the state. The grants are available to institutes of higher education, in partnership with high-need local education agencies. The RFP is due Friday, Oct. 1 and is available at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Ian Macgillivray, Grant Administrator & Academic Policy Officer for Teacher Education, Colorado Department of Higher Education
Phone: 303-866-2723
Email: ian.macgillivray@dhe.state.co.us
To Do
Advisory Councils
Attn: Special Ed Directors, Special Ed Administrators, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Adapted PE Teachers
The Colorado Department of Education Exceptional Student Leadership Unit is organizing advisory councils for occupational therapists, physical therapists and adapted PE teachers and is seeking recommendations from the directors of special education or exceptional student services in each region.
One representative from each region is preferred. There will be two to four advisory meetings of the advisory councils this year. Each representative will also be the contact person for the development of regional trainings for OTs, PTs, and APE teachers in each region.
Recommendations in the form of an e-mail or letter should be sent to Cindy Millikin.
For More Information, Contact:
Cindy Millikin
Exceptional Student Leadership
Phone: 303-866-6619
Email: millikin_c@cde.state.co.us
Update
Take the Broadband Speed Test!
Attn: Principals, Superintendents, CIOs, IT Directors, Techies
I want to thank everyone for support of our federally-funded broadband mapping project which includes gathering broadband speed information on all 1,763 Colorado public schools. To date, we have speed test data on more than 600 schools or about 33 percent of all schools.
A big thanks to Denver Public Schools, Jeffco, Harrison and Colorado Springs D11 for 100 percent participation. Thanks also to Adams 12 and St. Vrain for near total participation. A big hats off to San Luis Valley and San Juan BOCES for bringing in the numbers! With just a few more big school districts and BOCES reporting 100 percent of their schools we will hit 50 percent in the next week or so. Given the exciting news of the EagleNet $100 million award and the National Broadband Plan (gigabit speeds to every school) this is an exciting time for education technology!
If you haven't already done so, click the link below to submit a report for your school. The test/survey will take no more than two minutes and any one on any school networked computer can take the test/survey.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Frank Ohrtman
Governor's Office of Information Technology
Phone: 303-910-5968
Email: frank.ohrtman@state.co.us
Additional Narrated PowerPoints Added to the Standards Implementation Web site
Attn: Superintendents, Curriculum Directors
Narrated PowerPoint presentations of CDE's pre-session presentations regarding the joint S.B. 09-163 and standards implementation have been added to the CDE Standards Implementation Web site. The presentation (given at the CASE conference in July) is broken into four parts: Introduction to Standards Implementation, 21st Century Skills, Change and Transformation and Tools. You can find the presentations as well as the handouts at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Barry Cartwright
Content Specialists
Phone: 303-866-6187
Email: cartwrightruns@gmail.com
Urgent
Changes Effective Immediately for Vocational Certificates and Licenses
Attn: Superintendents, Principals, Human Resource Directors
Due to recent clarifications of state definitions of a licensed teacher, CDE will no longer be able to renew initial or professional teacher licenses if the issuance of those licenses was based solely on the completion of vocational coursework, the Vocational Alternative Licensure Program or the possession of a Type "C" certificate.
In the past, vocational Type C certificates were issued to those who completed certain vocational coursework and training requirements, and then these were converted to initial teaching licenses upon renewal. Those who had completed the Vocational Alternative Licensure Program (VATLP) received initial or professional teacher licenses upon renewal.
In order for CDE to issue a teacher's license to a vocational teacher, the teacher must now provide proof of completion of an approved teacher licensing program. If the teacher has not completed an approved teacher preparation program, a CTE Authorization will be issued upon renewal, in place of the teaching license.
All districts are encouraged to review this information with their career and technical education teachers.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Christine Hill
OPSEL
Phone: 303-866-6038
Email: hill_c@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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