| "Focal Point" is the Colorado League of Charter Schools' e-newsletter. Each month, it provides charter school news, facts about the League, upcoming events, advocacy information, vendor spotlights, grant opportunities, research and resources, and much more.
If you have suggestions for stories...or ideas on how we can improve YOUR newsletter, please contact Stacy Rivera, Director of Communications at the League. |
| Colorado Gives Day - December 6 |
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Donate to the Colorado League of Charter Schools
On Colorado Gives Day - December 6
Please consider donating to the Colorado League of Charter Schools on Colorado Gives Day. On December 6, visit www.givingfirst.org/league to contribute. Donations enable the League to promote high-quality charter schools in Colorado through new school support, advocacy at the state Capitol and support and professional development for existing charter schools. Great schools equal successful futures for Colorado kids!
The following charter schools are also participating in Colorado Gives Day: DSST, Highline Academy, High Point Academy and KIPP Colorado. For more information, visit www.cogivesday.org. |
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Charter School Legislative Road Shows
December 5-9 | Register Today!
 Join Vinny Badolato, VP of Public Affairs at the Colorado League of Charter Schools for Legislative Road Shows December 5-9, 2011 (click here to view the schedule). These road shows will inform Colorado charter school leaders, board members and other stakeholders about legislation being proposed at the State Capitol in 2012. It's critical for each charter school to have at least one representative at the meeting in their area.
Click here for a list of dates, times and locations.
During the road shows, attendees will hear about:
- New charter school and authorizer standards that are expected to be approved by the State Board of Education in early January. These standards were recommended by the 1412 Committee on Charter and Authorizer Standards and include adoption of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers Quality Principles and Standards as well as new rules which move policy to match industry standard regarding certain aspects of charter school operations.
- Charter school legislation that the League plans to pursue, which would modernize the Colorado Charter Schools Act, in order to incorporate national and Colorado best practices to bring policy up to current practice, as well as develop innovative approaches to align charter school policy with recent statutory reforms.
These road shows are open to charter school leaders and administrators, board members, teachers, parents, students, and anyone else interested in Colorado charter school policy.
Space is limited at some locations so please be sure to register. Refreshments will be provided. For questions, please contact Jason Callegari at jcallegari@coloradoleague.org or 303-989-5356, ext. 119. |
| Scholarships Available - Teacher Expedition to Africa |
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Africa Teachers' Expedition - Scholarship Deadline: Dec. 8
 The Experiential Science Education Research Collaborative (XSci) at the University of Colorado at Denver is awarding 15 teacher scholarships for the Africa Teachers' Expedition in the summer of 2012, including the trek up Kilimanjaro and safari in the Serengeti.
* 9 teachers will receive full travel costs (with additional trip prep funds) and
* 6 teachers will receive 1/2 the travel costs for this life-changing adventure
Additionally, 6 spots are open for non-scholarship supported participants at full price.
Click here for more information and to apply for scholarships. Deadline is December 8. |
| PowerSchool Users Conference |
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PowerSchool Users Conference - January 30-31
Early Bird Rates End Tomorrow!
Join PowerSchool users from all over the state for this one-of-a-kind user group event. Beginning, intermediate and advanced sessions will be offered and will also be configured by the PowerSchool user's role. Day one will focus on specific user roles at the beginner and intermediate levels while day two will offer more advanced sessions.
Dates: January 30-31, 2012
Location: Cherry Creek Achievement Resource Center, 14188 E. Briarwood Avenue, Centennial
Cost: Early Bird (ends December 6): $100 one day | $150 both days.
After December 6: $150 one day | $175 both days.
Click here for more information including a schedule of breakout sessions and lodging information.
For more information, contact Sarah Pearman at spearman@coloradoleague.org or 303-989-5356, ext. 114. |
| 2012 Colorado Charter Schools Conference |
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18th Annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference
"Lead. Innovate. Educate."
February 23-24, 2012 | Omni-Interlocken Resort, Broomfield
The Colorado Charter Schools Conference is the largest annual gathering of charter school leaders, business managers, board members, teachers, parents and community members from new and veteran charter schools across Colorado.
This year's theme "Lead. Innovate. Educate.," will be woven throughout the conference. Participants will learn best practices in all areas of a charter school, from the classroom, to the business office, to the board room, and more.
Click here to register. Questions? Email conference@coloradoleague.org. |
| Subsidies for Performance Management Systems |
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Apply Today!
Performance Management Systems Subsidies
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is now accepting applications for performance management technology subsidies. Partial subsidies are available to charter schools who are members of the League.
Subsidies are intended to be used for the purchase and implementation of performance management systems and tools including student information systems, interim assessments, and data management systems.
The amount of the subsidies for each applicant depends on the number of schools that apply and on the assessed need of each school.
Click here to download the subsidy application and conditions for participation in this program.
Once you have successfully submitted the application you will receive an email with a request to complete three short surveys. The deadline to submit the subsidy application and complete the surveys is March 1, 2012.
For more information, contact Tisha Bouwmeester at tbouwmeester@coloradoleague.org. |
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 Got Questions? Get Answers!
Introducing Charter411
Where can I find charter school best practices? What are the requirements for highly qualified teachers? Where can I find a sample principal evaluation form? What formative assessments are charter schools using?
Charter411 is a new information resource for members of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Charter411 is here to answer your questions about any issues related to running a charter school, including sound practices, legislative changes, sample resources, and much more.
Simply email your charter school-related question to charter411@coloradoleague.org and get a response fast! |
| Colorado Charter Starter Webinars |
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 Colorado Charter Starter Webinars
The Colorado League of Charter Schools announces a free webinar series for new charter school developers. These 90 minute webinars are designed for people who are in the process of developing a charter school application; however, anyone is welcome to attend. Webinar access instructions will be sent at least one week prior to each webinar.
Alignment of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
Date: Thursday, December 15 | Time: 10:00 AM
Information/Registration
Contracting for Business Services
Date: Thursday, January 5 | Time: 10:00 AM
Information/Registration
Employment Issues and Hiring a School Leader
Date: Thursday, January 19 | Time: 10:00 AM
Information/Registration
Click here for a schedule of Charter Starter Webinars through May 2012. Questions? Contact Jennifer Douglas at jdouglas@coloradoleague.org. |
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Vendor Spotlight
Heartland Institute of Financial Education
Financial Management and Investment
The Heartland Institute of Financial Education (HIFE) is a Colorado non-profit organization whose mission is to promote financial literacy. HIFE is dedicated to empowering organizations and their people through financial education taught in the workplace by Certified Financial Educators. All HIFE classes are taught in a non-solicitous manner and can help employers mitigate their fiduciary liabilities and increase productive. In addition, these programs are endorsed by a number of the nation's top educational institutions.
Contact:
Natalie Neaton
7887 E. Belleview Ave.
Suite 300
Englewood, CO 80111
Phone: (303)547-6604
Email: natalien@delphicompanies.com
Website: http://heartlandfinancialeducation.org/ |
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Vendor Spotlight
NAC Architecture
Facilities Design and Construction
A leader in educational design for over three decades, NAC|Architecture brings in-depth knowledge of what's happening in education today. NAC specializes in education at all levels. NAC's focus is on collaboration and listening remains at the core of what they do. Thought-provoking design, an unbeatable reputation for well-cared-for clients, fresh design approaches and successful partnerships make NAC the ideal choice for your educational projects. Schools are not just NAC's business, but their passion.
Contact:
Natalie Dohrn
1645 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303)837-8811
Email: ndohrn@nacarchitecture.com
Website: http://www.nacarchitecture.com |
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Captain Planet Foundation: Grants for the Environment
The Captain Planet Foundation funds hands-on environmental projects to encourage youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities.
Maximum award: $2,500.
Eligibility: U.S.-based schools and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million.
Deadline: January 15, 2012.
Click here for more information.
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Libri Foundation: Books for Children
The Libri Foundation Books for Children Grants donate new, quality, hardcover children's books for small, rural, public libraries across the country.
Maximum award: varies.
Eligibility: Libraries should be in a rural area, have a limited operating budget, and an active children's department. The average total operating budget of a Books for Children grant recipient must be less than $40,000.
Deadline: January 23, 2012. Click here for more information. |
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Charter School Replication in Colorado
Colorado Department of Education
This year, the Colorado Department of Education Schools of Choice Unit solicited a study to examine charter school replication in Colorado. The study provides lawmakers, reformers, school leaders, prospective board members, parents, and the research community with a first-ever examination of charter school replication in the state. Beginning with a review of existing national research, the report provides statistics regarding the location of replication schools, demographic information about the students they serve, and the schools' achievement levels relative to non-replication charter schools. In a separate section of the study, the authors provide a summary of charter school leader and authorizer perspectives regarding the process of replication and its challenges. The study concludes with recommendations for future replication efforts.
Click here to download the report. |
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Start with the Facts: Strengthening Denver Public Schools' Education Pipeline
A+ Denver
Public charter schools are a growing part of America's public education system. Nearly 20 years after the first charter school opened, charter schools provide significant public educational options for parents and students in an increasing number of communities. In the last two years alone, 19 states partially or entirely lifted their arbitrary caps on the number of charter schools, and Maine enacted a law in 2011 to permit charter schools to operate for the first time in its history. All these policy changes create the potential for even greater growth of public charter schools. And the growth in public charter school enrollment presented in this report shows that parent demand for school options continues.
Click here to download the report.
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Community Calendar
Authorizer's Meeting
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Tuesday, December 13
Time: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Edwin E. Harshbarger Educational Service Center, 18551 East 160th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601
Description: Provides charter school authorizer training on the proposed quality standards, the charter application process, contracting, the charter renewal process, monitoring, oversight, charter replication, and charter school restart and turnaround models. Lunch provided.
Regisrtation: Click here to register.
Colorado Charter Starter Webinar
Alignment of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Thursday, December 15
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Description: A well-aligned instructional model, including curriculum, assessment, and standards, is one of the most telling factors in student achievement and school success. Engage in this interactive webinar to gain best practice in ensuring alignment and implementing curriculum and instruction with fidelity. If you have questions, contact Kathy Zlomke at kzlomke@coloradoleague.org or Jennifer Douglas at jdouglas@coloradoleague.org.
Registration: Click here to register.
Board President's Council (Webinar)
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Friday, December 16
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Online
Description: Provides a venue for troubleshooting, networking, technical assistance, and discussion. Recognizing the geographic distribution of charter schools, CDE ensures the opportunity for online participation and webinar formats.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: December 14
Pikes Peak Leader Meeting
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Tuesday, January 3
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $10 Per Person (No cash - No shows will be billed!)
Location: James Irwin Charter School, 5525 Astrozon Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Description: Led by an experienced charter school administrator, these meetings focus on a text that varies from year to year, depending on the interests and needs of the group. Lunch provided. Please bring a personal check, business check or M.O. for registration cost. NO CASH.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: January 1
Colorado Charter Starter Webinar
Contracting for Business Services
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
Date: Thursday, January 5
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Description: Successful school operations plans include systems for contracting with business service providers. Join this webinar to learn about the League's process of evaluating vendors for the Group Purchasing Program and how this process can be modified when you desire to contract for your own school services. Assessing providers objectively and with relevant metrics can enhance financial management practices and results. If you have questions, contact Kathy Zlomke at kzlomke@coloradoleague.org or Jennifer Douglas at jdouglas@coloradoleague.org.
Registration: Click here to register.
Tier II Startup Writers' Training
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Thursday, January 12
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Cost: $20 Per Person (No cash - No shows will be billed!)
Location: Colorado Talking Book Library, 180 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80226
Description: Highly encouraged for all new charter schools that plan to submit a Title V grant application, this training reviews all elements of the Request for Proposal (FRP). Breakfast and lunch provide.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: January 10
Colorado Charter Starter Webinar
Employment Issues and Hiring a School Leader
Hosted by the Colorado League of Charter School
Date: Thursday, January 19
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Description: This webinar will provide an overview of a variety of employment issues including drafting job descriptions, advertising for open positions, interviewing "do's" and "don't's," selecting a candidate, basic review of federal and state employment laws, preventative policies and documents, and discipline and discharge. If you have questions, contact Kathy Zlomke at kzlomke@coloradoleague.org or Jennifer Douglas at jdouglas@coloradoleague.org.
Registration: Click here to register.
Engaging Classroom Assessments
Date: Monday, January 23 - Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool, 6857 South Spruce Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112
Cost: League Members: $300 per person | Non-members: $400 per person. (Grant funds have been used to subsidize the cost of this training, which would normally cost $655/person.)
Audience: School Leaders and Teachers
Description: Use "Power" standards to develop meaningful performance assessments.
The two-day seminar focuses on each participant's effective design, creation, and use of the performance assessments that are the foundation of powerful standards-based instructional and assessment tools. Performance assessments are a powerful teaching and learning tool that make differentiated instruction and assessment possible.
Performance assessments reach all learners including special education, gifted and talented, below grade-level readers, as well as English-language learners. Training contingent upon 15 attendees minimum.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: January 18.
Bully Prevention Institute
Sponsored by The Colorado Department of Education, The Colorado Legacy Foundation, and The Colorado School SafetyResource Center
Date: Wednesday, January 25
Location: Aurora Public Schools Conference Center
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: No cost to attend. Lunch is provided.
Registration: Please go to www.co.train.org. Set up a learner account and register for the Institute location and date using the course ID number: 1028332. You will need Internet Explorer to register through the CO Train System. If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact the Colorado School Safety Resource Center at 303-239-4435. Click here for additional information.
Put Me in, Coach!
Hosted by Quantum Learning
Date: Thursday, January 26 - Friday, January 27
Time: 8:15 AM - 3:45 PM
Location: Pinnacle Charter School, Federal Heights, CO
Cost: $320 per person | $300 per person for groups of five or more
Audience: School leaders, master teachers, content and instructional coaches
Description: Quantum Learning's dynamic Put Me In, Coach! enhances the observation and coaching skills of those in instructional coaching, mentoring and tutoring roles. A synthesis of best science-based coaching practices, this course provides theory models and skills for improving teacher effectiveness and student achievement. Put Me In Coach! combines proven strategies and models from a variety of disciplines. Click here for more information.
Registration: Click here to register.
Business Manager Network Meeting
Hosted by the Colorado Department of Education
Date: Friday, January 27
Time: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $20 Per Person (No cash - No shows will be billed!)
Location: TBD
Description: Charter schools receive the most current and practical, experience-based technical information on topics pertinent to the business management of charter schools. Demonstrated success and best practices are shared openly among participants. CDE assembles an agenda for each meeting based on requests from participants and relevance to the business environment. Breakfast and lunch provided.
Registration: Click here to register. Deadline: January 25.
The Educating Children of Color Summit - "Yes, I Can"
Hosted by Educating Children of Color
Date: Saturday, January 28
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Cost: Free for students, parents | $25 for Professionals
Audience: High School Students, Undergrade under 21 and Professionals
Description: The Educating Children of Color committee is comprised of the Fourth Judicial District, El Paso County Department of Human Services, Harrison School District 2, School District 11, School District 8, Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Pikes Peak Region, Centro de la Familia, Mission Possible, Scholars to Leaders Academy, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado State University Pueblo, Rocky Mountain Learning Enterprises, NAACP, Parent's Challenge, Citizen's Project, and concerned individuals. The summit is sponsored by the Fourth Judicial District Best Practices Court.
Registration: Click here for more information and to register.
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Contact us!
Colorado League of Charter Schools
725 S. Broadway, #7
Denver, CO 80209
303-989-5356
info@coloradoleague.org
www.coloradoleague.org
 
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| Take Action! Join the Colorado Charter Advocacy Network. |
| Join the Charter School Advocacy Network, a project of the League, to receive news, legislative updates and ALERTS about political issues impacting your charter school.
Easily send emails to state legislators weighing in on important matters affecting your child's school!
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